Unsettled Dust

On the afternoon of July 30, 2011 we had a massive historical event take place at our house.  It rained.  It rained so much it moved the dust from the ground to the air.  When it stopped raining the dust fell back to the ground.

It’s still dusty.  I say this laughing, because the rain had no sooner left, then the ground was dry again.

If I get to feeling pretty bad about the dry; all I need to do is think of those people in Africa who are in drought and famine; and then I see how blessed we  really are.

Lord of all creation, Jesus, we need some rain; and please help those people  in Kenya, Africa who are experiencing such chaos of drought, famine and military barbarism.  Meet their needs, and glorify YOUR name.

It’s Sunday.  Go to church today and worship our Lord and Savior.  Pray for the Lord to reveal your sins, confess them to Him, repent of them.  Then, pray for rain.

We need rain along the banks of Flat Creek too.

-Tim

Survival in the USA

Several years ago Hank Williams jr. sung a song with the words, “I’ve got a shotgun, a rifle and a four wheel drive; and a country boy can survive.”  That is the way I feel concerning the threats coming out of D.C.  I have a new definition for D.C.  (Dipstick Compartment)

The debt ceiling thing has nothing to do with individual survival.  If the debt rises or falls we can and will survive.  My survival is not dependent upon anything the D.C.’s do.  My survival is dependent upon my GOD and Savior Jesus Christ.  My life, my all, my finances come from His provisions; not D.C.’s

For all who may be interested; I do have a rifle.  I have three of them, and know how to use them.  I do not have a shotgun or a four wheel drive; but I can still survive.

How about you?  You can too.

Living here on the banks of Flat Creek we have access to fish, and there are other forms of wildlife to hunt, for sustenance, and life.  Oh, by they way I may seem cynical, but I am thankful for the freedom we still have in this country.  Where we can still tell our gov what we think of them; and without fear of reprisal.

We do need to be more concerned about personal debt.  We need to be out of it as soon as possible on the family level.  That will be a wonderful blessing for all.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding.”

-Tim

Marriage of a Country Boy and a City Girl

In 1973 a young, teenage country, dairy farmer boy was in love with a beautiful city girl.  The country boy would drive 55 miles every weekend to spend time with her, and stayed the weekend with his cousins who lived a short distance away, so they could go to church together.  It all began in 1972 right after this country boy graduated from High school, and had returned from a trip to Florida with three friends.

She was only fifteen when they started dating, but shortly thereafter turned sixteen.  The country boy was just seventeen, out of school, and no intentions of going on.  Without making the story too long; he proposed to her in December of 1972, and they determined to wait until she graduated from High school.  That, however, was not how it turned out.  They wanted to be together so much that they moved the date up to July of 1973, and married on July 28, 1973.

The wedding took place at Dale Street Baptist Church in Springfield, MO.  After five children, and now having 12 grand children [two with Jesus in Heaven] we have been married for a blessed 38 years.  That country boy and city girl of course is Madge and I.  Secret exposed :).

How things have changed in those 38 years.  More couples living together without marriage. They will say things like, “Marriage is only a piece of paper.” or “If we aren’t married then we won’t have to go through all the legalities of divorce when it happens.”  As for the first one it’s much more than a piece of paper; it is a bound, a commitment to one another.  It is held together by much more than a piece of paper or law; it is held together by genuine love, no lust, but love.

Genuine love is much more than “feeling” it is a decision you make when you get up every morning.  I am going to love her/him today, no matter what.  I am going to demonstrate that love, no matter what.  One doing something for the other without expecting anything in return.  Genuine love is a God-like love; sacrificial.  Loving even when the other may show hate.

Madge and I have had our ups and downs, however, for my part it has been thoroughly worth it.  I have learned more about God’s love for me, and for all by our marriage.

As for the second part of what I wrote above;  You have no love, just lust, and it will not last.  You cheapen yourself, you cheapen one another to nothing more than a source of your pleasure.  Most of all you cheapen marriage.  O yeah!  Marriage is between a man [one man] and a woman [one woman].  Faithfulness to one another is a blessing and not a curse.

From the banks of Flat Creek; Happy Anniversary Madge.  I love you today and always.

