The Month of Thanksgiving – Fifteenth

On this the fifteenth day of November  2019 I am thankful for our fourth born child, our second son Philip.

Philip was born in  Springfield as was the first and the third child.  He is married to  lovely young woman name of Sarah Joyce; and they have three beautiful daughters. They live in the State of Arkansas, the town of Booneville.

He is the pastor of at least one church, and has his own business as a financial adviser. He loves God in His Son Jesus Christ, His wife, and their three daughters.

So Lord, I do thank You for giving him to Madge and I, and thank You for the great things he has brought into our lives.

Thankful from the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

The Month of Thanksgiving – Fourteenth

I am thankful today for my third born child, who is our firstborn son.

Timothy named after me for his first name, and my Dad Mike for his middle name. He was born in Springfield, MO in 1979.  It was such a joy for Madge and I to be blessed with a son.

Timothy has a wonderful wife Sarah, and they have four wonderful children; Naomi, Josiah, Eli, and Lydia. Timothy is the pastor of the Baptist Church in Stott’s City, MO, and is employed by Baptist Hill Campgrounds near Mount Vernon.

Timothy, Sarah, and our grandkids are truly a blessing from the Lord and we are thankful for them, their love for each other and their children; and also the love and respect they give Madge and me.

Thankful from the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

The Month of Thanksgiving – 13

Today I will be thankful for our second born child and daughter, Monica.  Monica was born in the cold and icy month of January 1977 at the Baptist Hospital in Louisville, KY. She was born while I was a student at Boyce Bible School, part of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Monica is a great daughter, mild mannered, loving, and kind.  She is married to a fine man by the name of Sam. Monica and Sam are hard working, and devoted to one another and the care of their two children Addyson and AlexZander. They also have a great love and respect for Madge and I; and Sam’s mother Kathy too.

I am thankful to the Lord that I was and I still am blessed to have such a daughter, and her fine family.

Thankful from the banks of Flat Creek

`tim

The Month of Thanksgiving – 12

I am thankful for each of Madge’s and my children who have grown into fine, strong, respectable adults. Today I will begin with our first born.

We named her Charity when she was born, because the name means “love” especially godly love.  That name is fit for her still.

I am thankful for her because she is my daughter, because of her faith in God, through His Son Jesus Christ, and she also loves her family, and has been strong, faithful, and loving in being a wife to her husband Paul; and a strong and loving mother to her three children – our grandchildren; Rachelle, Jonathan, and Caitlyn.

I am thankful for the Lord’s goodness in watching over her through the years; and especially these last two years.

Thank You Lord for Charity and her family.

The Month of Thanksgiving – 11

On this 11th day of the month of Thanksgiving I am thankful for my wife Madge.  She has loved me, stood by me through thick and thin, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health as she is an encouragement to me.

For over forty six years she has tolerated me when I was very unloving, or unkind to her. I love her more than my own life, and I thank our Creator for her every day.

Thankful from the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

Sorghum, and the Mill

As I was on my way to Shell Knob today I drove past an old decaying, falling in building that was built by my Dad and a cousin named Harold (my Dad’s nephew).  They had a dream, and desire to supply an income for their families, and grow in the process of making this dark, syrupy, fragrant, and sticky stuff called sorghum.

I have some pictures I want to share with those who will come here to read and see them. The first one is of a plaque my wife made for me of the old can label they had put together for the sale and promotion of their business.

The next two pictures are of the old mill which they built using cedar logs set in the ground.  They then built a base to set the sorghum pan upon of rock and clay or cement.  They were a couple of men who did not have much money, but they had a little bit of a dream, and desire to make a good product; and they set to it.

 

 

 

I was standing next to the road by the gate into this property which belongs to a brother of Harold’s now.I was able to figure out how to do a zoom in on the camera of my phone.

I remember this quite well as a young boy in the early 1960’s  When they were making sorghum there were trees all round the back and to the east side (right) and my cousin who was nearer my age at the time ran through those woods having a great time.

Sorghum is made through squeezing sorghum cane, which my Dad and Harold grew on the ridge somewhat nearby.  They would take a tractor and wagon, go with cane knives, and cut down a heaped up load, and bring it back to the mill to make the sweet sorghum.

Before they squeezed the cane on the press, they would light a fire under the pan, get the heat going, then they let the juice roll down the delivery chute.

We used to eat quite a bit of Sorghum cake.  Pretty good stuff  putting butter on while it was still hot is delicious.

Most sorghums you find in store nowadays is mixed with corn syrup which ruins the good flavor.

Well that is really only part of the story.  My Dad and Harold are in heaven together now.

I just thought I would share something that was part of my upbringin’ as a child.

from the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

 

In the Year 2019

I pray all had a great, and thankful Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas; and truly a Happy New Year for at least the first two days of it any way.

