Just so everyone knows (and I know this is last minute) we are going to take a look at the Book of Daniel at Bible Study tomorrow night. This is sort of a departure from what we've been covering lately, so I'm hoping everyone enjoys it. It's been such a long time since I last read Daniel, but it's such a fantastic book with lots of valuable lessons for today's Christian community. So, see you all tomorrow night at Bob and Paulette's.
God is love,
Will
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Port a Pit
http://www.nelsonsbbq.com/index.php
Nelson's Port a Pit Chicken is supposed to be amazingly delicious. They do catering and fundraisers. Looks Good!
Nelson's Port a Pit Chicken is supposed to be amazingly delicious. They do catering and fundraisers. Looks Good!
Yeah!
Thank you Kelly for informing me of this and inviting me to contribute. Hello to all my Friends at Hinkle Creek.
Edward Swaim
Edward Swaim
Check this out!
This is a good place to find really cool stuff. Hard to find old timey, country stuff.
http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/Shop
http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/Shop
Baked French Toast Casserole with Maple Syrup
My niece made this and it is delicious. It is a Paula Deen recipe.
* 1 loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces)
* 8 large eggs
* 2 cups half-and-half
* 1 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Dash salt
* Praline Topping, recipe follows
* Maple syrup
Directions
Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch each. (Use any extra bread for garlic toast or bread crumbs). Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread Praline Topping evenly over the bread and bake for 40 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup.
Praline Topping:
* 1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 cup chopped pecans
* 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. Makes enough for Baked French Toast Casserole.
* 1 loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces)
* 8 large eggs
* 2 cups half-and-half
* 1 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Dash salt
* Praline Topping, recipe follows
* Maple syrup
Directions
Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch each. (Use any extra bread for garlic toast or bread crumbs). Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread Praline Topping evenly over the bread and bake for 40 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup.
Praline Topping:
* 1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 cup chopped pecans
* 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. Makes enough for Baked French Toast Casserole.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thanks Kelly!
Thanks for keeping this blog updated and posted. When you were away, it seems like the rest of us just didn't keep it up. I appreciate everything that everyone posts on here. What many of you don't know, is that several people look at this everyday even though they never post anything. So, it is a wonderful tool of communication and a great asset to our Church family! FYI - the website is still under construction, but Justin tells me he is working on it. He has a few bugs to work out and is working with John Chambers to get those resolved. So, hopefully, it will be up and running sometime this summer.
Keep posting everyone! It really is being enjoyed!
Keep posting everyone! It really is being enjoyed!
Beginners Camp
Mike and Conner had a great time at Quaker Haven Camp. They made a lot of new friends and played a lot of kickball. Mike took his guitar too. Conner is anxious to go back next summer. Mike said they keep you very busy. And on Sunday mornings the pontoon boats come to shore and listen to the sermon on a loud speaker. Mike said he ate a lot and the food was gooood. Thank you Bob and Paulette for your encouragement and support on getting everyone to camp this summer. And to whomever gave money to the church to cover the cost of camp for all the kids I thank you and God bless you!
Happy Monday
I missed being at church on Sunday and I kept looking at the clock and imagining what everyone was doing at different times. I was at my sister's cabin in the country. I took my cup of coffee and walked out to the dock and sat by the waters edge. I wanted some time alone with God. Which is what Michaela told me they did at camp. (TAG) It was a beautiful morning and the sun was sparkling on top of the water. I had a hard time getting myself to quiet down but just witnessing the beauty of nature was healing and knowing that God was in all of it was reassuring. There was another woman on another dock off to my left and she seemed to be doing the same thing I was doing. Seeing her out there encouraged me. So, there we were gazing out upon the water. Sitting alone but together somehow.
Psalm 37:7
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Hebrews 4:9-11
There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest.
Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Hebrews 4:9-11
There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest.
Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
God Heals Life's Hurts
God is our healer. He delights in healing us spiritually, emotionally and physically. The pain of past hurts can rule our lives. It simmers, it stifles and sometimes it shuts us down completely. Understanding scriptural principles brings comfort and hope, but it does not necessarily bring healing. Forgiveness releases us from bitterness and from the bondage of negative ties to others, but it does not necessarily heal hurts. Jesus heals hurts. In a sense, His healing is a divine exchange, in which, we offer to Him our hurt and He offers to us His healing.
"He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds."
Psalm 147:3
www.familiesfortoday.com
"He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds."
Psalm 147:3
www.familiesfortoday.com
HAIRCUT
A young boy had just received his driver's permit and asked his father if they could discuss his use of the car. His father said he'd make a deal with his son. 'You bring your grades up from a C to a B Average, study your Bible a little, get your hair cut and we'll talk about the car.'
The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he'd settle for the offer and they agreed on it. After about six weeks his father said, 'Son, I've been real proud. You brought your grades up and I've observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I'm real disappointed you didn't get your hair cut.'
The young man paused a moment then said, 'You know, Dad, I've been thinking about that, and I've noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair and there's even a strong argument that Jesus had long hair.'
To this his father replied, 'Did you also notice that they all walked everywhere they went?'
The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he'd settle for the offer and they agreed on it. After about six weeks his father said, 'Son, I've been real proud. You brought your grades up and I've observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I'm real disappointed you didn't get your hair cut.'
The young man paused a moment then said, 'You know, Dad, I've been thinking about that, and I've noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair and there's even a strong argument that Jesus had long hair.'
To this his father replied, 'Did you also notice that they all walked everywhere they went?'
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Question
Did anyone see a guy running on the road to and from the Martz's house?
All we know is that he was driving a blue truck. He parked just down the road from us and started running toward our house.
(This all happened around the first of last week)
All we know is that he was driving a blue truck. He parked just down the road from us and started running toward our house.
(This all happened around the first of last week)
Titus 2 (New International Version)
What Must Be Taught to Various Groups
1You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. 2Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
3Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
6Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
9Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
15These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
1You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. 2Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
3Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
6Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
9Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
15These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Book of Titus
Author: Titus 1:1 identifies the apostle Paul as the author of the book of Titus.
Date of Writing: The epistle to Titus was written in approximately 66 A.D. Paul’s many journeys are well documented and show that he wrote to Titus from Nicopolis in Epirus. In some Bibles a subscription to the epistle may show that Paul wrote from Nicopolis in Macedonia. However, there is no such place known and subscriptions have no authority as they are not authentic.
Purpose of Writing: The epistle to Titus is known as one of the Pastoral Epistles as are the two letters to Timothy. This epistle was written by the apostle Paul to encourage his brother in the faith, Titus, whom he had left in Crete to lead the church which Paul had established on one of his missionary journeys (Titus 1:5). This letter advises Titus regarding what qualifications to look for in leaders for the church. He also warns Titus of the reputations of those living on the island of Crete (Titus 1:12).
In addition to instructing Titus in what to look for in a leader of the church, Paul also encouraged Titus to return to Nicopolis for a visit. In other words, Paul continued to disciple Titus and others as they grew in the grace of the Lord (Titus 3:13).
Key Verses: Titus 1:5, “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you."
Titus 1:16, “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good."
Titus 2:15, “These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you."
Titus 3:3-6, “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.”
Brief Summary: How wonderful it must have been when Titus received a letter from his mentor, the apostle Paul. Paul was a much honored man, and rightly so, after establishing several churches throughout the eastern world. This famous introduction from the apostle would have been read by Titus, “To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior” (Titus 1:4).
The island of Crete where Titus was left by Paul to lead the church was inhabited by natives of the island and Jews who did not know the truth of Jesus Christ (Titus 1:12-14). Paul felt it to be his responsibility to follow through with Titus to instruct and encourage him in developing leaders within the church at Crete. As the apostle Paul directed Titus in his search for leaders, Paul also suggested how Titus would instruct the leaders so that they could grow in their faith in Christ. His instructions included those for both men and women of all ages (Titus 2:1-8).
To help Titus continue in his faith in Christ, Paul suggested Titus come to Nicopolis and bring with him two other members of the church (Titus 3:12-13).
Connections: Once again, Paul finds it necessary to instruct the leaders of the church to be on guard against the Judaizers, those who sought to add works to the gift of grace which produces salvation. He warns against those who are rebellious deceivers, especially those who continued to claim circumcision and adherence to the rituals and ceremonies of the Mosaic Law were still necessary (Titus 1:10-11). This is a recurring theme throughout the epistles of Paul and in the book of Titus, he goes so far as to say their mouths must be stopped.
Practical Application: The apostle Paul deserves our attention as we look to the Bible for instruction on how to live a life pleasing to our Lord. We can learn what we should avoid as well as that which we are to strive to imitate. Paul suggests we seek to be pure as we avoid the things which will defile our minds and consciences. And then Paul makes a statement which should never be forgotten: “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good” (Titus 1:16). As Christians, we must examine ourselves to be sure our lives line up with our profession of faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 13:5).
Along with this warning, Paul also tells us how to avoid denying God: “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:5b-6). By seeking a daily renewal of our minds by the Holy Spirit we can develop into Christians that honor God by the way we live.
Date of Writing: The epistle to Titus was written in approximately 66 A.D. Paul’s many journeys are well documented and show that he wrote to Titus from Nicopolis in Epirus. In some Bibles a subscription to the epistle may show that Paul wrote from Nicopolis in Macedonia. However, there is no such place known and subscriptions have no authority as they are not authentic.
Purpose of Writing: The epistle to Titus is known as one of the Pastoral Epistles as are the two letters to Timothy. This epistle was written by the apostle Paul to encourage his brother in the faith, Titus, whom he had left in Crete to lead the church which Paul had established on one of his missionary journeys (Titus 1:5). This letter advises Titus regarding what qualifications to look for in leaders for the church. He also warns Titus of the reputations of those living on the island of Crete (Titus 1:12).
In addition to instructing Titus in what to look for in a leader of the church, Paul also encouraged Titus to return to Nicopolis for a visit. In other words, Paul continued to disciple Titus and others as they grew in the grace of the Lord (Titus 3:13).