-Tim

Maybe It was Mowing the Dirt

I wrote a post the other day that I title “After Mowing”.  I spoke of mowing dirt and the heat.  It has been hot; there is certainly no denying that, but I choose to be thankful for it, rather than complain about it.  I mean think of the alternative – it could be below zero, and without the heat of the sun to warm us there would be no life at all.

The other night while I was sleeping I had a dream of snow and slick roads.  I guess that was a way of reminding me of last February.  I must admit I don’t do much outdoor work when it is hot like this.  It probably wouldn’t be too wise for someone who has had stents placed in their heart to do so; at least too aggressively.

I did go out yesterday afternoon to move a mound of dirt which was out in the yard from the septic lateral, which I had to mow around.  It was just a small mound.  I took my pick and shovel to it and had it moved in short order, but in that 100 degree sun it made short work of me too.  I thank God for those guy and gals who are out in it doing road work, building houses, farm work, and all other legitimate work.  No matter what your age may be; working out in that sun’s heat will zap your body of needed nutrients and strength.  Take care of yourselves.  Drink lots of water; no caffeine or alcohol; these will harm you rather than help you.

Maybe it was mowing that dirt that caused me to dream of cool weather and snow.  I know it is a coming.

Watching the sunrise along the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

Here It Is…

…Another wonderful morning; and to make it even greater; it’s Sunday morning.  Getting up way before the sunrise has become a habit with me.  It seems I function best at this time, but the rest of the day not so well, at times.

I hear cattle bawling across the Creek, our neighbor across Flat Creek is a physician, I hear, and has a pretty nice place over there.  I don’t know what all the bawling is about, but they are doing it.

There is a beginning of sun light starting to show itself.  I can see the trees along the banks in silhouette form, where an hour ago it just looked black and dark outside.  Looking forward to going to church today to worship the God of all creation, the Son of God, God incarnate, Jesus Christ.

I pray you have already made that your plan for the day.  Honor God every day, worship Him every day, and get with others in worship and fellowship as oft as you can.  We are having a fellowship dinner at Carr Lane Baptist today.  We all always look forward to our dinners, fellowship times.

The light is getting brighter for the new day ahead along the banks of Flat Creek of Southwest Missouri.

-Tim

After Mowing

I spent the day yesterday repairing my mower, and finishing up mowing my yard.  First of all when I was mowing the evening before the right front wheel fell off.  The cotter pin had broke, and thus left nothing to keep it on.  So Friday morning I drove into Cassville to get me some new bushings; which go inside the wheel slipping over the spindle/axle; also some cotter pins, and washers.  When I arrived back home I fixed the wheel, adding a lot of grease to the wheel and axle and bushings.

Even though I was using a rider the heat was putting a lot of stress on this decaying body, and I took several breaks.  If you don’t know – I have about 2.5 to 3 acres that I mow.  It was starting to look a bit scraggly, as well as brown from no rain.  It still looks brown, but looks much better with it mowed.  Anyway, I finished the mowing about 4:15 p.m., and a refreshing, breeze came up, with a little rain shower.  I just stood out in it absorbing the falling water.  It felt pretty good having the falling rain cool me off After Mowing the yard.

The rain, was what I said it was; just a little shower, because it didn’t last very long, or come down very hard.  It wet the ground; until the sun came back out,  then it was g-o-n-e.

I thank my Lord and GOD for the moisture, and refreshing that came After Mowing, along the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

The Heat is On

“It sure is hot!” or “It feels like a blast furnace.” or “It’s like stepping into an oven out there.”  How many times have you heard these phrases or something similar?  Probably several, if you live in the South, Midwest or Northeast parts of the USA.

Remember last February.  Temps on one day around Cassville, Mo fell in some places to about -30 degrees.  Yesterday [July 21, 2011], at my house, the temp was +110.  That would be a plus of 140 degrees from that day in February.

The heat is on, for sure, and the grass is no longer green; with the exception of a few places.  I mowed my front yard last evening, and it seemed that I was mowing dust; but the front yard looks much better.

It is hot outside, and when the morning temps are in the mid seventies, that doesn’t look like a cooling for the day ahead.  I much prefer the 110 to that of 30 below zero.  I am also very thankful for the heat of the sun.  Without it we would all freeze in a matter of minutes. Though none of us want to be roasted or baked alive.

