On Living and Dying

I know the title is a bit somber for some. Let’s face it though we are about living. God the Creator, our Creator has given us life, and due to the sin of Adam we are all going to die too.

There is not one person who is exempt from death. None of us guaranteed tomorrow, not even to mention “Next year”, “Next Thanksgiving”, or “Next Christmas”. We don’t even know what the next five minutes will bring our way.

Now do not get me wrong, I am not avowing the thought, “Let us eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die”, but what I am saying is let’s be responsible in living, taking time with family, even the elderly ones, and not fear what this virus might do to us.

I am not just saying this. I do my best to practice this by faith in the One who made me, saved me, and gives me life. My family and I have decided to continue living without the fear which has been promoted and false accusations of someone not loving others because we choose to meet together and do not wear mask, is plumb unloving in itself.

I have also determined not to be swayed by the supposed guilt others would lay on me. I have enough guilt of my own to deal with.

Anyway, let’s get on with life; and I am speaking more to Bible believing Christians here. Death is not a friend, but our last enemy that shall be destroyed, so we are not to fear it for ourselves or our loved ones.

Here is what I practice through this ordeal: I keep my distance from others in public places; when I cough or sneeze I do it into my shoulder or elbow or cover my face with my hand; I frequently wash my hands as well with soap and water. By the way, I have no intention of getting vaccinated either; I have also never taken a flu shot. I don’t plan on getting one.

The reason I have not gotten the flu is because of the good Lord, His hand of protection, and if I do get sick He heals me because He is the Great Physician.

I grieve with those who have lost loved ones due to the virus, and thankful for all of those who have recovered and are currently recovering. Have you noticed what the recovery rate is? Just a thought.

Let us rejoice in the Lord always and always be thankful for our health, the things and the wealth He has blessed us with. By the way I did not use the word “Wealthy” there; we all have wealth if we stop and look and think about it.

Do not be so afraid to die, that you’re afraid to live for His glory.

That is my thoughts from the banks of Flat Creek,

~tim

Only Since July Fifth

The title of this writing is how long it has been since I posted anything here.  School has gotten back in session in every location that I am aware of and is certainly true for Cassville School District for which I drive a bus.

Here we are just six days away from Thanksgiving Day and only 38 days until Christmas.  Wow!  How time flies by.

Back in October around the 23rd of the month our daughter, and oldest child had a stroke, and was hospitalized for about 5 days plus.  She is home doing well, and is recovering.  Please pray for Charity and continued recovery.  She is gradually recovering strength, still needs the prayers of the warriors of Christ to intercede for her.

My oh my how the world needs to know the God of the Bible, the Father of Jesus Christ; He who sent His only Son to die in our place, to redeem us unto Himself.

It has certainly been a beautiful Fall season.  Temperatures have been a little colder than normal, but hey, I live in Missouri.  You never know what the weather will be like.  There is a saying that has been said around our parts, “If you don’t like the weather; stick around for a bit, it’ll change.”

If I do not get back to this site to leave a message of Thanksgiving blessing or Merry Christmas; let me give it to you now.  HAVE BLESSED THANKSGIVING DAY,   a very MERRY CHRISTMAS.  I will always keep Christ in the season.  He is the reason for the season.

From the banks of Flat Creek,

~tim

The Nevers

Have you ever thought about all the “Nevers” you ever said?  You know, “I would never do that.”  or “I would never have that” or maybe another one or two.

I think about that once in a while.  Here are some of my “Nevers”…

The first thing I can think of is that I can remember a day when I said, “I would never pay to watch television in my own home.”

The second thing I can remember saying is that “I would never have a computer in my home.”

The third thing I can remember is “I would never have  a ‘Smart Phone'”.

On those things I can say I have done all of those now.

When we moved to the State of California we lived in a remote location, no air TV available, so the only television we could get was by cable; I paid for television.  So after that, I guess it just became the normal thing for me to do. “Never?”

In the earlier part of this 21st century I was doing our Church bulletin for every Sunday on an old electric typewriter until a good church member brought me a computer he was not using at home, and showed me how to use the word processor on the thing, and I have had a computer ever since that day.  “Never?”