Key Verses: Titus 1:5, “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you."
Titus 1:16, “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good."
Titus 2:15, “These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you."
Titus 3:3-6, “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.”
Brief Summary: How wonderful it must have been when Titus received a letter from his mentor, the apostle Paul. Paul was a much honored man, and rightly so, after establishing several churches throughout the eastern world. This famous introduction from the apostle would have been read by Titus, “To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior” (Titus 1:4).
The island of Crete where Titus was left by Paul to lead the church was inhabited by natives of the island and Jews who did not know the truth of Jesus Christ (Titus 1:12-14). Paul felt it to be his responsibility to follow through with Titus to instruct and encourage him in developing leaders within the church at Crete. As the apostle Paul directed Titus in his search for leaders, Paul also suggested how Titus would instruct the leaders so that they could grow in their faith in Christ. His instructions included those for both men and women of all ages (Titus 2:1-8).
To help Titus continue in his faith in Christ, Paul suggested Titus come to Nicopolis and bring with him two other members of the church (Titus 3:12-13).
Connections: Once again, Paul finds it necessary to instruct the leaders of the church to be on guard against the Judaizers, those who sought to add works to the gift of grace which produces salvation. He warns against those who are rebellious deceivers, especially those who continued to claim circumcision and adherence to the rituals and ceremonies of the Mosaic Law were still necessary (Titus 1:10-11). This is a recurring theme throughout the epistles of Paul and in the book of Titus, he goes so far as to say their mouths must be stopped.
Practical Application: The apostle Paul deserves our attention as we look to the Bible for instruction on how to live a life pleasing to our Lord. We can learn what we should avoid as well as that which we are to strive to imitate. Paul suggests we seek to be pure as we avoid the things which will defile our minds and consciences. And then Paul makes a statement which should never be forgotten: “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good” (Titus 1:16). As Christians, we must examine ourselves to be sure our lives line up with our profession of faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 13:5).
Along with this warning, Paul also tells us how to avoid denying God: “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:5b-6). By seeking a daily renewal of our minds by the Holy Spirit we can develop into Christians that honor God by the way we live.
Last evening
What a wonderful time of fellowship, food, sharing, and really good Bible Study. It felt so good to be back and be a part of this. I enjoyed Will's choice of Ephesians and the study questions were thought provoking and really good. It made me feel like our Church is on the right track in every aspect. I think Tim especially honed in on Ephesians 5:22 for some reason - a verse he will never forget. LOL! Look it up! Not to pop his bubble, but it doesn't mean literally what it says. Now you're curious aren't you?
I also enjoyed hearing from our "campers" and their experiences. I'm going to allow some of them to share this Sunday - you will be blessed. Then later, the rest will share. Conner goes this weekend and I'm looking forward to hearing from him.
We will host the Bible Study next week at our home. Sure hope you all can come!
I also enjoyed hearing from our "campers" and their experiences. I'm going to allow some of them to share this Sunday - you will be blessed. Then later, the rest will share. Conner goes this weekend and I'm looking forward to hearing from him.
We will host the Bible Study next week at our home. Sure hope you all can come!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tamar
http://www.towsonpres.org/sermons/2006-07-09.Genesis.38.1-30.pdf
A sermon about Tamar. It's not too long. It's interesting. I didn't even know who she was until yesterday.
A sermon about Tamar. It's not too long. It's interesting. I didn't even know who she was until yesterday.
I have a question...
Who can I trust?
Who are some Christian authors and Pastors that are careful about following the Bible and speak the truth? I see that some of these people(on TV or in the internet) are making claims that they are having visions that are not in accord with the Bible or they say that you must do this or that to be saved. My head is spinning. Does anyone know of a source that is safe? The obvious answer is the Bible isn't it? I think I just answered my own question. I just want to be so careful to not be deceived. Well, if anyone has a source that they trust, just let me know. Again, the Bible seems to be the obvious answer. So the question remains, Why am I still searching? It seems like Beth Moore may be an example of someone who is a truth sayer. Joyce Meyer seems pretty good. What about Joel Orsteen and Rick Warren, they seem to be alright. I read a Case for Christ and I liked it pretty well. I have a fear of being gullible and being swept up in something false But, I don't want to become isolated out of fear. If there are some good people out there doing the Lords work I want to support them. There are some that are pretty obviously way out in left field and then some that walk the line and it's harder to tell. Maybe the names I mentioned are not good sources of truth, I don't know. That's why I'm asking. Who do you trust? I trust Bob because I know him and I know He's doesn't just make things up. I trust Jesus and the Bible. I guess I just need to trust my instincts.
Who are some Christian authors and Pastors that are careful about following the Bible and speak the truth? I see that some of these people(on TV or in the internet) are making claims that they are having visions that are not in accord with the Bible or they say that you must do this or that to be saved. My head is spinning. Does anyone know of a source that is safe? The obvious answer is the Bible isn't it? I think I just answered my own question. I just want to be so careful to not be deceived. Well, if anyone has a source that they trust, just let me know. Again, the Bible seems to be the obvious answer. So the question remains, Why am I still searching? It seems like Beth Moore may be an example of someone who is a truth sayer. Joyce Meyer seems pretty good. What about Joel Orsteen and Rick Warren, they seem to be alright. I read a Case for Christ and I liked it pretty well. I have a fear of being gullible and being swept up in something false But, I don't want to become isolated out of fear. If there are some good people out there doing the Lords work I want to support them. There are some that are pretty obviously way out in left field and then some that walk the line and it's harder to tell. Maybe the names I mentioned are not good sources of truth, I don't know. That's why I'm asking. Who do you trust? I trust Bob because I know him and I know He's doesn't just make things up. I trust Jesus and the Bible. I guess I just need to trust my instincts.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Your Invited! Come see what all the excitement is about!
What do you call a group of people that are excited about getting together every Wednesday night to Study the Bible, fellowship and eat food?
Bible Study Group:
Wednesday June 2th at 6:30
Place:
5932 Doverton Drive
Noblesville, IN 46060
If you need directions:
317-804-5650
Tim & Heather Browning
Food: Mexican
Find Link Below
http://www.theindychannel.com/news/19770459/detail.html
This is the news article and video related to the post below.
This is the news article and video related to the post below.
Please Pray
Please say a prayer for Doug and Kenny and their families. They are the two men who were injured last week while replacing the gutters at Riverwalk. The gutter came into contact with an electrical wire and they were both electrocuted. Kenny is Doug's son in Law is is doing better and may get to go home tomorrow although recovery at home may take several months. They are both at Methodist. Doug is in ICU at this time and his injuries are much more extensive. It sounds like a miracle that they have survived at all.
Fathers Day Bulletin
I want to mention how much I loved the bulletin on Father's day. I didn't get a chance to sit down and read it until last night. Mike and I were sitting together at the kitchen table. We cried, laughed and cried again a couple of times. Just like Will's message on Sunday, the honesty and the tenderness in those entries was so refreshing and very much appreciated. That was a great idea to include those. It's Tuesday and I am still thinking about how much Dad's do for their families and how good it felt to recognize all of them for all they do every day.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Last Reminder - July Newsletter Submissions
If you have any interest to submit an article, event, etc please submit to the hinklecreeknewsletter@ymail.com by Friday June 26th.
Blessed Assurance
1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
2. Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
3. Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
I've been humming this song all morning. It's so pretty. I love the assurance I receive when I pray, don't you?
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
2. Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
3. Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
I've been humming this song all morning. It's so pretty. I love the assurance I receive when I pray, don't you?
Fathers Day
Church on Sunday was great. Everyone worked together to make it a beautiful day. And we had such a nice turn out! Will, I keep thinking about what a wonderful job you did. Thank you everyone!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Quaker Haven
The kids come back from camp today! Maybe they can blog about it. That would be great. I can't wait to hear all about it.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
To Do List From God
I ran my life in search of worldly things;
My time and will were firmly in control.
I thought I had no need for what God brings;
I gave no heed to murmurs from my soul.
“You’re planning, doing all the time,” it said,
“But something else is missing deep inside.
Your mind is whirling, but your heart is dead,
So turn to God and let go of your pride.”
I did, and God said, “Here’s My plan for you:
Give your life to Me, and just let go.
Have faith and pray, and read the Bible through,
And you’ll have blessings more than you can know.”
So simple, yet it brings me perfect peace,
Living life for God the way I should.
Direction, purpose, fullness and release—
Life with God is very, very good.
By Joanna Fuchs
_________________________________________________
Help Me Forgive
When rage and fury overwhelm my heart,
It’s time to look to God’s own Holy Word.
I search the Bible for His good advice;
My will to His commands must be deferred.
In Romans God reveals His love for me;
In all things God works only for my good;
He gives me blessings I can’t understand;
I’d be peaceful if I’d do the things I should.
Jesus forgave so much; why then can’t I?
I want to mold my life after His own.
I pray, I try, but my sinful nature wins;
Lord, help me, I can’t do this thing alone.
In Colossians, I read about the peace of Christ;
Oh, how I long to feel it in my heart.
All I have to do is to forgive,
But Lord, it seems I don’t know where to start.
I need to walk a mile in the other’s shoes;
They’re doing what they think they have to do.
I know some problems are blessings in disguise,
But Lord, sometimes I feel so doggone blue.
Ephesians says "forgive as the Lord forgave you;
Get rid of anger and every form of malice."
I’d love to just let go and release it all,
But upon my heart is a wound that’s become a callus.
I’ll keep praying, trying, Lord, no matter what;
I’m determined to let go and relinquish blame;
Some day, I’ll say, and be truly sincere:
"I forgive it all in Jesus’ precious name."
(Romans 8:28, Colossians 3:13, Ephesians 4:31)
By Joanna Fuchs
Christ Liveth in Me
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Once far from God and dead in sin,
No light my heart could see;
But in God’s Word the light I found,
Now Christ liveth in me.
Refrain
Christ liveth in me,
Christ liveth in me,
Oh! what a salvation this,
That Christ liveth in me.