GOD is so good to us.  He is full of mercy and grace.  He placed this planet in just the right location for life, especially human life; and there is no place like it in the universe.

There is no place like living along the banks of Flat Creek.  No place.

Enjoy the heat for the next few days.  Absorb the rays of  the sun.  Let it warm you.  You will need it in a few months.

LORD, we do ask for rain for growth and nourishment of crops, and filling the rivers and streams in our area.  Thank YOU Almighty GOD.

-Tim

Courageous the Movie

The Sherwood Baptist Church has done another fine work of art for viewing by the rest of the world.  However, it is much more than a work of art; it is a film of action, family, love, and especially of the need for fathers to lead in their families, taking godly responsibility.

Courageous will be out in theaters on September 30, 2011, and I want to recommend that any and all who read this go and see it.  You will be blessed, you will not be bored.

Back in May my wife and I received an invitation from the promoters of “Courageous” to view a prescreening of the film on July 19 at the Elite III cinema in Branson, MO.  We went last evening, and were greatly blessed by seeing this movie.

The set is Albany, Georgia and involves the Sheriff’s Department of that county, and its four of its deputies with various family situations.  It also deals with integrity, and law and order; situations where there is police action as well.

Take your family with you.  It will probably receive a PG-13 rating due to some action sequences, and probably because the gospel is presented too.  There is no foul language.  You will appreciate that alone.

Even people along the banks of Flat Creek go see a movie occasionally.

-Tim

Little Girl

Last Saturday evening we had a birthday party for two of my grand sons.  The youngest Eli was born of June 30, and the older one was born August 01, so their mom decided to combine the two in July and have one big party at the families Swimming hole and picnic area on Flat Creek.

While we were there a couple floating in a canoe had a small dog swimming with them as they came through the hole of water.  Guess what?  The little dog got out of the water, came up and started playing with the kids.  The couple in the canoe went on.  We still have the little dog.

The Little Girl looks like a Corgi .  Little Girl is what I have been calling her.  I know not too many people will read this, but if you know someone who has lost a little golden colored Corgi looking dog, we would appreciate you coming to get her.

She is friendly, and strong minded; for such a little one.  She is probably an indoor pet, but we don’t allow dogs in our house; or any kind of pet.  We are providing her a place out of the sun, water and food; and petting her occasionally.

Our dog seems to be a bit jealous of her.

I guess if no one wants her or claims her we will take care of her.

That’s from the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

Going to Church

Some would think, “Well, You’re the pastor.  Of course you would go to church.”  I was going to church long before I ever became a pastor.  It is really not “Going to Church”; it is going to worship.  It is going to worship with others our Lord Jesus Christ; Savior of the world, and Lord and Master of the Universe and all that He has made.

My wife and I attend and are members of Carr Lane Baptist Church, down near the Arkansas and Missouri border in Southwest Missouri.  A country church with warm, loving people.

I am thankful today to be returning, because we were gone this past Sunday for our annual family get together.  I did get to hear a good sermon last Sunday by my brother in law; my sister’s husband.  It was good to be there with all our kids and grandkids; with the exception of one family.

It won’t be long and the wife and I will be getting in the car and heading for Carr Lane to worship.  Prayerfully, we worship Him everyday.  It is wonderful, however, to join other brothers and sisters in Christ to worship as oft as we can.

Writing from the banks of Flat Creek.  God bless you today and everyday.

-Tim

Tornado Relief for James and Amber

I call it blessing in the storm.  God’s blessing in the storm.  I know that there were many people who were devastated, killed, injured, left financially crippled by  the disastrous tornado that hit Joplin on the evening of May 22, 2011.  It was a great upset for our son James and his wife Amber.

They were at home when it hit.  Amber had gone to their tiny bathroom to get in the tub for protection from the approaching disaster.  James went to get their three dogs, and bring them in with  them; by the time James came  in the bathroom door he was pulling debris into the room with him and the three; when he closed the door.  Neither Amber nor James, nor any of the three dogs were injured; but their home was basically destroyed.  The damage was caused by a huge tree in their yard which came crashing through the roof of their living room, and rain water ruining much of the interior.

