The last few weeks we have not been to church because Sandra has not been able to get around, but we did get out and go today! It felt good to be back. This morning we heard Bro. Scott Crabtree preach, and during the sermon give his testimony. I don't know that I had ever heard his testimony before, nor had I ever heard him preach that I can remember. Tonight was very exciting. The pastor preached a sermon challenging us to get closer to the Lord, and to get to know His love better. He asked everyone to begin to pray about the possibility of upgrading the facilities, or building new. The current auditorium is pretty crowded, and there seems to be a lot of stepping and tripping over each other during handshaking time! Not a bad problem to have! There has been a lot of growth over the last several months, and God has been moving him to start considering the need for increased facility space. We will definitely be praying about that!
Again. . . it felt really good to be back at church again. It just isn't the same watching the service online, although it is a good alternative when you just can't be there.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Surgery!
The last few weeks have been hectic to say the least! Some of you already know that Sandra had to have surgery on October 1. It was supposed to be a simple outpatient surgery, but it turned out to be a rather difficult outpatient surgery that took twice as long as the surgeon expected. She did end up with pneumonia, but is doing pretty good right now. It took over a week for her to recover enough to get up on her own, but once she was able to do that, she has gotten better very quickly.
A funny story that you might enjoy. I've never really had any problems with blood. I could clean up an animal...you name it...no problem, right? Well, we were in the pre-op room with Sandra and the nurse while the nurse was putting in the "catheter" for her IV. I have only ever seen the needles that they use to draw blood, so this thing was a shock! Get a medium point ballpoint pen, and push the tip out as far as it will go. That catheter was as big as the base of the ballpoint. I watched the nurse put that thing in her arm, and wow! Suddenly I was loosing it. I was feeling woozy, so I sat down in the chair, leaned back, and took a deep breath. I felt someone slapping my leg, and I looked up and saw the nurse headed right for me. I was a little puzzled at why she was so concerned, but didn't remember falling asleep! Needless to say, I scared Sandra and the nurse when I passed out. Never done it before, don't ever plan on doing it again!
Sandra is doing much better today. She actually went to the outlet mall today with her sister for a little while. She was completely worn out when she got home, but I was glad that she went. She needed to get out of the house for a little while. The exercise was good for her too.
Oh, She did get out to sit in the sun for a little while the other day too.
Nathaniel
A funny story that you might enjoy. I've never really had any problems with blood. I could clean up an animal...you name it...no problem, right? Well, we were in the pre-op room with Sandra and the nurse while the nurse was putting in the "catheter" for her IV. I have only ever seen the needles that they use to draw blood, so this thing was a shock! Get a medium point ballpoint pen, and push the tip out as far as it will go. That catheter was as big as the base of the ballpoint. I watched the nurse put that thing in her arm, and wow! Suddenly I was loosing it. I was feeling woozy, so I sat down in the chair, leaned back, and took a deep breath. I felt someone slapping my leg, and I looked up and saw the nurse headed right for me. I was a little puzzled at why she was so concerned, but didn't remember falling asleep! Needless to say, I scared Sandra and the nurse when I passed out. Never done it before, don't ever plan on doing it again!
Sandra is doing much better today. She actually went to the outlet mall today with her sister for a little while. She was completely worn out when she got home, but I was glad that she went. She needed to get out of the house for a little while. The exercise was good for her too.
Oh, She did get out to sit in the sun for a little while the other day too.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
"Fallen Ministers"
I was sitting in my office tonight, looking at my bookshelf for something specific, and pulled out a book entitled, "Heart Talks with Ministers." This book was compiled by a Nazarene minister and has several different articles, or chapters by other men. This book has no copyright date in it, so I don't know when it was written, but there is a handwritten name and date in the front dated 1931 as a gift. I came across a chapter entitled, "Fallen Ministers," and wanted to share an excerpt with you.
"Little indiscretions, little deviations from the pathway of strict prudence, little violations of the conventionalities of refined society, are courses which, in their relation to the opposite sex, have led many a minister on to more adventurous things, and have resulted either in his moral ruin, or in so smirching his character and reputation as thereby to render his continuance in the ministry a stench in the nostrils of the public, and an occasion of casting suspicion and reproach upon all ministers, however decently and holily they may have lived. The minister of the Gospel who does not observe that plain and sensible rule given by John Wesley to preachers, "Converse sparingly and conduct yourself prudently with women," will almost certainly become a moral pest in society, involving himself and the church in contempt and disgrace.