As rays of light from yonder sun,
The flowers of earth set free,
So life and light and love came forth
From Christ living in me.
Refrain
As lives the flower within the seed,
As in the cone the tree,
So, praise the God of truth and grace,
His Spirit dwelleth in me.
Refrain
With longing all my heart is filled,
That like Him I may be,
As on the wondrous thought I dwell
That Christ liveth in me.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
''A Mansion in Glory'' song
A Mansion in Glory
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A mansion is waiting in glory,
My Savior has gone to prepare;
The ransomed who shine in its beauty,
Will dwell in that city so fair.
Refrain:
Oh, home above,
I’m going to dwell in that home;
Oh, home of love,
Get ready, poor sinner, and come.
A mansion of rest for the weary,
Who toil in the vineyard of love;
O sinner, believe, and be ready
To enter that mansion above.
A mansion where heavenly music
Enraptures the glorified throng;
They’re singing salvation, O sinner,
Come, join in that beautiful song.
A mansion where angels are waiting
To welcome the holy and true,
And when to the Savior low kneeling,
They’ll sing a sweet anthem for you.
A mansion unclouded by sorrow,
Undimmed by the pains of farewell,
Where all of earth’s pilgrims will gather,
With Christ in His glory to dwell.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A mansion is waiting in glory,
My Savior has gone to prepare;
The ransomed who shine in its beauty,
Will dwell in that city so fair.
Refrain:
Oh, home above,
I’m going to dwell in that home;
Oh, home of love,
Get ready, poor sinner, and come.
A mansion of rest for the weary,
Who toil in the vineyard of love;
O sinner, believe, and be ready
To enter that mansion above.
A mansion where heavenly music
Enraptures the glorified throng;
They’re singing salvation, O sinner,
Come, join in that beautiful song.
A mansion where angels are waiting
To welcome the holy and true,
And when to the Savior low kneeling,
They’ll sing a sweet anthem for you.
A mansion unclouded by sorrow,
Undimmed by the pains of farewell,
Where all of earth’s pilgrims will gather,
With Christ in His glory to dwell.
Bible Study
Hello Everyone,
We will not be at bible study this evening. I just wanted to let you know so you don't wait on us. We will see everyone on Sunday.
We will not be at bible study this evening. I just wanted to let you know so you don't wait on us. We will see everyone on Sunday.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The Drive Home
Who is the rich man? The man living in his luxury penthouse who has everything his heart desires, or the man who stands on the street corner with cardboard sign in hand and nothing but sadness in his eyes? The first man believes his wealth has come from his hard work alone and never stops to ponder over the true source of his success. The second man waits downcast in his old, flannel jacket and feels too ashamed to look you in the eye, but never fails to give glory to God when someone feels lead to give him a dollar. The first man sees fit to give himself every luxury because he feels he is entitled to live above the means of most, but the second man struggles to find the money to support his family and yet still cannot find a way to regain his self-worth. I saw a man standing in the median just before the on-ramp leading onto 465 today after leaving work and the sign he held said, "Times are tough, can u help? GOD BLESS U." Who is the rich man? The man who is validated by his material possessions and believes his success is his justification, or the man who even as he begs for change to help provide for his family, knows he can only be justified through faith in God?
Our Campers would love to hear from you.
Our campers at Quaker Haven would love to hear from you.
You can email them at juniorhighcamper@iym.org
Lance, Alex, Brooke, Elissa, Michaela.
You can email them at juniorhighcamper@iym.org
Lance, Alex, Brooke, Elissa, Michaela.
Thinking of my family
As I work long hours the last two days in Chicago for work I feel so lonely for my family. Its funny how much we realize we love or miss our family when we are away from them. It makes me so thankful to have my husband and my children in my life. I am so grateful that I have been blessed with the bountiful ups and downs life can throw you when you have a family. Watching the homeless men and women set on the street begging for change in Chicago as I walk from meeting to meeting is like a reminder of my blessings. In a 24 hour period their was an older man setting outside of my hotel with paper taped to the bottom of his feet for shoes. He had so many sores on his feet. With so much evidence to the eye of how poor he is just is heartbreaking. Each time I walk by I feel I have to keep putting money in his hand. I stopped this afternoon and decided to talk to him. I wanted to ask him his name and say hello. And tell him I wanted to pray for him. As I started to talk to him he responded in words I couldn't understand. I was not sure if he would understand what I wanted to say so I just said I am going to pray for you. God loves you too. He just grunted a few more times and bowed his head and put his hands together as to pray. .
But what if he is an angel to remind me of my blessings and how to be thankful. It lead me to so many thoughts and gave me a heavy heart. As I was walking back to my hotel at the end of the day the doorman asked me if he was giving me trouble because he saw me talking to him earlier in the day. I said no and told him what had happened. He said "he is our security guard, we call him the "watchman". He never speaks but just watches it all.
So my heart ask everyone to pray for homeless today. And the "watchman" that he is living the way God is intending him to live"
But what if he is an angel to remind me of my blessings and how to be thankful. It lead me to so many thoughts and gave me a heavy heart. As I was walking back to my hotel at the end of the day the doorman asked me if he was giving me trouble because he saw me talking to him earlier in the day. I said no and told him what had happened. He said "he is our security guard, we call him the "watchman". He never speaks but just watches it all.
So my heart ask everyone to pray for homeless today. And the "watchman" that he is living the way God is intending him to live"
Monday, June 15, 2009
Joke on me!
When we got back last evening from Quaker Haven, I discovered I had been displaying a sign on the back of my van that said I was a "student driver"!!!! Mmmmm - wonder who will be the next student driver in our congregation????? Sort of like the flamingos people find in their yards! Be interesting to see who's next!
Hopefully we will be able to leave on Wednesday on our trip. I will pray that you all have a wonderful service on Sunday and we will see you when we get back. We will miss all of you!
If anything were to happen to us on our travels, remember how much Paulette and I love all of you and enjoy serving as your Pastor. What a fabulous group of people you are!
God Bless!
Hopefully we will be able to leave on Wednesday on our trip. I will pray that you all have a wonderful service on Sunday and we will see you when we get back. We will miss all of you!
If anything were to happen to us on our travels, remember how much Paulette and I love all of you and enjoy serving as your Pastor. What a fabulous group of people you are!
God Bless!
Quaker Haven e-mail info
katypwym@sbcglobal.net
Above is Katy Palmer's e-mail address. If you would like to send a camper an e-mail then you send it to Katy and she passes them on. Katy is the camp director for the Western Yearly Meeting.
Above is Katy Palmer's e-mail address. If you would like to send a camper an e-mail then you send it to Katy and she passes them on. Katy is the camp director for the Western Yearly Meeting.
Wow.
Conner and I arrived at Church early because we had to take Michaela to her 9:30 Sunday School meeting. Church would not begin until 10:30. I said Conner, let's just go outside and walk around for a while. It's a beautiful day. So, we took a stroll. Through the gravel parking lot and alongside the treeline we walked and looked at trees and dirt and talked and then we walked around the graveyard a little bit.
As we walk along Conner picks up some silk flowers that have scattered about and returns them to their rightful place. We see gravestones with dates on them from the 18oo's. Some of the gravestones are so small and old you can no longer read the dates. We see family names like Jennings and Cammack on several headstones. I notice one in particular, Jesse Jennings, she was buried next to her husband and I considered their life together and what it may have been like. Conner and I continued our morning stroll around the church grounds. So, now we've made a big circle and we are back to the old meeting house and everyone is arriving for the Sunday morning meeting. It was wonderful and beautiful and very moving. After church everyone is heading out to Syracuse to drop all the kids off at camp for a week. So, Conner and I saw them off and headed to the Kia. We had to stop off at WIll and Casey's house to drop off an end table that Tim and Heather had given them but wouldn't fit in their trunk. They live in Noblesville so we dropped off the table and then we decided we were hungry and we headed to McDonalds.
We drive by McDonald's and it is far too crowded so Conner suggests Jim Dandy's it's just down the road and it's that one place where daddy played guitar and got a free breakfast. I said, "sure thing, let's do it." We walk in the front doors and I tell Conner we can sit at the bar or in a booth. He chooses the bar. The bar seats eight people and it's horse shoe shaped. We sit down and there is a couple to our left and a man on our right and they are chatting with one another. I say Conner, what will you order? He say's He want's the #5. The couple on our left is an older couple and they are dressed nicely and the woman say's. I couldn't help over hear that your name is Conner and I wondered if you knew that this is Conner street. And he says oh yes, He knows and we talk about William Conner and Conner William and she says that maybe one day our Conner will too be a famous man from Hamilton County. I said, yes. Yes, in deed. I tell her that we are having breakfast together because Conner's sister left for camp this morning and we thought it would be nice to have a meal together. She asks where did she go to camp and I say Syracuse, Indiana at Quaker Haven Camp. She says to me, Oh! My family, for the last three generations attended Hinkle creek Friends Church here in Noblesville. We live in Fishers or we would attend there as well. It's a lovely place and much of my family is buried there. I said, "what is your family name?'" She say's "Jennings." I say, "Why,that's incredible, Conner and I walked those grounds just this very morning before church." I then ask her. "What was your grandmother or Great Grandmother's name? She say's well, my great Grandmothers name was Jesse Jennings.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Micah 7:7 Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.
Habakkuk 2:20 But the Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.
1 Chronicles 16:31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
Obadiah 1:4 Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord.
Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings.
Philemon 1:4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
Jude 1:17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
-Ty
Habakkuk 2:20 But the Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.
1 Chronicles 16:31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
Obadiah 1:4 Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord.
Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings.
Philemon 1:4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
Jude 1:17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
-Ty
Science vs. God
"Let me explain the problem science has with Jesus Christ."
The atheist professor of
philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.
"You're a Christian, aren't you, son?"
"Yes sir," the student says.
"So you believe in God?"
"Absolutely."
"Is God good?"
"Sure! God's good."