Just this past Summer my wife and I went on a trip (vacation of sorts) to Kentucky to see The Ark Encounter.  It was while we were traveling I realized how much better it could be using one of them GPS systems, and Smart phones have the ability, so by the time we returned home I was convinced to get a Smart phone.  Now I have one of those.  “Never?”

There are probably many other nevers I have said, for good or for bad.  I have gotten to a place where I think a little more before I say never.  One is when I see what other people can do in wickedness…  I like to think, “I would never do that”; but then I think…

From the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

 

October Fifth Twenty Sixteen Rain

We have been receiving a blessing of some much needed rain today.  It started falling sometime after midnight, and has continued intermittently since then.

Thank the LORD of all creation for this blessing.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

“Nice Guys”

The other day I heard someone say, “I am getting where I believe that “Nice guys do finish last”.  I failed to make a comment, and should have, because I was surprised by it coming from where it did.

It has probably been over a month ago, but it has been on my mind since then.  I have been wondering, “What is a good and appropriate response to that phrase?”  Now I think I have one.

Nice guys may finish last, because they are the ones who stop along the way to help a stranded motorist.  They might even stop on  a marathon run to aid a fallen opponent.  So if nice guys do really finish last it is due to the fact of a kind heart.  A blessing not a curse; to the one’s to whom they give aid, and in the end even their own hearts and minds, and in God’s eternity.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

Book Review: The Failure of Sex Education in the Church – Mistaken Identity, Compromised Purity

Let me first apologize to Linda Bartlett the author.  See left a message on my blog asking if I would like to receive the book for review.  I told her that I would love to.  That was back in July 2014, and I received it that same month.

To be honest with you I have not finished the book.  I have found it interesting, educational, and very bold.  It is literally a book that ask many questions, and she gives her answers as well as the answers of others.

One question that is asked is this, “Is sex education in the church distinctively different?”  I do not want to give away any answers, except to peak your interest in the book.  In short to the answer “No!” On page 23 near the end of chapter one Linda Bartlett writes, “Danger lurks when we let sexuality shape our identity.”  That is what I see is the idea behind this book.  And, I do believe it is a Biblical and correct view of human sexuality.  We are much more than sexual beings.

In the final paragraph of Chapter Eleven Mrs. Bartlett writes, “God’s Word does not provide a model for sex education, but it consistently tells us to train in holiness.  Being holy means resisting our own sinful passions and replacing false sentiments with godly ones.”

Any time the Church is dependent on worldly ideas and detract from the Word of God we will get it wrong.  Linda Bartlett speaks of Kinsey, and others who are responsible for the “we are sexual beings” thought.  And Mrs. Bartlett tells us that there is no place in Scripture that says that.  We are told, however, that we were made in the image and likeness of God.

Every parent and teenager needs to read this book.

The Failure of Sex Education in the Church – Mistaken Identity, Compromised Purity

by Linda Bartlett

You can read articles by Linda Bartlett at the following blog site:

Ezer Woman’s Blog

I pray you will purchase this book, read it, then that the Christian community will further the teachings of Scripture, and godliness.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

`tim

The Verdict is In

And Justice has been served.  If the Grand Jury would have decided with public pressure, or emotion there would not be justice.

They did however base their decision on the evidence and testimony they were given.  Justice has been served.

Let us all be part of the human race, grieve with the family who tragically lost a son; and grieve with the city of Ferguson, MO for the trials they have experienced by mob rule, and the great injustices done to local businesses and people.

Let us also pray for the peace of all who are not at peace.

-tim

Almost Unbelievable

I never wrote about it previously.  We had frost on October 04, 2014 here in our valley.   Have not had any since, but warmer weather. Last year the first frost in our valley was October 18.  It seems very unseasonal for late October to have mid 80 temps. Maybe not.

Must say that I do enjoy it though.  Yet I would prefer to have a Fall season, with cooler temps, preparing us for the cold weather that may be coming in Winter.