There is no justification for a brother, in shaking hands with a lady, to hold her hand unduly, press it to his own, gaze into the depths of her eyes, etc., even though he shout hallelujah! while doing so. If she has not the moral courage or the disposition to rebuke his course, someone else should do it, and in a way to impress him strongly with the impropriety of his conduct. There is no justification for a preacher's holding so many private conversations and having so many private correspondences as some do with certain female members of their congregations, even though the private interviews and communications may be ostensibly on religious topics. Religion always thrives better in the daylight and in relations between the sexes that require no privacy. Nor is there any valid excuse for a minister's devoting himself in the way of personal labor, especially in campmeeting and revival work, chiefly to trying to help the female sex. With some men this is a suspicious circumstance. They seem to feel specially called to labor with girls and women.
Not that judiciously endeavoring to instruct and help those of the fair sex is in itself wrong; but it is the paying an over attention to them, and that to the neglect of others just as needy and worthy, that should be guarded against, lest it cause one's good to be evil spoken of, and at least familiarity should breed contempt, or something worse. And, of course, he who cultivates what is generally known as "spiritual affinity" outside his own family relations, is to be regarded with grave suspicion, since "spiritual affinity," so-called, is almost sure to become fleshly affinity, or free-love before long, if allowed to run its course. Alas! how numerous have been the instances in proof of this!"
Bishop W.T. Hogue
Heart to Heart Talks with Ministers
Chapter 7, P 56-57
"Little indiscretions, little deviations from the pathway of strict prudence, little violations of the conventionalities of refined society, are courses which, in their relation to the opposite sex, have led many a minister on to more adventurous things, and have resulted either in his moral ruin, or in so smirching his character and reputation as thereby to render his continuance in the ministry a stench in the nostrils of the public, and an occasion of casting suspicion and reproach upon all ministers, however decently and holily they may have lived. The minister of the Gospel who does not observe that plain and sensible rule given by John Wesley to preachers, "Converse sparingly and conduct yourself prudently with women," will almost certainly become a moral pest in society, involving himself and the church in contempt and disgrace.
There is no justification for a brother, in shaking hands with a lady, to hold her hand unduly, press it to his own, gaze into the depths of her eyes, etc., even though he shout hallelujah! while doing so. If she has not the moral courage or the disposition to rebuke his course, someone else should do it, and in a way to impress him strongly with the impropriety of his conduct. There is no justification for a preacher's holding so many private conversations and having so many private correspondences as some do with certain female members of their congregations, even though the private interviews and communications may be ostensibly on religious topics. Religion always thrives better in the daylight and in relations between the sexes that require no privacy. Nor is there any valid excuse for a minister's devoting himself in the way of personal labor, especially in campmeeting and revival work, chiefly to trying to help the female sex. With some men this is a suspicious circumstance. They seem to feel specially called to labor with girls and women.
Not that judiciously endeavoring to instruct and help those of the fair sex is in itself wrong; but it is the paying an over attention to them, and that to the neglect of others just as needy and worthy, that should be guarded against, lest it cause one's good to be evil spoken of, and at least familiarity should breed contempt, or something worse. And, of course, he who cultivates what is generally known as "spiritual affinity" outside his own family relations, is to be regarded with grave suspicion, since "spiritual affinity," so-called, is almost sure to become fleshly affinity, or free-love before long, if allowed to run its course. Alas! how numerous have been the instances in proof of this!"
Bishop W.T. Hogue
Heart to Heart Talks with Ministers
Chapter 7, P 56-57
Sunday, August 10, 2014
"The School of Affliction"
That was the title of the sermon that Pastor Mike Ridge preached this morning in church. It was an excellent sermon, I must say!