"Is God all-powerful?
Can God do anything?"
"Yes."
"Are you good or evil?"
"The Bible says I'm evil."
The professor grins knowingly. "Aha! The Bible!" He considers for a moment. "Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?"
"Yes sir, I would."
"So you're good...!"
"I wouldn't say that."
"But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't."
The student does not answer, so the professor continues. "He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?"
The student remains silent.
"No, you can't, can you?" the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.
"Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?"
"Er.yes," the student says.
"Is Satan good?"
The student doesn't hesitate on this one. "No."
"Then where does Satan come from?"
The student : "From...God..."
"That's right. God made Satan , didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?"
"Yes, sir. "
"Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?"
"Yes."
"So who created evil?" The professor continued, "If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil."
Without allowing the student to answer, the professor continues: "Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?"
The student: "Yes."
"So who created them?"
The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. "Who created them? There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized.
"Tell me," he continues onto another student. "Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?"
The student's voice is confident: "Yes, professor, I do."
The old man stops pacing. "Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?"
"No sir. I've never seen Him"
"Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?"
"No, sir, I have not."
"Have you ever actually felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?"
"No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't."
"Yet you still believe in him?"
"Yes."
"According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?"
"Nothing," the student replies. "I only have my faith."
"Yes, faith," the professor repeats. "And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith."
The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of his own. "Professor, is there such thing as heat?"
"Yes," the professor replies. "There's heat."
"And is there such a thing as cold?"
"Yes, son, there's cold too."
"No sir, there isn't."
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain.
"You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat.
You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it."
Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.
"What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?"
"Yes," the professor replies without hesitation. "What is night if it isn't darkness?"
"You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word. In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?"
The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester. "So what point are you making, young man?"
"Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed."
The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time. "Flawed? Can you explain how?"
"You are working on the premise of duality," the student explains. "You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it."
"Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?"
" If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do"
"Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?"
The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.
"Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?"
The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided.
"To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean."
The student looks around the room. "Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?" The class breaks out into laughter.
"Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelled the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir. So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?"
Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.
Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. "I guess you'll have to take them on faith."
"Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life," the student continues. "Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?"
Now uncertain, the professor responds, "Of course, there is. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world These manifestations are nothing else but evil."
To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto it self. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God.
God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light."
The professor sat down.
Pass this on if you have faith and love Jesus.
The atheist professor of
philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.
"You're a Christian, aren't you, son?"
"Yes sir," the student says.
"So you believe in God?"
"Absolutely."
"Is God good?"
"Sure! God's good."
"Is God all-powerful?
Can God do anything?"
"Yes."
"Are you good or evil?"
"The Bible says I'm evil."
The professor grins knowingly. "Aha! The Bible!" He considers for a moment. "Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?"
"Yes sir, I would."
"So you're good...!"
"I wouldn't say that."
"But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't."
The student does not answer, so the professor continues. "He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?"
The student remains silent.
"No, you can't, can you?" the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.
"Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?"
"Er.yes," the student says.
"Is Satan good?"
The student doesn't hesitate on this one. "No."
"Then where does Satan come from?"
The student : "From...God..."
"That's right. God made Satan , didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?"
"Yes, sir. "
"Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?"
"Yes."
"So who created evil?" The professor continued, "If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil."
Without allowing the student to answer, the professor continues: "Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?"
The student: "Yes."
"So who created them?"
The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. "Who created them? There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized.
"Tell me," he continues onto another student. "Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?"
The student's voice is confident: "Yes, professor, I do."
The old man stops pacing. "Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?"
"No sir. I've never seen Him"
"Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?"
"No, sir, I have not."
"Have you ever actually felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?"
"No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't."
"Yet you still believe in him?"
"Yes."
"According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?"
"Nothing," the student replies. "I only have my faith."
"Yes, faith," the professor repeats. "And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith."
The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of his own. "Professor, is there such thing as heat?"
"Yes," the professor replies. "There's heat."
"And is there such a thing as cold?"
"Yes, son, there's cold too."
"No sir, there isn't."
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain.
"You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat.
You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it."
Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.
"What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?"
"Yes," the professor replies without hesitation. "What is night if it isn't darkness?"
"You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word. In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?"
The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester. "So what point are you making, young man?"
"Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed."
The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time. "Flawed? Can you explain how?"
"You are working on the premise of duality," the student explains. "You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it."
"Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?"
" If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do"
"Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?"
The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.
"Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?"
The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided.
"To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean."
The student looks around the room. "Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?" The class breaks out into laughter.
"Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelled the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir. So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?"
Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.
Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. "I guess you'll have to take them on faith."
"Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life," the student continues. "Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?"
Now uncertain, the professor responds, "Of course, there is. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world These manifestations are nothing else but evil."
To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto it self. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God.
God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light."
The professor sat down.
Pass this on if you have faith and love Jesus.
Squeak's Joke
An Atheist was walking through the woods.
"What majestic trees!"
"What powerful rivers!"
"What beautiful animals!"
He said to himself.
As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him.
He turned to look.
He saw a seven-foot grizzly bear charging towards him.
He ran as fast as he could up the path.
He looked over his shoulder and saw that the bear was closing in on him.
He looked over his shoulder again, and the bear was even closer.
He tripped and fell on the ground.
He rolled over to pick himself up, but saw that the bear was right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw & raising his right paw to strike.
AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
At that instant the atheist cried out: "Oh my God!"
Time Stopped.
The bear froze.
The forest was silent.
As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky:
"You deny my existence for all these years, teach others I don't exist, and even credit creation to a cosmic accident. And you expect me to help you out of this predicament?"
The atheist looked directly into the light and said:
"It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me like a Christian now, but perhaps you could make the BEAR a Christian?"
"Very Well," said the voice.
The light went out.
The sounds of the forest resumed.
And the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together, bowed his head & spoke:
"Lord, bless this food, which I am about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen."
Topics
These are subjects that were touched on last night.
Answered Prayers
False Idols
Being your spouses helpmate. I'm not sure we completly worked this one out but it was good material for Squeak and Betty whom always make me laugh and I love it.
Not being ashamed of being a Christian.
Something about women wearing pants, not sure where that one went...
We all really do love Baptists!
We talked about the fact that our church is a loving place.
We are glad our Bob doesn't yell at us on Sundays. (or ever, yet)
Soldiers, athletes and farmers and how being a christian requires you to develop many skills to grow and learn. You need to be strong, be able to follow instruction and be nurturing and patient.
Judging others by their appearances and why it's never a good idea because it's a bad habit and you are very often wrong anyway. And crtainly we don't want to be judged by others because we are not so perfect ourselves.
And lots more... If you can think of some more, let meknow, or if I got something completely wrong, tell me. It won't be the first time, or the last.
Answered Prayers
False Idols
Being your spouses helpmate. I'm not sure we completly worked this one out but it was good material for Squeak and Betty whom always make me laugh and I love it.
Not being ashamed of being a Christian.
Something about women wearing pants, not sure where that one went...
We all really do love Baptists!
We talked about the fact that our church is a loving place.
We are glad our Bob doesn't yell at us on Sundays. (or ever, yet)
Soldiers, athletes and farmers and how being a christian requires you to develop many skills to grow and learn. You need to be strong, be able to follow instruction and be nurturing and patient.
Judging others by their appearances and why it's never a good idea because it's a bad habit and you are very often wrong anyway. And crtainly we don't want to be judged by others because we are not so perfect ourselves.
And lots more... If you can think of some more, let meknow, or if I got something completely wrong, tell me. It won't be the first time, or the last.
Last Night
Well, last night was pretty wonderful. What a great turn out! I think we had 26 people all together. And a lot of funny stuff happened. Mike must have had to get up at least 10 times. Between the phone, the dogs, the front door and the lighting situation. I kept pointing to the lamp next to him and he kept going in the dining room and dimming Paulette's lighting. Poor Will is going to put us all in detention. Then every time I think of Bob almost falling off his stool and Casey laughing and Trish and I thinking she was crying I get the giggles again. Seems like Wills car all but completely fell apart last night. I'm sorry about that Will and I have the contact info for Jara's Dad if that mirror cost gets too salty. They fully expect to hear from you about that so please don't hesitate. And, Will, thank you for preparing our lesson last night. I actually did learn quite a bit last night through all of it. Ty and I got a chance to talk a little after the lesson and He knows quite a bit about Timothy and Paul so I think I will go back and re read the bible passages you had chosen for us. Now that I know the context in which this book was written and I know a little about the relationship between Timothy and Paul it makes reading the bible much more accessible to me and easier to remember what I did read. I have been stuck for a long time with my understanding of the bible and it feels great to be moving past some of these barriers. Thank You all. It is just nice to be together with everyone and see everyone laugh and smile. It does a heart good.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Excited For Bible Study
I don't know if you all can feel the electricity or the currents coming from The Brownings house today. Something is going on! The buzz and excitement about Bible Study tonight is amazing. I woke up today with anticpation for tonight. I am looking forward to studying The Book of Romans more
Quotes to Ponder:
“Seize the moment of excited curiosity on any subject to solve your doubts; for if you let it pass, the desire may never return, and you may remain in ignorance.”
“Life becomes precious and more special to us when we look for the little everyday miracles and get excited about the privileges of simply being human”
"Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity."
"There is no event so commonplace but that God is present in it, alwayshiddenly, alwaysleaving you room to recognize him or not to recognize him. Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the heavenly and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace."
Quotes to Ponder:
“Seize the moment of excited curiosity on any subject to solve your doubts; for if you let it pass, the desire may never return, and you may remain in ignorance.”
“Life becomes precious and more special to us when we look for the little everyday miracles and get excited about the privileges of simply being human”
"Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity."
"There is no event so commonplace but that God is present in it, alwayshiddenly, alwaysleaving you room to recognize him or not to recognize him. Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the heavenly and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace."
Bible Study tonite!