I perceive myself to be a happy man, a happy married man to my wife of 45 plus years, a happy father of five, and the five of their spouses; also a happy grandfather 0f twelve.  I see that as a very happy man.  What I am is a very blessed man.

The blessings of happiness are from our Creator who has made all things.  By the very word of His mouth He has made all things that are.  The seen and the unseen were made by Him.  Without Him there was nothing made that is made.

To the Creator I give thanks and praise and glory and honor.

I am looking forward to this New Year.  It is a blessing from Him who has given it to us.

I do not believe God is well pleased when people are always in conflict with one another.  Tale telling, backbiting, gossiping, lying about another, being a false witness – what a shame.  According to some wiser men and women than myself we are not supposed make others feel “shamed”.  My thought on that is Shame, Shame, Shame on you.  If there was more shame for our actions, our unwise, even evil words there just might be less of it.

I am a Christian.  Not because I am a good person, but because a Man went to a cross and died for me, was buried carrying my shame and sin away, then arose from that grave to save me from my sin and evil life, and way of life.  He delivered me from condemnation and death.  He changed my life and gave me eternal life through Him.  He is my God and Savior.  He is also the Savior of the world.

Do you want to change the world for the glory of God?  Then go to Jesus the Christ, the Son of God who is God the Son.

Make the year of 2019 the most blessed and happy and prosperous you have ever experienced. In the word “Prosperous” I do not mean materially necessarily.

from the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

Independence Day on the Banks of Flat Creek

I took a couple of pictures while celebrating Independence Day yesterday.  The first is up above. It is the header picture.

Now I share with you the second…

Many of the family members had already left.  As families go; they had others places to go, and other things to do.

It is so good to live in such a God Blessed Nation.

I Am A Country Boy

I was country from the day I was born.  Born in a little rural town called Cassville at the age of newborn.  Raised on a family farm.  Learned how to handle a rifle, at the age of 8 – 10 Do not remember the age.  I think I was deer hunting alone by the time I was 12.

Hank Junior used to have a real popular song, “A Country Boy Can Survive”; and I do have a shot gun, a rifle and four wheel drive.  The four wheel drive is a Ford Super Duty F250.

The farming is my brother’s work now.  I live on my grandparents place.  It is the place where my Dad was born.  The house he was born in is still here.  I believe it is over 100 years old.  I still use the well that was drilled in the early 1900’s.  Not sure of the year, and it is only 30 feet deep.

No!  The well does not have the old hand pumper.  It does have an electric submersible pump, and still does a fair job of pumping water.  Thank the Lord for that every day.

As a Country Boy I have learned my survival is not dependent upon having that shotgun, rifle, or the four wheel drive.  My survival is dependent, every day, upon God the Father giving me my next breath of air, and the next beat of my heart.  Without Him I would not be living.

My survival is not dependent upon government either.  What they give they can take away.  Just ask the Native American we have called “Indians”.  Yes sir, and Yes Mam.  I survive as a Country Boy because the Creator of this Universe, and everything in it has me in His hands.

Thank God I am a country boy.

From the banks of Flat Creek

`tim

New School Year

The new School Year began in Cassville, MO on August 17.  I also started driving a different route.

I now drive the Jenkins route, and though I am pretty familiar with the area, since I do live in the Jenkins area, I am finding myself having a bit of trouble with some names of my kids.  Remembering their names.

As it is in most communities people move away, and new people move in.  There are only  about three families I am I am familiar with from my years of living here growing up.  One family is cousins, another is nephews, and another is a native of the area.  I just remembered a fourth family, and they are distant relatives.

One thing about it; I will not get lost.

I hope all who are reading this have a great new School year, and great days ahead.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

Let Me Tell You About My Mornings

My mornings are not important to anyone else.  I realize that; but to let you know what I do as a pastor, and a School Bus driver of the mornings – Here goes…

My alarm goes off around 3:15 a.m.  I get up do the necessary things before dressing, then proceed to make some coffee.  I get my computer turned on.  Then I take my Bible, my journal and set down at the kitchen/dining table; and I read a portion of Scripture (usually 2 – 5 chapters) to hear what God has to say to me today.  I spend a few minutes speaking to Him as well.

By the time I am through with my Bible reading the coffee is ready and I pour me a cup, mixed with a packet of Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate Sensations hot chocolate mix.  Yum.  Then I begin writing in my journal.  You can read some of what I wrote in today’s writing at this link

After I have written in my paper notebook, journal; I come and do some post for our Church blog, and my Bible Study blog called BROKEN PIECES.  By the time I am finished with that it is about time for me to leave for the bus garage.  I do watch a bit of Fox and Friends before leaving, and clean up my coffee pot.