One of the things that he talked about was the fact that "The School of Affliction" gets our attention. Sometimes it is how God has to get our attention. He used a story in II Samuel about Absalom and Joab to illustrate the point. Absalom had not spoken to his father for quite some time, and wanted to contact him, so he sent a message to Joab, requesting his presence. Joab ignored the request. Later, Absalom sent him another request, but to no avail. Joab still would not respond. Finally, Absalom told his servants to go set Joab's barley field afire. . . That would get his attention! Joab then made his way to see Absalom.
The point was that sometimes God tries to get our attention. . .He calls, and calls. . .but we choose not to listen. Then God has to send some sort of affliction our way to get our attention, just as Absalom sent an affliction to Joab to get his attention.
The plea was not to make God have to send affliction in order to get your attention!
This post does not do the sermon justice, but it was a really good sermon!
One of the things that he talked about was the fact that "The School of Affliction" gets our attention. Sometimes it is how God has to get our attention. He used a story in II Samuel about Absalom and Joab to illustrate the point. Absalom had not spoken to his father for quite some time, and wanted to contact him, so he sent a message to Joab, requesting his presence. Joab ignored the request. Later, Absalom sent him another request, but to no avail. Joab still would not respond. Finally, Absalom told his servants to go set Joab's barley field afire. . . That would get his attention! Joab then made his way to see Absalom.
The point was that sometimes God tries to get our attention. . .He calls, and calls. . .but we choose not to listen. Then God has to send some sort of affliction our way to get our attention, just as Absalom sent an affliction to Joab to get his attention.
The plea was not to make God have to send affliction in order to get your attention!
This post does not do the sermon justice, but it was a really good sermon!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
The Eternal God
While at church this evening, something was mentioned that, although very basic to Christianity, is amazing to think about.
Consider that God is eternal. . . that means not only that God lives in the past, but that He also lives in the future. . . simultaneously. Absolutely amazing! I don't know anything about tomorrow, except that God is already there working in my life. He doesn't just know what is going to happen to me tomorrow, but because he is not subject to time, He is already there, with me, walking beside me helping me though the day, week, month, etc.
I cannot completely wrap my mind around the fact that He can do that, but it brings a peace and comfort that is just amazing.
Isn't it great to be a born again Christian!?
Consider that God is eternal. . . that means not only that God lives in the past, but that He also lives in the future. . . simultaneously. Absolutely amazing! I don't know anything about tomorrow, except that God is already there working in my life. He doesn't just know what is going to happen to me tomorrow, but because he is not subject to time, He is already there, with me, walking beside me helping me though the day, week, month, etc.
I cannot completely wrap my mind around the fact that He can do that, but it brings a peace and comfort that is just amazing.
Isn't it great to be a born again Christian!?
Hauling lumber with a 6' pickup bed
This is not an easy feat! Try several 16' 2x6's.
I believe there were 12 of the 2x6x16's, and 8 sheets of 1/2" particle board. There were no apparent weight issues, but the length was a completely different story!
My Dog (Even though I don't have one)
Sandra and I were visiting a church today, and were invited to lunch at a member's house, which was a blessing, and while we were there, they printed this off and gave it to us. I thought you might enjoy!
My dog sleeps about 20 hrs a day.
She has her food prepared for her.
She can eat whatever she wants, whenever she wants.
Her meals are provided at no cost to her.
She visits the Dr. once a year for her checkup, and again during the year if any medical needs arise.
For this she pays nothing, and nothing is required of her.
She lives in a nice neighborhood, in a house that is much larger than she needs, but she is not required to do any upkeep.
If she makes a mess, someone else cleans it up.
She has her choice of luxurious places to sleep.
She receives those accommodations absolutely free.
She is living like royalty, and has absolutely no expenses whatsoever.
All of her living costs are picked up by others who go out and earn a living every day.
I was just thinking about all this, and suddenly it hit me like a brick in the head, Holy Smokes,
My dog is a democrat!
Hope you enjoyed that!
She may have even been able to run for president!
My dog sleeps about 20 hrs a day.
She has her food prepared for her.
She can eat whatever she wants, whenever she wants.
Her meals are provided at no cost to her.
She visits the Dr. once a year for her checkup, and again during the year if any medical needs arise.
For this she pays nothing, and nothing is required of her.
She lives in a nice neighborhood, in a house that is much larger than she needs, but she is not required to do any upkeep.
If she makes a mess, someone else cleans it up.