At the Haemmerle's. Can't wait to see everyone. We are making sloppy joes tonite. I hope everyone is having a great day. Leave a note in comments if you are coming or not so I know how many to expect. Or, if not I will just assume you are coming. Either way, I'll see you soon because Saturday is the big fish fry! Don't forget to invite all of your friends and neighbors!
Does Daddy have all of you?
Alan Redpath had two daughters who loved to swarm him when he came home at night. As he came in the door one evening, his little girls ran to meet him. One grabbed his leg and hugged him with all her might. He snatched the other daughter up in his arms. The one squeezing his leg said, "now, I've got all of Daddy." The daughter in his arms replied, "Yes, but Daddy has got all of me!" Perhaps the question we need to continually ask is, "Does God have all of me?"
______________________________________________________________________
Quote: Every Saint has a Past, Every Sinner has a Future.
by Pat M.
______________________________________________________________________
Quote: Every Saint has a Past, Every Sinner has a Future.
by Pat M.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
My Cup Feels Empty
I cannot tell you how strange and out of sorts I've felt this week after missing church on Sunday because of work. It's like I'm running on fumes and unable to reach for anything that will keep me steady on the road. I've been moody and mean to those around me and I've been struggling more than ever with a battle that is still raging inside me. I'm questioning all of my abilities and all of my aspirations and I feel as though I'm not directing my own steps anymore. I feel I'm being lead somewhere and I have no clue where the path will take me. It's such a strange feeling, I must say, and it's a little unsettling. Right now all I can say is that I'm running completely on faith - and from someone who has always been so analytical and has always tried to direct his own steps in life, that's a very enormous statement.
If we cannot trust our own instincts we can only trust in the will of God.
Bible study has to be my saving grace this week, because I need to feel God's presence so much right now. Not being able to be in church on Sunday has really left me feeling distant from His sweet spirit. Someone shine a light on me; Jesus shine your light on me and help me to understand the work I'm fated to do in Your name. I'm giving everything to you God and letting you lead me into whatever you have in store.. I know you hear me, Lord, and I pray in Your glorious name that you will only allow me to hear You.
If we cannot trust our own instincts we can only trust in the will of God.
Bible study has to be my saving grace this week, because I need to feel God's presence so much right now. Not being able to be in church on Sunday has really left me feeling distant from His sweet spirit. Someone shine a light on me; Jesus shine your light on me and help me to understand the work I'm fated to do in Your name. I'm giving everything to you God and letting you lead me into whatever you have in store.. I know you hear me, Lord, and I pray in Your glorious name that you will only allow me to hear You.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Still Me
As a little girl I remember walking down the aisle at church
Excited about getting to sing, clap my hands, feel loved by friends.
Go to Sunday school and say my memory verses to my teacher. Get that shiny sticker by my name for bringing my neighbor friend.
As I grew older the windows and doors to that building seemed to be closing shut. The room of love seem to get smaller as life passed by. Did I say the right things, did I wear the right clothes, did I give the right amount of service. I could see from expressions, and things that were said I was not perfect and not walking the right path as was desired by man. Why was I so lonely when I was going to church four times a week, fasting, giving almost all allowable money that was in my pocket.
I was drowning deeply in my sadness and thoughts sitting, staring, into a dark unknown. Where did the family go, where did the love go and why did I feel lost in a known place? I'd close my eyes to shield from the darkness that seemed to dance around me; and laugh at my misery.
Trying to mould myself into what they wanted me to be, haunted and held within these walls of rules and standards. I would feel sick from having to keep walking off the path of who I felt I should be. But that was not what they wanted to see or know.
Pushing past the burning pain inside. I knew what was happening inside me and feeling helpless alone. I decided to run, go out on mine own learn to love myself even if nobody else would. My journey of searching kept me alone but not as lonely as it had been. Learning to love myself was easier than to let others love me. I didn't have to climb that ladder to get to their heart.
But as years passed that little light that was alive, that would skip and jump when I would get to wear my little pink shaw to church and sing BIBLE and Jesus loves me. I wanted that moment again. That real moment when I felt alive and connected to something. To feel that warm touch on my spine and the tingles of love touch my soul.
My journey led me to my husband that was on that same cobbled road called "looking for something". We were blessed to find each to hold that hand as we looked. Behind different doors, and windows to find that love and family that we knew was already ours but just needed to be found. To be born again.
As each day came it seemed meant to accept we were to just look and not find. And we met a spiritual angel named Fred. His soul and spirit was like a looking glass showing us what we had been dreaming of and looking for.
And joy I had felt as a little girl singing in church and the love that kept me going through lifes journeys of pain and sadness guided me that beautiful October day into the little doors of Hinkle Creek Church.
And with the love, blessings and powerful work of God - Me, my family are members of my new church and I see I am still me but with real love filled back to the bottom and top of my soul.
I am me.. I am blessed.. Thank God for that rocky road that was my path to Hinkle Creek.
Excited about getting to sing, clap my hands, feel loved by friends.
Go to Sunday school and say my memory verses to my teacher. Get that shiny sticker by my name for bringing my neighbor friend.
As I grew older the windows and doors to that building seemed to be closing shut. The room of love seem to get smaller as life passed by. Did I say the right things, did I wear the right clothes, did I give the right amount of service. I could see from expressions, and things that were said I was not perfect and not walking the right path as was desired by man. Why was I so lonely when I was going to church four times a week, fasting, giving almost all allowable money that was in my pocket.
I was drowning deeply in my sadness and thoughts sitting, staring, into a dark unknown. Where did the family go, where did the love go and why did I feel lost in a known place? I'd close my eyes to shield from the darkness that seemed to dance around me; and laugh at my misery.
Trying to mould myself into what they wanted me to be, haunted and held within these walls of rules and standards. I would feel sick from having to keep walking off the path of who I felt I should be. But that was not what they wanted to see or know.
Pushing past the burning pain inside. I knew what was happening inside me and feeling helpless alone. I decided to run, go out on mine own learn to love myself even if nobody else would. My journey of searching kept me alone but not as lonely as it had been. Learning to love myself was easier than to let others love me. I didn't have to climb that ladder to get to their heart.
But as years passed that little light that was alive, that would skip and jump when I would get to wear my little pink shaw to church and sing BIBLE and Jesus loves me. I wanted that moment again. That real moment when I felt alive and connected to something. To feel that warm touch on my spine and the tingles of love touch my soul.
My journey led me to my husband that was on that same cobbled road called "looking for something". We were blessed to find each to hold that hand as we looked. Behind different doors, and windows to find that love and family that we knew was already ours but just needed to be found. To be born again.
As each day came it seemed meant to accept we were to just look and not find. And we met a spiritual angel named Fred. His soul and spirit was like a looking glass showing us what we had been dreaming of and looking for.
And joy I had felt as a little girl singing in church and the love that kept me going through lifes journeys of pain and sadness guided me that beautiful October day into the little doors of Hinkle Creek Church.
And with the love, blessings and powerful work of God - Me, my family are members of my new church and I see I am still me but with real love filled back to the bottom and top of my soul.
I am me.. I am blessed.. Thank God for that rocky road that was my path to Hinkle Creek.
Braxton!
Congratulations to Braxton and his whole family! I loved to see family show up to support him and his Mom and Dad! He is so darn cute! He's a lucky little guy to be surrounded by so much love. I hope your birthday was a happy one Shirley. Judging by the look on your face I'd say it was.
The real monk, the one who’s deepest desire (God) is in line with the way he lives, is a smasher of idols. And the biggest idol he smashes is the notion that being called a monk means he is somehow special or different from others. He doesn’t pretend he is a monk, because he knows he’s just trying, and always will be trying to be what a monk is supposed to be. He’s on the way to being a monk, a lover of God (meaning lover also of all His creation) and never will arrive fully at his destination until he moves on to the Holy City. He can laugh at the notion that appearing different because he lives in a special sort of place, living a lifestyle different from most others, means he is actually different from anyone.
There is a wonderful meditation on this idol smashing in the book Tools Matter for Practicing the Spiritual Life by Mary Margaret Funk, OSB, where she reflects on her own life as a Benedictine nun:
If I’m serious about searching for God, I must undress before myself, knowing that really I’m not a nun, yet. I’m just pretending until the nun-form takes shape. I know deep down that all images of myself must be smashed and destroyed. I dread the process of unmasking my hollowness and all my illusions. They protect me from myself. But now thoughts that protect my illusions have to go. (Continuum 2001, p. 71)
And that’s it! All illusions about ourselves, all the tags we use define ourselves with, must go, be utterly destroyed, if we are to become our real selves, children of God, lovers of life, of all, of God. And that’s what faithful monks do, hidden away in their monasteries; they smash the idol of differentness, of uniqueness, of specialness, they smash the idol of monk.
http://monasticism.org/monk/category/monastic-life/
There is a wonderful meditation on this idol smashing in the book Tools Matter for Practicing the Spiritual Life by Mary Margaret Funk, OSB, where she reflects on her own life as a Benedictine nun:
If I’m serious about searching for God, I must undress before myself, knowing that really I’m not a nun, yet. I’m just pretending until the nun-form takes shape. I know deep down that all images of myself must be smashed and destroyed. I dread the process of unmasking my hollowness and all my illusions. They protect me from myself. But now thoughts that protect my illusions have to go. (Continuum 2001, p. 71)
And that’s it! All illusions about ourselves, all the tags we use define ourselves with, must go, be utterly destroyed, if we are to become our real selves, children of God, lovers of life, of all, of God. And that’s what faithful monks do, hidden away in their monasteries; they smash the idol of differentness, of uniqueness, of specialness, they smash the idol of monk.
http://monasticism.org/monk/category/monastic-life/
Gladness and Thanksgiving
My advise to you my friends, is to turn aside occasionally from troubled and anxious pondering on the paths you may be treading, and to travel on smoother ways where the gifts of God are quietly savored. So that the thoughts of Him may give breathing space to you whose consciences are worried. I should like you to experience for yourselves the truth of the words: Make the Lord your joy and He will give you what your heart desires. Sorrow for sin is necessary, but it should not be endless in preoccupation. You must dwell also on the glad remembrance of God’s loving kindness, otherwise sadness will harden the heart and lead it more deeply into despair.