We are very grateful to our Lord for His protection for their lives.  James and Amber have been living with us since about the Friday following the tornado [May 27] until yesterday July 15, 2011.  They found a home to purchase with the insurance money they received from their ruined home in Joplin.

The “Tornado Relief” of the title is the way God has taken the disaster that could have taken their lives, and shown us all how He makes “all things work together for good to those who love the Lord”.  It is amazing what God has wrought.  But then, He is always that way.

We helped them move yesterday.  We had two trailers, and three cars, and moved them to their new home in Mt. Vernon, MO.; a beautiful home on the North side.  My how God has blessed them; my how He has blessed us all; and that shouldn’t take a tornado to realize the blessings He gives.

They have been trying to get their old home; in Joplin; demolished and the debris moved.  FEMA is telling them that they can push it to the corner of their lot, and it will be picked up.  It seems, however, that the city of Joplin is not allowing them to do that; threatening to fine them fifteen thousand dollars if they do so.  You would think that a city that has had so much tragedy would be glad to be getting rid of debris; not trying to fine the people for doing so.  It seems to me the city of Joplin needs to work with the people, or they may not have a city.

Anyway, I am thankful for the many blessings of our Lord.  He is our Protector; our Sword and our Shield.

On the banks of Flat Creek it’s a beautiful day.

-Tim

 

My Reading Habits

Reading at times seems to be difficult.  I can read, I enjoy reading, but there are times I would like to read and cannot make myself do it.  There is, however, one book that I have committed myself to picking up and reading at least once a day; and that is the Bible.

Since the end of December I have read three or four novels; three of which were a series.  The series is by Stephen Lawhead, and was a different version of the story of Robin Hood. The first book is “Hood”; the second, “Scarlet” and the third “Tuck”.  A great story.  I also have read one of John MacArthur’s newest works, “Slave”; and it is sure inspiring and challenging.  I have also read “Radical” by David Platt, and found out what a Christian in today’s world should really be.  Biblical.  Radical.  Like Jesus.

I actually read “Radical” before “Slave”, and I find that though written by different men, who may have never met one another (I don’t know for sure about that), the books complement one another.

I haven’t been reading much except the Bible lately.  Partly trying to keep myself physically busy with our place, church and other matters; but I still need to do some more reading.  I have much I need to catch up on.

Reading novels takes me back in time and sometimes into the future.  They are mostly imaginary, fictional, and can sometimes be inspirational and informing.  Most of the news of the day I get from television news, some online which is reading.

The sun is going to be coming over the hill shortly.  It is good to look outside and see the “book” which God has written.  The book of creation, life, beauty, and sometimes chaos and tragedy.  It is the most exciting of all.  And, it has the perfect ending.

On the banks of Flat Creek shortly before sunrise.

-Tim

A Nice Little Shower

As I write this morning a little rain shower is bringing some much needed water to our soil, grass and garden.  It’s probably not a whole lot as of yet, but much appreciated.

The clouds are keeping things cool for a while longer.  The sun has risen, but is out of view behind the clouds.  Looking at the grass it almost looks greener already.  Of course, that means mowing will be coming up soon. Of course I haven’t mowed my yard in nearly a month; and it needs it.  It looks scraggly and dusty.

Yesterday afternoon our outdoor thermometer was showing 126 degrees with the sunlight hitting it; and when you were in the sun it felt every bit of it too.

I still like Summer.  Its heat can be deadly if we don’t take precautions such as drinking a lot of water, not overdoing ourselves in outdoor activities – whether it’s work or play.  What ever you do never leave your children or any disabled person in the car.  It gets hot enough inside a car to bake cookies.  I saw a news report where a man did just that in Springfield, MO. yesterday afternoon.

Thank the LORD for the rain shower we’re getting now; and for the ones to come.

We need them on the banks of Flat Creek, and every where else.

-Tim

Family Weekend is Over

We made it to the end.  WHEW!!!  A house full of grand kids, their parents and the grand parents is an experience that will  not be soon forgotten.  When you have a family of 22 in one small home, sleeping in the living room floor, on the hide-a-bed, on the living room floor; on the dining room floor, the kitchen floor, and in all three bedrooms; there is bound to be some tension build up.