~tim

Day of Sunshine

Since the last few days; at least since Friday the 11th of October; we have had mostly clouds and rain.  We were blessed to receive almost seven inches of the blessing of heaven.  The rain even caused the Creek to rise to the brink, and overflow in some of the lower places.

It is good to see the sunshine down upon us.  God reminds us that His blessings continue, and we are to bless His name too.

Enjoy the sunshine today, and be blessed.

~tim

Getting a Good Hard Rain

We have been blessed with rain through the night.  It was quite pleasant to wake a few time in the night and hear the drops of heaven playing their lovely song on our roof.

Even now as I write there is a gentle rainfall; with thunder, lightening, and rolling thunder.  I love the sounds the heavens make, declaring the blessings of our Lord.

~tim

Early Autumn Days

We are now three days into Autumn of the year.  It is wonderful having cooler temps; even though I am a Summer type guy.  Summer heat starts getting to me nowadays.  These 40 – 50 degree mornings are wonderful; though I do need to wear a light jacket.

It is a wonderful thing getting up in plenty of time each morning to read the Bible, spend time with God in prayer and hearing Him too through  His Word.  Then going out on the School Bus and watching the sun rise in the Eastern sky as I head east down highway 76.

At this time I do not see it rising as I am heading down 76, but later as I am picking up some of the passengers.

It is a glorious thing to watch the sun rise and know the One who gives it to us.

Have a wonderful, marvelous Fall day.

Having one on the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

Coldest Day – So Far

When I came into my living room this morning about 4:45 the thermometer read minus two (-2) degrees.  Thirty minutes later it was at -3 degrees.  The last time a took a look it was at -4 degrees.

I just took a minute and looked again; now it is at -5 degrees.  Is that what is called, “Dropping like a rock”?  I guess it could drop a bit faster.

I am sure thankful this morning though.  Thankful for a nice warm home.  Thankful for flowing water.  Thankful for many things.

I am praying this morning for all the farmers who will need to be, and already are out in this snow and cold caring for their cattle, and other livestock.  For those who are maintaining our roads; praying for their wisdom and safety.  For the EMT’s, and other emergency personnel.  May I add, if you do not need to be out, stay in, and stay warm.

One more thing;  if you just have to get out and drive on the  highways turn on your headlights.  It is good to be seen; not just able to see.  It is a matter of safety; not just yours but others who are out as well.

-tim

Thanksgiving Day 112813

I pray that all will have a blessed day of Thanking the One who alone is worthy of thanksgiving, worship and praise.  It is one thing to be thankful; it is quite another to know whom to thank.

Thank the LORD our Maker, Saviour, Redeemer and Friend.

-tim

The Beating Heart

This machine that the Creator placed in my body, and nearly all living beings, including those who have often been referred to as “Having no heart” do have them too.

It is a marvelous machine; regulated by the brain, electrical activity, and most importantly by its Creator.  I do not know all the things involved; not nearly; but I do know one thing and that is that it is a marvelous invention.  We men and women of earth think we are makers of intricate, detailed, and beautiful, magnificent machines.  When you stop and think about it though; what is there that compares with the human body?  You could say, “Maybe the universe”, but we did not make that.  The Creator did.

We have our computers, our V-8, V-10, V-12, V-6, four cylinder gasoline combustion engines; and they are quite remarkable.  There is also the diesel, and jet engines too.  Still cannot match up to what GOD has made.

I guess I have needed to stop and take a look at things a bit differently lately.  You see, I just returned home from having stentz placed in my heart arteries.  About 2.5 years ago I had five put in my heart, and it really gave me a boost, a pickup, I did not know I had even been missing.  Then, as I wrote a week or so ago — I had a heart attack, and it was due to one of those stentz becoming 100 percent blocked.  While the surgeon was examining that situation, he found another blockage in another arterie.

Yesterday I went in and had that one taken care of.  I just returned home, and feel like I am doing quite well.  I did just receive a call from the Cardiologists office that I could not return to work until November 25 though.  I was a bit disappointed, but realized that it is probably necessary.

The Beating Heart.  That is something you cannot live without.  Something else  you cannot live without and for all eternity is to know the One who gives you a beating heart.  That is possible through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ; God’s holy Son.