You must fix your attention on the ways of “God, see how He mitigates the bitterness of the heart that is crushed, how He wins back the timid soul from the abyss of despair, how He consoles the grief-stricken and strengthens the wavering with the sweet caress of His faithful love.
His loving mercy is greater than all iniquity. Think of the Lord with goodness, seek Him in simplicity of heart. You will all the more easily achieve this if you let your minds dwell frequently on the memory of God’s bountifulness.
Love without measure: extracts from the writings of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Introduced and arranged by Paul Diemer. Cistercian Publications, 1990.
My advise to you my friends, is to turn aside occasionally from troubled and anxious pondering on the paths you may be treading, and to travel on smoother ways where the gifts of God are quietly savored. So that the thoughts of Him may give breathing space to you whose consciences are worried. I should like you to experience for yourselves the truth of the words: Make the Lord your joy and He will give you what your heart desires. Sorrow for sin is necessary, but it should not be endless in preoccupation. You must dwell also on the glad remembrance of God’s loving kindness, otherwise sadness will harden the heart and lead it more deeply into despair.
You must fix your attention on the ways of “God, see how He mitigates the bitterness of the heart that is crushed, how He wins back the timid soul from the abyss of despair, how He consoles the grief-stricken and strengthens the wavering with the sweet caress of His faithful love.
His loving mercy is greater than all iniquity. Think of the Lord with goodness, seek Him in simplicity of heart. You will all the more easily achieve this if you let your minds dwell frequently on the memory of God’s bountifulness.
Love without measure: extracts from the writings of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Introduced and arranged by Paul Diemer. Cistercian Publications, 1990.
A flash of sanity: the momentary realization that there is no need to come to certain conclusions about persons, events, conflicts, trends, even trends toward evil and disaster, as if from day to day and even from moment to moment I had to know and declare (at least to myself) that this is so and so, this is good, this is bad. We are heading for a “new era” or we are heading for destruction. What do such judgments mean? Little or nothing. Things are as they are in an immense whole of which I am a part and which I cannot pretend to grasp. To say I grasp it is immediately to put myself in a false position, as if I were “outside” it. Whereas to be in it is to seek truth in my own life and actions, moving where movement is possible and keeping still when movement is unnecessary, realizing that things will continue to define themselves and that the judgments and mercies of God will clarify themselves and will be more clear to me if I am silent and attentive, obedient to His will, rather than constantly formulating statements in this age which is smothered in language, in meaningless and inconclusive debate in which, in the last analysis, nobody listens to anything except what agrees with his own prejudices.
Thomas Merton
Thomas Merton
Our deepest self is accessible to us only through union with God. No amount of inner work on our part does it. We can only dispose ourselves by becoming soft wax, to use Teresa’s (of Avila) image, ready for the divine imprint.
What a remarkable insight into the relationship between psyche and spirit. The deepest part of us - our inner depth - is accessible only through a faith-relationship with God. It is God who leads us into the deeper reaches of the human.
Mysticism, one’s faith-relationship with God, is integral to full human development. Unitive experiences are crucial to human life because they help shape us as loving persons. The fruit of union with God is always a deeper commitment to Christ and to Christ’s gospel of love. Personal transformation is integral to societal transformation because the absence of such genuine love erodes community life, destroys marriages, weakens friendship and leads to loss of integrity in political life.
Distractions in Prayer: Blessing or Curse?
Sr. Vilma Seelaus, OCD
What a remarkable insight into the relationship between psyche and spirit. The deepest part of us - our inner depth - is accessible only through a faith-relationship with God. It is God who leads us into the deeper reaches of the human.
Mysticism, one’s faith-relationship with God, is integral to full human development. Unitive experiences are crucial to human life because they help shape us as loving persons. The fruit of union with God is always a deeper commitment to Christ and to Christ’s gospel of love. Personal transformation is integral to societal transformation because the absence of such genuine love erodes community life, destroys marriages, weakens friendship and leads to loss of integrity in political life.
Distractions in Prayer: Blessing or Curse?
Sr. Vilma Seelaus, OCD
The seeds of this sublime life are planted in every
Christian at Baptism. But seeds must grow and develop
before you reap the harvest. There are thousands of
Christians walking about the face of the earth bearing in
their bodies the infinite God of whom they know practically
nothing. They are themselves children of God, and are not
aware of their identity. Instead of seeking to know
themselves and their true dignity, they struggle miserably
to impersonate the alienated characters whose “greatness”
rests on violence, craftiness, lust and greed. … God does
not manifest Himself to these souls because they do not seek
Him with any real desire. … But desire is the most
important thing in the contemplative life. Without desire
we will never receive the great gifts of God.
Thomas Merton, Inner Experience, unpublished MS., Abbey of Gethsemani, p. 35. Also found in What is Contemplation?, p. 16 & 23.
If there are many who fail to see their true identity as resting in God’s love for them, then there surely are those who fail to understand how this love plays out in the particularity of their own life. The first step, as Merton points out, is desire; without it nothing happens, with it, anything is possible.
If you don’t have it then the first step is to pray for the desire to desire your true identity. If you can see the need for this then God’s already answered your prayer!
http://monasticism.org/monk/category/monastic-life/vocation/
Christian at Baptism. But seeds must grow and develop
before you reap the harvest. There are thousands of
Christians walking about the face of the earth bearing in
their bodies the infinite God of whom they know practically
nothing. They are themselves children of God, and are not
aware of their identity. Instead of seeking to know
themselves and their true dignity, they struggle miserably
to impersonate the alienated characters whose “greatness”
rests on violence, craftiness, lust and greed. … God does
not manifest Himself to these souls because they do not seek
Him with any real desire. … But desire is the most
important thing in the contemplative life. Without desire
we will never receive the great gifts of God.
Thomas Merton, Inner Experience, unpublished MS., Abbey of Gethsemani, p. 35. Also found in What is Contemplation?, p. 16 & 23.
If there are many who fail to see their true identity as resting in God’s love for them, then there surely are those who fail to understand how this love plays out in the particularity of their own life. The first step, as Merton points out, is desire; without it nothing happens, with it, anything is possible.
If you don’t have it then the first step is to pray for the desire to desire your true identity. If you can see the need for this then God’s already answered your prayer!
http://monasticism.org/monk/category/monastic-life/vocation/
Friday, June 5, 2009
The Purpose Driven Life
The book The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren, is a wonderful book. It is very eductional, and is pleasent to read. It makes you stop, think about, and question what you are doing in your life. I think that everyone should red it.
New Ideas!!
I just thought of some wonderful ideas:
(1) I think that the youth group should hold their own class whenever, kind of like a bible study, but talk about how we can be better christians in our point of view. It would be a good time for the kids to be together, so that they could express their own oppinions about heaven and hell and so on. The youth could even elect a group leader, that would decide when to meet, and where.
(2) I think that there should be a class, that teaches about the the true lost books of the bible. Afterall, there are some lost books that are true. Like Jasher, for instance.
(3) Or, there could be a group that talks about all of the other religeons, and denominations. However, they would have to help others, that don't know how to dissern, to tell from what is true and what is not.
Anyone with a oppinion please express it .
(1) I think that the youth group should hold their own class whenever, kind of like a bible study, but talk about how we can be better christians in our point of view. It would be a good time for the kids to be together, so that they could express their own oppinions about heaven and hell and so on. The youth could even elect a group leader, that would decide when to meet, and where.
(2) I think that there should be a class, that teaches about the the true lost books of the bible. Afterall, there are some lost books that are true. Like Jasher, for instance.
(3) Or, there could be a group that talks about all of the other religeons, and denominations. However, they would have to help others, that don't know how to dissern, to tell from what is true and what is not.
Anyone with a oppinion please express it .
Bible Study
I think that instead of doing the bible study at soeones house, one day, we should do it at a park, or some open place. I think that it would be a great chance for people to hear God's word, while studying on His wonderful world
It would be a ministry to some. I think that is the best thing that we could do, is to witness to people that don't believe, and to those that do. Withtout even trying to. (Once again, we would need a form of chair:)
It would be a ministry to some. I think that is the best thing that we could do, is to witness to people that don't believe, and to those that do. Withtout even trying to. (Once again, we would need a form of chair:)
Service
Has anyone ever thought of having the church service outside,? I think it would be a great thinhg to do. People passing by could see how happy every one is in the church. If we did so, we would have to make it on a nice day, without too much humidity.
It would be a good chance to worship with all of God's great creations. (Of corse we would have to have some kind of chair:)
It would be a good chance to worship with all of God's great creations. (Of corse we would have to have some kind of chair:)
Fish Fry
My family would like to know exactly where the fish fry is going to be, and they would like to know the date and time. Also, they asked if they need to pay. If anyone could answer, that would be great.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Is Revelation A Dark Book?
Revelation is not a dark book. It may seem dark to some because it ties in with the past middle and future. It scares most non-christians, and they give bad testimonies to those that do believe.
In fact God does say that those that study the book and read it are blessed.
Some also know the book as the revelation of John. But, it is really the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Also, some think the book is dark, and hard to understand because of its name. However, Revelation is from the Greek meaning "Un-Veling."
So, the next time you come across the book, look into it. You might find something interesting.
In fact God does say that those that study the book and read it are blessed.
Some also know the book as the revelation of John. But, it is really the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Also, some think the book is dark, and hard to understand because of its name. However, Revelation is from the Greek meaning "Un-Veling."
So, the next time you come across the book, look into it. You might find something interesting.
God doesn't look at how much we do, but with how much love we do it.
He who is filled with love is filled with God himself.
If you judge people, you have no time to love them.
The great awareness comes slowly, piece by piece. The path of spiritual growth is a path of lifelong learning. The experience of spiritual power is basically a joyful one.
If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one.
Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.