We all get along very well, yet there is tension.  I must give the credit to our getting along well to our GOD and Savior Jesus Christ.  Without that it would be nigh to impossible.  It also has to do with loving one another, and understanding matters.

We have had our problems; we continue to have problems where there are arguments occasionally over various matters; yet we still get together, converse, and enjoy our time together.

When we have got together at Philip’s and Sarah’s I have always been happy to return home.  When the kids are all here I am happy to see them come; but I am also happy to see the tail lights or rear bumpers of their cars headed toward their own homes.  Some people thinks that’s mean.  That’s the way life works.  Children are supposed to grow up and leave home.  If you don’t like it; get over it and accept the fact that you can’t hang on to them forever.  Nor, should you even want to.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

A Family Sunday

Most of our kids and grand kids are still with us.  They are, in fact, still in bed sleeping.  They will need to be arising soon to get themselves ready for Sunday School and worship.

We are all attending Shiloah Baptist Church.  Shiloah is the Baptist church I grew up in.  I was saved there, baptized in Flat Creek at the old Jenkins bridge in 1966.  On the Sunday I was saved, my sister Jane was as well; as well as several other.  Otis Ennis was our pastor at the time, and he baptized us the following Sunday.

My wife and I attended Shiloah when we first married.  I surrendered to preach the word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ while we were attending.  From July 1987 – November 1990 I was their pastor.

The current Pastor is David Eaton, Jr.  He is my brother in law; and the son of the man who was my pastor when I surrendered to preach.

I always look forward to the times I can go and hear good preaching.  Preachers who preach the Word of God are becoming rare; though I know there are many who still do.  Too many will compromise the Word to keep  the masses happy rather than caring about keeping God happy.

So much for that.  Things appear to be quiet outside.  No dogs are barking, yet.  No cattle are in the yard, yet.  However the time is drawing nearer to the time for the family to arise and begin getting ready to hear the Word of God and worship.

-Tim

Full House

I am not talking about the old television sitcom.  I am talking about our family at our house.  We are full up.  This weekend is our family’s annual get together.  The first one was at our house we were renting a few years ago; and then the next few years was at our son Philip’s and wife’s home in Booneville, AR.

The annual get together always take place near the time of my wife’s birthday and this year fell during the time of her birthday.  For her; I don’t think there could be a better birthday present than all our kids and grand kids at our home.  Me?  I need to get away once in awhile.  I love my kids, and grand kids, but the noise and the crowd  just gets to me after a bit.

That’s what I am doing now; taking some quiet time; though I can hear it in the next room.

I usually take off from preaching at Carr Lane Baptist Church for the weekend; and that has not changed this weekend.  Bro. Max Hook who is the Director of Soul’s Harbor in Rogers, AR. will be preaching for me Sunday morning July 10.  I appreciate Bro. Max and ministry.

Soul’s Harbor is a ministry to homeless men in the area.  Though Rogers is a part of the growing Northwest Arkansas area there are still many who need the services Max and the ministry provide.

We are going to be eating burgers for supper after while, and I think we are eating some longhorn burgers.  Meat from good old Missouri grown Texas Longhorns.  Barbeque hamburgers along the banks of Flat Creek.  Yum, yum.

I enjoy this time of year.  I also enjoy getting together with my family.  Thank YOU Lord for your blessings.

-Tim

Life

Life is a gift of God.  From conception to the birth, to the everyday life, until the death of the body; that is life.  For the human, even following the death of the body there is still life.  We were created by GOD eternal from conception and the Bible even tells us that God knew us before we were born (Jeremiah 1:5 and other places).

I just listened to and watched a video of an interview with an unborn baby.  It was gripping.  Now I know that no one actually conducted such an interview, yet these are words we need to hear and heed.

For when the life of the unborn human child is no longer precious; neither will the life of the born human child be precious.

All human life is precious.  It is the human being who is made in the image of God.  That is not said or claimed by any other created being.

God loves you today.  You are precious in His sight.  That is why He sent His Son Jesus to die in your place, and give you access to His throne.

-Tim

Confusion in the World

These are my personal observations and I don’t mean to be preachy about it.

People want justice, but not for others.  Case in point.  Casey Anthony case in Florida.  Casey was on trial for First degree murder and could have gotten the death penalty for the crime she allegedly committed; the “murder of her daughter”.