-tim

Forever Thankful

I realize that it has been some time since I had a personal post here on Flat Creek Rolling.  There have been some events to take place in the life of my wife and I that could have been very horrific were it not for first of all our Lord GOD and Savior Jesus Christ; secondly family – all our kids, their spouses which we really view as our kids too; our grand kids, other family, and a wonderful hosts of friends.

This past Friday November 1 I was weedeating around the fence of our yard.  It had not been cleaned out since about June; so it really looked rough and needing it bad.  I was feeling pretty good, full of energy; so I grabbed the weedeater, filled it with gas, filled the head with cutting cord, and started to do just a bit of it.  Well, when I got that bit finished, I still felt pretty good, so I proceeded to work the bigger part.

I went all the way down to the creek, then started back up the hill toward the road.  About three fourths of the way up I started experiencing chest pains, but tried not to pay attention to it thinking it was a heart burn at first.  Since I was so close to finish I kept working.  Running out of gas in the machine I walked down the hill where I had left the fuel container, picked it up, took it back to the weedeater, filled it, then proceeded to the end of the fence at the road.  I finished.  Went and put the machine away, then fed the dogs, and went in the house.

After stopping the work the pain increased greatly, and spread to my arms and once in awhile to my upper back.

After all of this I ended up in the Emergency Room in Mercy Hospital in Springfield.  When we arrived there the nurses, doctors, and others proceeded caring for me, asking questions; and when I was questioned by a doctor on the floor; suddenly our youngest daughter cried out, “Mom, What’s wrong?”  I turned to see my wife passed out, then a nurse ran over, he could feel no pulse, rolled her in the floor, did some chest compressions, and after two or three of those my wife (I was told) knocked his hand away.  By this time they had rolled me into the hallway to care for my wife (Madge).

I was blessed when a nurse who had earlier entered my room mistakenly, came to my bed, in the hallway, and asked if she could pray with me, speaking comforting and encouraging words.  Now my wife was admitted to the hospital, and they are caring for her, trying to find what had caused this collapse.  This was all Friday night.

On Saturday morning they took me to the Cath Lab, and did an angiogram on me finding a stent I had done in April of 2011 with 100 percent blockage.  The doctor repaired that one, and found some more clogged arteries.  For those I am scheduled for more work on Monday.

I was released from ICU on Sunday morning.  Then went directly to Madge’s room and spent the rest of the day with her and the kids.  It was pretty much determined that her collapse was due to her allergies, asthma, and other oxygen issues.  Madge did not get released until Tuesday afternoon.  We are now home FOREVER THANKFUL for God’s wonderful presence, power and glory through all of this.  He is our Healer, Sustainer, Friend and Savior.

Thank GOD for the doctors, nurses, aids, housekeeping, and all who were there in our time of need.  May God richly bless you all.

-tim

Eagles at War???

This past Wednesday morning as I was driving home, and along the bluff road to our house there were several bald eagles perching in trees.  I drove a little ways, and suddenly one flew up from just beside me.  It seemed that it was standing on the steep bank, and my driving by it caused it to take flight through the trees.

What I found fascinating was that eagle made a half circle around in front of me, landed in a tree branch just over our road, and attacked another eagle sitting in that tree.  As I drove under the tree they both took flight, one after the other; but when the last one left it flew high, then, made a dive bomb attack on the other one.

A few minutes later I stepped on on the front porch or our house, and though I could not see the eagles I heard the screeching speech of an eagle.  It was a continued piercing screeching sound, clearly that of an eagle.  They were on the other side of the hill that rises slowly to the South of our home.

They are majestic birds.  Wonderful to watch.  I had never seen them behave that way before.  That is why I have the question marks on the end of the title.  It may have just been a domestic dispute.  It may have been a dominance dispute as well.  It is interesting here on the banks of Flat Creek.

-tim

Ducks on the Creek

The place where our dinner table is set is where we can have our patio curtain drawn back and see a very large portion of our backyard.  For the past two morning’s Madge and I have been eating our breakfast, looking through the door to the frost on the ground, watching the dogs at times; and then, too I have witnessed ducks swimming and playing down on the rapids in the creek.