I leave the house around 5:15 a.m. arrive at the bus garage around 5:45, pre-trip my bus, and leave on my route around 6:05 a.m.  It is an amazing drive.  I get to drive approximately 25 minutes before I pick up my first stop.  From then on into school there is much talk, screaming sometimes, laughter, playing [not supposed to]; no more quiet time.

I arrive at he High School drop off about 7:45 a.m. then the Elementary about 7:50 a.m.  Then, that part of my morning is over.  Following the route this morning I went with some of the other drivers to the Primary Cafeteria for biscuits and gravy for breakfast; instead of coming home.

When I get home I check emails, facebook, my blogs for comments and such; but most of all I try and spend the time preparing sermons for Sunday mornings and evenings.

Today I am scheduled for an activity trip taking the soccer team to Springfield, MO.  I am blessed to be doing a work which I thoroughly enjoy; being a pastor, and a school bus driver too.

A Blessed and sunny day along the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

An Obituary

I received the following in an email.  Think about it.

An Obituary printed in the London Times…..Absolutely Dead Brilliant!!

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has
been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his
birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be
remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

– Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
– Why the early bird gets the worm;
– Life isn’t always fair;
– And maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more
than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in
charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but
overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy
charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from
school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding
an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job
that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent
to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform
parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and
criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar
in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to
realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her
lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death,
-by his parents, Truth and Trust,
-by his wife, Discretion,
-by his daughter, Responsibility,
-and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 5 stepbrothers;r
– I Know My Rights
– I Want It Now
– Someone Else Is To Blame
– I’m A Victim
– Pay me for Doing Nothing

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do
nothing

Missing Lynn Messer

Lynn Messer is an individual who has been missing since last July 8, 2014.  Her husband Kerry awoke early that morning to find her absent from their bed.  He looked through the house; then went outside looking around the farm buildings, and later over their land, and found no sign of her.

Early on they had law enforcement officials out investigating the situation, and they have no answers; to my knowledge anyway.

This is a farming family in Eastern Missouri, South of St. Louis.  Kerry and Lynn have been long time family advocates within the State of Missouri.

I have been following this tragedy since it began.  This is a great tragedy in this family, for their friends and for others too.

My prayer is that Lynn will be found.  No one knows whether she is still alive or tragically killed; yet I am sure it would be a great relief, and closure for her to be found.

You may find out more about this by going to the Facebook page FIND LYNN MESSER

Lynn’s birthday will be Thursday June 4th.  She will “turn 53 years 0f adventures”.  Please pray for this family.

Dogwood Trees

I have noticed driving around lately; whether it be driving my bus route, in the car or truck; that there are numerous Dogwood trees in bloom.  They are so beautiful in bloom, whether they are white, red, pink, etc. they are lovely.

A year or so ago our son James and his wife Amber brought us three Dogwood plants, we planted them, but none have survived.  Sorry James and Amber.  Thank you very much for thinking of us.

Our son Timothy and his wife Sarah Lynn brought us three Dogwood plants to plant in our yard; just yesterday (April 17, 2015).  Madge and I went out this morning before the rain started falling, and planted them.  Hopefully these will make it.

I have noticed many Dogwood trees with a canopy top look; with a top that spreads out almost in a circular flatness.  It looks pretty neat with them in bloom.

I pray all are enjoying Spring.  I know I am. 🙂

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

I am For Amendment One – The Right to Farm

There are a lot of good people on both sides of Amendment 1; the right to farm amendment.  I am for it, and will vote for it.

Some tell us that we already have a right to farm.  We have had that right for years, but gradually those rights are being snatched away by legal maneuvering and votes by large cities that put limits on farming practices.  If this amendment fails this will cause special interest groups to eventually tell cattle men that they can only raise a very limited amount of cattle per acre.  Every sensible farmer already knows how many cattle he/she can raise on an acre of land.  He/She knows their land, and its production capabilities.

It is clear to me by those who are opposed to this amendment that they are for restrictions on farming.  They would have the Environmental Protection Agency setting restrictions on water usage,  binding, nonsensical animal abuse laws, and land use laws too.

I understand that this law will give large corporate farms the same rights as the small farms; and allow “China to start a large 50,000 acre farm” in the State.  Who needs the government telling us who can and who cannot farm in our State.  Come on now.  Can we not see that putting them out will eventually put the small farmer out too.

Let us be sensible about this.  No farmer or land owner I know wants to pollute its water, destroy its land or purposely harm its animals.  To vote against this amendment will open the doors for further government restrictions on farming.

That is my call from the banks of Flat Creek.  Vote “Yes” for Amendment 1.