Heal the Wound But Leave the Scar
Lyrics to Heal The Wound :
I used to wish that I could rewrite history
I used to dream that each mistake could be erased
Then I could just pretend
I never knew me back then
I used to pray that You would take this shame away
Hide all the evidence of who I've been
But it's the memory of
The place You brought me from
That keeps me on my knees
And even though I'm free
Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar
I have not lived a life that boasts of anything
I don't take pride in what I bring
But I'll build an altar with
The rubble that You've found me in
And every stone will sing
Of what You can redeem
Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar
Don't let me forget
Everything You've done for me
Don't let me forget
The beauty in the suffering
Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar
I used to wish that I could rewrite history
I used to dream that each mistake could be erased
Then I could just pretend
I never knew me back then
I used to pray that You would take this shame away
Hide all the evidence of who I've been
But it's the memory of
The place You brought me from
That keeps me on my knees
And even though I'm free
Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar
I have not lived a life that boasts of anything
I don't take pride in what I bring
But I'll build an altar with
The rubble that You've found me in
And every stone will sing
Of what You can redeem
Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar
Don't let me forget
Everything You've done for me
Don't let me forget
The beauty in the suffering
Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar
I ran across this on Wikipedia and I didn't know about this so I thought I'd share it with you. Interesting,I think.
The Restoration Movement (also known as the "Stone-Campbell Movement") generally refers to the "American Restoration Movement" began on the American frontier during the Second Great Awakening of the early nineteenth century. The movement sought to reform the church and unite Christians. Barton W. Stone and Alexander Campbell each independently developed similar approaches to the Christian faith, seeking to restore the whole Christian church, on the pattern set forth in the New Testament. Both groups believed that creeds kept Christianity divided. They joined in fellowship in 1832 with a handshake. They were united, among other things, in the belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, that churches celebrate the Lord's Supper on the first day of each week, and that baptism of adult believers, by immersion in water, is a necessary condition for Salvation.
The Restoration Movement began as two separate threads, each of which initially developed without the knowledge of the other, during the Second Great Awakening in the early nineteenth century. The first, led by Barton W. Stone began at Cane Ridge, Bourbon County, Kentucky. The group called themselves simply Christians. The second, began in western Pennsylvania and Virginia (now West Virginia), led by Thomas Campbell and his son, Alexander Campbell. Because the founders wanted to abandon all denominational labels, they used the biblical names for the followers of Jesus that they found in the Bible.[1]:27 Both groups promoted a return to the purposes of the first century churches as described in the New Testament. One historian of the movement has argued that it was primarily a unity movement, with the restoration motif playing a subordinate role.[2]:8
The Restoration Movement has seen several divisions, resulting in multiple separate groups. Three modern groups claim the Stone Campbell movement as their roots: Churches of Christ, Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Some see divisions in the movement as the result of the tension between the goals of restoration and ecumenism, with the Churches of Christ and Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ resolving the tension by stressing restoration while the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) resolved the tension by stressing ecumenism.[2]:383
The Restoration Movement (also known as the "Stone-Campbell Movement") generally refers to the "American Restoration Movement" began on the American frontier during the Second Great Awakening of the early nineteenth century. The movement sought to reform the church and unite Christians. Barton W. Stone and Alexander Campbell each independently developed similar approaches to the Christian faith, seeking to restore the whole Christian church, on the pattern set forth in the New Testament. Both groups believed that creeds kept Christianity divided. They joined in fellowship in 1832 with a handshake. They were united, among other things, in the belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, that churches celebrate the Lord's Supper on the first day of each week, and that baptism of adult believers, by immersion in water, is a necessary condition for Salvation.
The Restoration Movement began as two separate threads, each of which initially developed without the knowledge of the other, during the Second Great Awakening in the early nineteenth century. The first, led by Barton W. Stone began at Cane Ridge, Bourbon County, Kentucky. The group called themselves simply Christians. The second, began in western Pennsylvania and Virginia (now West Virginia), led by Thomas Campbell and his son, Alexander Campbell. Because the founders wanted to abandon all denominational labels, they used the biblical names for the followers of Jesus that they found in the Bible.[1]:27 Both groups promoted a return to the purposes of the first century churches as described in the New Testament. One historian of the movement has argued that it was primarily a unity movement, with the restoration motif playing a subordinate role.[2]:8
The Restoration Movement has seen several divisions, resulting in multiple separate groups. Three modern groups claim the Stone Campbell movement as their roots: Churches of Christ, Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Some see divisions in the movement as the result of the tension between the goals of restoration and ecumenism, with the Churches of Christ and Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ resolving the tension by stressing restoration while the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) resolved the tension by stressing ecumenism.[2]:383
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Thank You
I would like to thank Hinkle Creek Friends for accepting me into the church!
I was once a kid that was mean and cruel to others, because I was really calling out for help. When I was kicked out of Tipton Middle School in March, on Friday the thirteenth, I had hit rock bottom.
When I came to Hinkle the Sunday after being out, I was still angry. However, I felt something in that church. It wasn't until the very next Sunday that I accepted it. I talked to Bob and Paulette after the service, and they prayed with me, and talked me through my trouble. I was saved that instant!
I started to come to church regularly, and became hapier and hapier every time! I even started to bring some of my family with me.
When I joined Hinkle on May 3, 2009, I realized that this is a group I can belong to and always have someone with me. I realized that I won't be hurt or let down at that church. Later that afternoon, I was baptized. I felt like that day was the big turn around in my life.
Throughout my walk with Christ, Bob and Paulette, and even the church has been there to help me. They have even found me a new school which I started attending back in April. I am now going to Sheridan christian Academy. I thank you guys for that. I LOVE YOU!
Last Saturday at my school's banquette, my family saw a big achievment. When I was at Tipton my grades were just above failing if not there. At Sheridan I recieved the A honor roll.
Also, I have been going to SCA for only six weeks now, and I take every opportunity to study God that I can. Ieven study during our breaks. I didn't think that anyone would notice it, but they did. At the banquette, I recieved the highest award of all. It was for Christian Character.
From then on I have continued to love Christ and study him. I have vowed to myself that I will never miss a Sunday at Hinkle!
I was once a kid that was mean and cruel to others, because I was really calling out for help. When I was kicked out of Tipton Middle School in March, on Friday the thirteenth, I had hit rock bottom.
When I came to Hinkle the Sunday after being out, I was still angry. However, I felt something in that church. It wasn't until the very next Sunday that I accepted it. I talked to Bob and Paulette after the service, and they prayed with me, and talked me through my trouble. I was saved that instant!
I started to come to church regularly, and became hapier and hapier every time! I even started to bring some of my family with me.
When I joined Hinkle on May 3, 2009, I realized that this is a group I can belong to and always have someone with me. I realized that I won't be hurt or let down at that church. Later that afternoon, I was baptized. I felt like that day was the big turn around in my life.
Throughout my walk with Christ, Bob and Paulette, and even the church has been there to help me. They have even found me a new school which I started attending back in April. I am now going to Sheridan christian Academy. I thank you guys for that. I LOVE YOU!
Last Saturday at my school's banquette, my family saw a big achievment. When I was at Tipton my grades were just above failing if not there. At Sheridan I recieved the A honor roll.
Also, I have been going to SCA for only six weeks now, and I take every opportunity to study God that I can. Ieven study during our breaks. I didn't think that anyone would notice it, but they did. At the banquette, I recieved the highest award of all. It was for Christian Character.
From then on I have continued to love Christ and study him. I have vowed to myself that I will never miss a Sunday at Hinkle!
I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!
I THANK YOU!
Dedication
We are going to dedicate Braxton - Shirley Gray's grandson this Sunday! It is also Shirley's birthday! What a memorable day for her! I just know you are excited Shirley. It's just so refreshing to see this kind of thing happening at Hinkle. New members, babies being dedicated, new Sunday School classes, concerts, fish fry, camp, newsletter, and growing number of attenders. Thank you Jesus for answered prayer for Hinkle. Thank you for breathing into existence this sacred place where we all gather as your family.
Yeah Kyndrick!
Kyndrick(My daughter Stephanie's boyfriend) was just accepted at Johnson Bible College in Knoxville, Tennessee! Congratulations Kyndrick!
Our first Ministry
Many have asked us about the tribe of Indians that we worked with while serving in Oklahoma. I thought I'd post the website for the Wyandotte Tribe that we worked very closely with. The Chief of the Tribe, Leaford Bearskin has done so much for his people and now in his 80's is still serving them well. You can go to their website and learn much about their history and some of things they do. You may visit them at www.wyandotte-nation.org
prayer
I would like to ask everyone to pray for Marcia Hunt and her mother as they travel to Kentucky to attend the funeral of Phyllis Stelson who was first on our prayer list. She lost her battle with cancer. Marcia asked if we would pray for a safe trip and also for the family as they deal with this death.
Incredible
Kenny Newell works at O'Malia's in Carmel. I stopped off there last night around 6:00 on my way home from work. A major storm had just blown through. Kenny bagged my groceries for me and He and I were walking out to my car and he told me that he is a poet. Then he asked me if I was a Christian. I said yes and with a big smile he recited a poem that he had written 15 years ago. I wrote the poem down and asked him if I could put it on my blog. With an even bigger smile he said yes. Here is his poem. I think it is beautiful. Please leave comments if you would like. I told Kenny I would print this out and drop it off for him at his work. And he did ask that we all pray for him to be inspired to write more poems. So, here you go.