They would get in the rapid part of the creek, float down for a way, the fly back up to the still water, float, and get into the rapid, float down some more, then again fly back up to the still water.  It is like they were just entertaining themselves, having fun.  Madge and I were entertained watching them.

Flat Creek holds a wealth of entertainment for those who know what real entertainment is.  For others you can be bored if you want.  Though I do sorrow much for the parents and loved ones of the children and teachers who were murdered by the Connecticut Coward; and I also sorrow for his parents and family.  I will not be logged down with the burden of the immoral, indecent, murderous acts of anyone.  Ducks on the Creek is great relief from the continued cacophonous sounds of the News media going on and on about any tragedy.

I will pray for the the families; and still watch the Ducks on the Creek; as well as Eagles soaring through the air.

-tim

Thanksgiving 2012

There is a lot of people giving thanks; and many who are not thankful to the right one.  Then there are also some who are not thankful at all, but spend their lives complaining about their life’s situation.  Is there any difference in not being thankful and being thankful, but for the wrong reason?

To that question I must answer; I do think there is a difference.  I would, however, rather be around a thankful person than a complainer; no matter why they are thankful.  Thankfulness affects your life for good, and the lives of others.

There is so much more to being thankful when you are thankful to the only One who is worthy of Thanksgiving; and that is our GOD and Saviour Jesus Christ.  He has given us all things to enjoy, be blessed, and give glory to Him.  We could not take the next breath of air, except He gives it to us; or take the next step, or receive the next beat of our heart, except by His mercy.

Our family met at my parents home on Thanksgiving Day.  My sisters, Jane, Judy, and Jill with their husbands – minus one, their children and grandchildren – a few; and my brother Steven, his wife Deanna, their two sons and two grandsons.  I am not sure of the number present, but it was above 40 I am pretty sure of that.  We had a banquet with turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, ham, deviled eggs, cheesy cabbage, hot rolls, and for dessert pumpkin pie, chocolate pie, and others galore.

I am so thankful for my family.  God has blessed us beyond what we are deserving of, and that is because of His mercy and grace.

Thank YOU Lord for your mercy, grace, salvation and all the bountiful blessings YOU have provided us.

-tim

We The People…

Well!  The majority of the people have spoken; and it is quite clear what our Country stands for.  We stand for same sex marriage.  We stand for abortion for any cause; as long as the woman has the right to choose.  We stand for a redistribution of wealth.  We stand for all citizens to be disarmed.  We stand against the freedom of religion; and the freedom of speech.

The United States of America was founded on Biblical, Judeo/Christian principles, and we have been greatly blessed over the 236 years of being a Nation.  We have had an hedge around us by the hand of God; protecting us, keeping us, guiding us.  Now we are a “Progressive” (the liberal with a new name) Nation; under the protection of our government and its President.

Now, let us watch and see what the “Progressives” (the old liberal mentality) will do, and will not do.

In the mean time… I plan on living my life as I have been, with the exception of becoming a bolder, more confident Christian – a faithful follower of Jesus Christ – and speaking, for Christ, praying for our President; for his salvation, for his eyes to be opened concerning the way he leads this nation.  I will be praying for the Christians of the USA to put the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) back on, and stand with the holy Word of God in our hands and within our hearts.

Remember Christian.  The battle is not over until we hear Jesus say, “Come up here.”

-tim

The Return of the Eagle

Our first notice of the eagle’s return last year was October 25.  This morning; November 01, 2012 at 9 a.m.  was my first sight of the returning eagles this Fall.

The first one came and made a short circle before setting in a tree behind our house along the Creek bank.  Then, shortly thereafter the second one came and perched beside the other.  As I watched for a while one of them dropped from the tree toward the water; I lost sight of it at that time, and she came up and set herself down in another tree.  In just a short time she swooped down again and went back to the former tree.

It is so amazing to watch these amazing birds of prey; and they are so beautiful in flight.  One of God’s beings in His created order.

I hope I did not cause them to leave permanently when I went out to burn a brush pile near where they had perched.  I like seeing them around.

-tim