-tim

Birthday Party for Two

Madge and I attended a Birthday party for two of our grandsons.  The party was at a park in Mount Vernon, MO. which is located behind the Mount Vernon Golf Course on highway 174 North and East of town.

I have been to the golf course a couple of times, knew where it was, and how to get there; but never knew there was a public park behind it.  You even need to drive through the golf course parking lot to get to the park.  Odd?  I never saw that done before.

You can even play frisbe golf in the park.

Our grandsons Josiah and Eli had a great time.  It was wonderful being there even with the heat.  Josiah will turn 11 on August 1, and Eli turned 6 on June 30.  I think it is a great use of resources to combine two birthdays together to celebrate their years of life.

I am glad that I had a part, even if it was just being present.  I even got to push Eli in the swings.  “Higher, Higher” he would say.  After he would get so high he got nervous about it he would say, “Stop pushing now”, or just “Stop”.  Funny.

It was great to get back home, though it was around 10 p.m.  I took a shower and went to bed.  The morning was wonderful.  The day is too.

~tim

About My Dad

Back in August 2011 I wrote about my Dad having a heart attack and that the doctors had given him little time to live.

Guess what.  Here it is 2014 and Dad is still alive and still kicking.  Well, I do not think he can kick much, but he is still up and about in his power chair.

Yesterday he came down with my sister Judy, her husband David, and ten of their grandchildren.  They went down behind our house, and Dad spoke to them of the old Blankenship Mill which used to be sitting about where they were all sitting and  standing.

Mom and Dad have been to church nearly every service since I became their pastor for the second time.  I think they missed the first Wednesday night of July.

Dad goes out in his power chair every day and gets the mail.  He tends a garden; it is a raised garden of sorts made up of three different beds; built from lumber; and with space between each one for his chair to roll.  It works quite well for him.

It further goes to show that doctors do not know how long we will live.  Just for clarity:  I do have confidence in most doctors.  They are needed and helpful for many illnesses, but I think most of them need to realize that they are servants of the one true Healer – Jesus the Christ, Son of God and God the Son.  Most medicine practiced today only treats symptoms; and does not heal the real problem.  After all if they healed us we would not need their treatments any longer.

Anyway I am thankful that my Dad is still going strong; at least as much as is possible.  Thank YOU Lord for my Dad.

-tim

Just Thinkin’

That is somethin’ some folks need to do a little more of.  Maybe even myself.  We need to get away from those electronic gadgets… and I laugh as I sit here typin’ on this computer… but I do some thinkin’ quite often.

I was thinkin’ as I was sittin’ here that it sure is nice to have this really cool weather here in the middle of July; which is usually the hottest month of Summer;  well at least it and August are the hottest, but so far, not this year.

Just to let the two or three who might read this know; I have been walkin’ every mornin’ ‘cept Sunday.  This mornin’ I walked nigh onto a couple miles.  Yep! I walked up to my Ma’s and Pa’s, visited with ’em for a while, then walked back home.

This mornin’ the temp was 47 degrees when I got up at 4:30.  It is a wonderful thing and because of that I am thankin’ th’ the good Lord for it.  I must say it was refreshin’ to have the cool air on my face, and when I got back  to the house I waden even sweatin’.

I mowed the back yard yesterdy.  It looks better now.  Flat Creek is stilling rolling right along.

-tim

Flat Creek is Still Rolling

This is a post just to let you know we are still here, and that Flat Creek is still rolling right along.

Many floaters; in canoes, inner tubes, boats, kayaks, etc. have come by.  I have not seen them all, but I have heard many of them as they float by and go over the small rapid behind our house.

With the rain we have gotten this Summer it has been a busy time just keeping up with the lawn mowing.  I have loved every minute of it.  I appreciate every drop of rain.  Thank the Lord for His blessings everyday.

My wife and I spent a couple of days with our son Philip and his wife Sarah and their daughters; Rene’e, Natalie, and Kylie in Booneville, AR. this past week.  It was kind of our family get together time.  However on July fourth we were with most of our kids at the family swimming hole for our annual Fourth of July get together.  It was a wonderful time, both times

Our daughter Monica, husband Sam with their two kids; Addyson and AlexZander were at Philip’s too.  All great kids.

Those Poplar trees we planted back in the Spring of 2011 are about twelve feet high now.  Some not quite there, but most are.  The Rose of Sharon’s we planted are just now blooming.  Some have not yet made any blooms.  Others are about to.

I have also built a Yard Deck, for our charcoal grill to set on.  I really like it away from the house where it will pose no problem with flames, yet not so far away as to be distant.  We have enjoyed the grill on the new deck two or three times this Summer.  Good food.

It is amazing how fast the Summer is rolling along.  School will be starting in just less than a month now.  I am sure no one wanted to be reminded of that.

From the banks of Flat Creek

-tim