JESUS IS LORD
By Kenny Newell
JESUS IS LORD, THE RISEN CHRIST
WHO FOR OUR SAKE WAS SACRIFICED
HE ENDURED DEATH SO THAT WE WOULD LIVE WITH HIM FOR ETERNITY
JESUS OUR LORD, DIED ON A CROSS
GREAT WAS HIS PAIN AND DEEP HIS LOSS
HEAVEN IS NOW WHERE OUR LORD REIGNS
FREED FROM THE CROSS HE FEELS NO PAIN
HEAVEN WILL TOO BE OUR REWARD
THANKS BE TO GOD
JESUS IS LORD
JESUS IS LORD
By Kenny Newell
JESUS IS LORD, THE RISEN CHRIST
WHO FOR OUR SAKE WAS SACRIFICED
HE ENDURED DEATH SO THAT WE WOULD LIVE WITH HIM FOR ETERNITY
JESUS OUR LORD, DIED ON A CROSS
GREAT WAS HIS PAIN AND DEEP HIS LOSS
HEAVEN IS NOW WHERE OUR LORD REIGNS
FREED FROM THE CROSS HE FEELS NO PAIN
HEAVEN WILL TOO BE OUR REWARD
THANKS BE TO GOD
JESUS IS LORD
Monday, June 1, 2009
Spiritual Talents
God has given each Christian important gifts. The first is the gift of faith in Jesus Christ. The second is the gift of one or more special abilities, which are to be used for the purpose of unifying the body of Christ and for the growth of God's Kingdom.
Administration: the gift that enables a believer to formulate, direct, and carry out plans necessary to fulfill a purpose. Biblical References: I Corinthians 12:28, Acts 14:23.
Artistry: the gift that gives the believer the skill of creating artistic expressions that produce a spiritual response of strength and inspiration. Biblical References: Exodus 31:1-11, Psalm 149:3a.
Discernment: the gift that motivates a believer to seek God's will and purpose and apply that understanding to individual and congregational situations. Biblical References: John 16:6-15, Romans 9:1, I Corinthians 2:9-16.
Evangelism: the gift that moves believers to reach nonbelievers in such a way that they are baptized and become active members of the Christian community. Biblical References: Matthew 28:16-20, Ephesians 4:11- 16, Acts 2:36-40.
Exhortation: the gift that moves the believer to reach out with Christian love and presence to people in personal conflict of facing a spiritual void. Biblical References: John 14:1, II Timothy 1:16-18, III John 5-8.
Faith: the gift that gives a believer the eyes to see the Spirit at work and the ability to trust the Spirit's leading without indication of where it all might lead. Biblical References: Genesis 12:1-4a, Mark 5:25-34, I Thessalonians 1:8-10.
Giving: the gift that enables a believer to recognize God's blessings and to respond to those blessings by generously and sacrificially giving of one's resources (time, talent, and treasure). Biblical References: II Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 21:1-4.
Hospitality: the gift that causes a believer to joyfully welcome and receive guests and those in need of food and lodging. Biblical References: Romans 12:13, Romans 16:23a, Luke 10:38.
Intercession: the gift that enables a believer to pray with the certainty that prayer is heard and when requests are made, answers will come. Biblical References: Matthew 6:6-15, Luke 11:1-10, Ephesians 6:18.
Knowledge: the gift that drives a person to learn, analyze and uncover new insights with regard to the Bible and faith. Biblical References: I Corinthians 12:8; I Corinthians 14:6, Romans 12:2.
Leadership: the gift that gives a believer the confidence to step forward, give direction and provide motivation to fulfill a dream or complete a task. Biblical References: Romans 12:8, John 21:15-17, II Timothy 4:1-5.
Mercy: the gift that motivates a believer to feel deeply for those in physical, spiritual, or emotional need and then act to meet that need. Biblical References: Luke 7:12-15, Luke 10:30-37, Matthew 25:34-36.
Music--Vocal: the gift that gives a believer the capability and opportunity to present personal witness and inspiration to others through singing. Biblical References: Psalm 96:1-9, Psalm 100:1-2, Psalm 149:1-2.
Music--Instrumental: the gift that inspires a believer to express personal faith and provide inspiration and comfort through the playing of a musical instrument. Biblical References: Psalm 33:1-5, Psalm 150, I Samuel 16:14-23.
Pastoring (Shepherding): the gift that gives a believer the confidence, capability and compassion to provide spiritual leadership and direction for individuals or groups of believers. Biblical References: I Timothy 4:12-16, I Timothy 3:1-13, II Timothy 4:1-2.
Service (Helps): the gift that enables a believer to work gladly behind the scenes in order that God's work is fulfilled. Biblical References: Luke 23:50-54, Romans 16:1-16, Philippians 2:19-23.
Skilled Craft: the gift that enables a believer to create, build, maintain or repair items used within the church. Biblical References: Exodus 30:1-6, Exodus 31:3-5, Ezekiel 27:4-11.
Teaching: the gift that enables a believer to communicate a personal understanding of the Bible and faith in such a way that it becomes clear and understood by others. Biblical References: I Corinthians 12:28, Matthew 5:1-12, Acts 18:24-48.
Wisdom: the gift that allows the believer to sort through opinions, facts and thoughts in order to determine what solution would be best for the individual believer or the community of believers. Biblical References: I Corinthians 2:6-13, James 3:13-18, II Chronicles 1:7-11.
Writing: the gift that gives a believer the ability to express truth in a written form; a form that can edify, instruct and strengthen the community of believers. Biblical References: I John 2:1-6, 12-14, I Timothy 3:14-15, Jude 3.
Administration: the gift that enables a believer to formulate, direct, and carry out plans necessary to fulfill a purpose. Biblical References: I Corinthians 12:28, Acts 14:23.
Artistry: the gift that gives the believer the skill of creating artistic expressions that produce a spiritual response of strength and inspiration. Biblical References: Exodus 31:1-11, Psalm 149:3a.
Discernment: the gift that motivates a believer to seek God's will and purpose and apply that understanding to individual and congregational situations. Biblical References: John 16:6-15, Romans 9:1, I Corinthians 2:9-16.
Evangelism: the gift that moves believers to reach nonbelievers in such a way that they are baptized and become active members of the Christian community. Biblical References: Matthew 28:16-20, Ephesians 4:11- 16, Acts 2:36-40.
Exhortation: the gift that moves the believer to reach out with Christian love and presence to people in personal conflict of facing a spiritual void. Biblical References: John 14:1, II Timothy 1:16-18, III John 5-8.
Faith: the gift that gives a believer the eyes to see the Spirit at work and the ability to trust the Spirit's leading without indication of where it all might lead. Biblical References: Genesis 12:1-4a, Mark 5:25-34, I Thessalonians 1:8-10.
Giving: the gift that enables a believer to recognize God's blessings and to respond to those blessings by generously and sacrificially giving of one's resources (time, talent, and treasure). Biblical References: II Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 21:1-4.
Hospitality: the gift that causes a believer to joyfully welcome and receive guests and those in need of food and lodging. Biblical References: Romans 12:13, Romans 16:23a, Luke 10:38.
Intercession: the gift that enables a believer to pray with the certainty that prayer is heard and when requests are made, answers will come. Biblical References: Matthew 6:6-15, Luke 11:1-10, Ephesians 6:18.
Knowledge: the gift that drives a person to learn, analyze and uncover new insights with regard to the Bible and faith. Biblical References: I Corinthians 12:8; I Corinthians 14:6, Romans 12:2.
Leadership: the gift that gives a believer the confidence to step forward, give direction and provide motivation to fulfill a dream or complete a task. Biblical References: Romans 12:8, John 21:15-17, II Timothy 4:1-5.
Mercy: the gift that motivates a believer to feel deeply for those in physical, spiritual, or emotional need and then act to meet that need. Biblical References: Luke 7:12-15, Luke 10:30-37, Matthew 25:34-36.
Music--Vocal: the gift that gives a believer the capability and opportunity to present personal witness and inspiration to others through singing. Biblical References: Psalm 96:1-9, Psalm 100:1-2, Psalm 149:1-2.
Music--Instrumental: the gift that inspires a believer to express personal faith and provide inspiration and comfort through the playing of a musical instrument. Biblical References: Psalm 33:1-5, Psalm 150, I Samuel 16:14-23.
Pastoring (Shepherding): the gift that gives a believer the confidence, capability and compassion to provide spiritual leadership and direction for individuals or groups of believers. Biblical References: I Timothy 4:12-16, I Timothy 3:1-13, II Timothy 4:1-2.
Service (Helps): the gift that enables a believer to work gladly behind the scenes in order that God's work is fulfilled. Biblical References: Luke 23:50-54, Romans 16:1-16, Philippians 2:19-23.
Skilled Craft: the gift that enables a believer to create, build, maintain or repair items used within the church. Biblical References: Exodus 30:1-6, Exodus 31:3-5, Ezekiel 27:4-11.
Teaching: the gift that enables a believer to communicate a personal understanding of the Bible and faith in such a way that it becomes clear and understood by others. Biblical References: I Corinthians 12:28, Matthew 5:1-12, Acts 18:24-48.
Wisdom: the gift that allows the believer to sort through opinions, facts and thoughts in order to determine what solution would be best for the individual believer or the community of believers. Biblical References: I Corinthians 2:6-13, James 3:13-18, II Chronicles 1:7-11.
Writing: the gift that gives a believer the ability to express truth in a written form; a form that can edify, instruct and strengthen the community of believers. Biblical References: I John 2:1-6, 12-14, I Timothy 3:14-15, Jude 3.
My Path
I've really been doing some extensive thinking about the path I want to take doing Christ's work and I guess I need some help from everyone. I need all the prayers I can get in hopes that I can receive a true sign pertaining to what and who I am in Christ. I want to know my spiritual gift, but I don't know what to ask and what to look for and who to listen to. I know this is probably a pretty lame request, but I'm kind of stuck between who I think I am and who God wants me to be. Am I the only one who ever feels this way? How do we know what path to take?
QHC
Well, I just gotta say it. Quaker Haven Camp is such a great place. I just love it. I cannot wait to spend some time there. I am so excited for everyone that is going to camp this summer. Thank You to Marianne and Jacob and Bob and Paulette for taking us and showing us around. I know Conner had a great time. I am so excited for Mike to see it too, there's just something about it. It's so serene. And everyone was so nice. What a fun and relaxing day. It's such a peaceful oasis. One woman I spoke with was visiting and had gone there as a child and she told Me that it's one of her favorite places in the world and and she was so sincere.
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