The prosecution presented the evidence which was all circumstantial and had nothing which proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that miss Anthony had murdered her daughter; at least that was the determination of the jury.  The jury had heard the evidence, from beginning to end, and determined that the only thing the prosecution had proven was that Casey had lied.  Four events of lying to a police officer.

When the jury came out and each charge they were to determine was read, they proclaimed “Not guilty” until the charge of “Lying to police”, and they found her guilty of those four counts.

I have noticed in News reports and such that a majority of people were angry with the jury.  Let me ask you this question,  Were you there?  and another one, Did you see Casey Anthony murder her baby girl?  All the jury had to go on was what the prosecution presented.

Now, in my mind, I think Casey Anthony is probably guilty; but I didn’t hear the evidence.  The jury did.  Their decision is the one that counts; not my thinking.

Let’s be glad that this is one of those cases where Justice has prevailed.  The evidence was presented which charged her with the audacious crime of murder.  The jury heard the evidence; and determined there was not enough evidence to prove Casey Anthony was guilty of the murder.  They came to the only conclusion they could.  Not Guilty.

The confusion in the world and particularly in this nation that I see is that many are so confused about “Justice”.  What is justice?

JUST’ICE, n. [L. justitia, from justus, just.]

1. The virtue which consists in giving to every one what is his due; practical conformity to the laws and to principles of rectitude in the dealings of men with each other; honesty; integrity in commerce or mutual intercourse. Justice is distributive or commutative. Distributive justice belongs to magistrates or rulers, and consists in distributing to every man that right or equity which the laws and the principles of equity require; or in deciding controversies according to the laws and to principles of equity. Commutative justice consists in fair dealing in trade and mutual intercourse between man and man.

2. Impartiality; equal distribution of right in expressing opinions; fair representation of facts respecting merit or demerit. In criticisms, narrations, history or discourse, it is a duty to do justice to every man, whether friend or foe.

3. Equity; agreeableness to right; as, he proved the justice of his claim. This should, in strictness, be justness.

From Websters Dictionary from e-sword.

A long definition I know; but there was more.  A partial understanding of “Justice” would be “one’s receiving what they deserve for the crime committed”.  Myself I want mercy; for myself and others.  I think we need to be merciful to miss Anthony and let her grow; and leave the judgment for her alleged crimes to the hands of her Creator.

We must remember that “Not guilty” does not mean innocent.  In this case it means there was not enough evidence to prove guilt.  We must rejoice that as far as we can determine justice has been done.  The court did it job.  Wouldn’t you want the same if you were on trial for your life; guilty or not guilty?  I would.

That’s my observations from the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

As the Sun Rises Over the Hill

As the sun rises over the hill to my East I hear dogs barking, and I wonder what is the dogs barking at.  I rise up from my chair to look and see, but they are only barking because they want out of their pen.  That will come a little later.

As the sun rises over the hill there are many thoughts that run through my mind.  Thoughts of dread, fear, anguish; yet also thoughts of hope, peace, love, joy, and my Lord Jesus Christ.  These latter things cancel out the other to some extent where they are not so binding.  It’s amazing how thought of Christ can set  you free.

As the sun rises over the hill the light gets brighter, everything becomes more clear.  Isn’t that what the Light of Christ is also about.

As the Son rises in our hearts, darkness vanishes.

-Tim

What a Wonderful Day

Every day is a wonderful day, however, today is wonderful because we are celebrating the 235th anniversary of the United States of America, and freedom from Great Britain.

I am thankful to Almighty GOD for raising up such a nation as this.  A nation free to believe in God, or not believe if that’s what one desires.  If you choose, however, not to believe in GOD please don’t think you have the right to stop me from believing, and I won’t believe that I have the right to stop you from believing what you do.  We also have the right to debate, discuss, and even argue vigorously over our beliefs, without attacking one another verbally or physically.

For 235 years this nation has lived by the grace of God.  She will only continue by that same grace of God.  Oh, how we need His mercy; and we have it.  Oh, how we need His grace; and we have that as well.  Let us rejoice in God’s grace and mercy today, thanking Him for the blessings He has bestowed upon us.

-Tim