She has her choice of luxurious places to sleep.
She receives those accommodations absolutely free.
She is living like royalty, and has absolutely no expenses whatsoever.
All of her living costs are picked up by others who go out and earn a living every day.
I was just thinking about all this, and suddenly it hit me like a brick in the head, Holy Smokes,
My dog is a democrat!
Hope you enjoyed that!
She may have even been able to run for president!
Monday, July 7, 2014
Cool Water Pump!
I now drive a 2005 GMC Canyon, and love it! Of course, it is a big change from the '03 Silverado 2500 that I was driving. Trying to get used to a smaller bed with less capacity has been a challenge to say the least. You should have seen me trying to carry a truckload of 2x6x16's the other day down the NW Expressway here in OKC! Redneck to say the least!
Well, my water pump started to leak the other day, and was making some pretty rough noises, so I went and got the $50 water pump, and decided to change it on Friday evening. The water pump is completely different from any I have ever seen. . . of course, the truck is a little different too. It has a 3.5L inline 5 with plenty of get up and go. The water pump was about 7" from front to back with a diameter of about 4". There were no inlet and outlet connections, which I thought was very odd, but rather, the impeller is out in the open, and it appears that the impeller uses the actual engine to direct where the coolant goes. It was pretty cool. The only downside was the fan nut, which is a 36mm nut, which only has room for an extremely thin wrench to get in to break it loose. The Auto Parts stores sell a special wrench to be able to do this, but they only want about $60 for it. More than the water pump. . .really GM? I'd never use it again, so I spent about 3 hrs trying to get that stupid nut broke loose! I got it, and it cost me nothing, but a little bit of time. Overall, it was a pretty simple job. Much easier than I would have expected, and definitely much easier than other water pumps that I have replaced!
Well, my water pump started to leak the other day, and was making some pretty rough noises, so I went and got the $50 water pump, and decided to change it on Friday evening. The water pump is completely different from any I have ever seen. . . of course, the truck is a little different too. It has a 3.5L inline 5 with plenty of get up and go. The water pump was about 7" from front to back with a diameter of about 4". There were no inlet and outlet connections, which I thought was very odd, but rather, the impeller is out in the open, and it appears that the impeller uses the actual engine to direct where the coolant goes. It was pretty cool. The only downside was the fan nut, which is a 36mm nut, which only has room for an extremely thin wrench to get in to break it loose. The Auto Parts stores sell a special wrench to be able to do this, but they only want about $60 for it. More than the water pump. . .really GM? I'd never use it again, so I spent about 3 hrs trying to get that stupid nut broke loose! I got it, and it cost me nothing, but a little bit of time. Overall, it was a pretty simple job. Much easier than I would have expected, and definitely much easier than other water pumps that I have replaced!
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Surprise!
Well now!
A good friend of mine just called me yesterday, and told me that he found my blog! Well. . . I had pretty much completely forgotten about it until he called me! Thanks, Bob! It took me a couple of hours to figure out what my username and password were, and it is taking me forever to type out this post! Sandra and I don't have internet at the house, so it is on my phone. Any posts will be pretty short until we get a keyboard that I can use with my phone.
A good friend of mine just called me yesterday, and told me that he found my blog! Well. . . I had pretty much completely forgotten about it until he called me! Thanks, Bob! It took me a couple of hours to figure out what my username and password were, and it is taking me forever to type out this post! Sandra and I don't have internet at the house, so it is on my phone. Any posts will be pretty short until we get a keyboard that I can use with my phone.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
LinuxMint 10
I've just installed LinuxMint 10 on my new desktop, and I love it! The desktop is not actually new, but someone put it along the side of the road without a hard drive, and said we could have it. My brother, Justus, had an extra hard drive(only 4G), so I thought I'd give it a try! If you can get past the differences it has from Windows, it is the best thing since DOS! Well, I'm using it now, still trying to get used to it, and if you get a chance, look it up.
(LinuxMint 11, also known as "Katya" is also out, but my computer didn't like it, so I reverted back to 10)
http://www.linuxmint.com/
(LinuxMint 11, also known as "Katya" is also out, but my computer didn't like it, so I reverted back to 10)
http://www.linuxmint.com/
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