That Party plus Another

The birthday party scheduled for August the 8th was a  huge success. It went ahead as scheduled; and I believe Addyson was pleased as well as her friends and guest. The traveled, by walking and wading in the creek, and even got out of sight far from  the rest of us. These were city girls.

The “Plus” in the title is that just this past Saturday we had another Birthday Party down at the swimming hole. Our granddaughter Caitlyn turned 17 and had several of her friends from church celebrate with her. These were older and more aggressive youth, and they had much fun too.

No! I did not get in the creek either time, though due to the heat along with the humidity it might have seemed like a good idea.

It is always good to get together with family and friends.

And that is the way it is on the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

Mowing in the rain

Today is a special Birthday party for a special granddaughter. She is planning on having it down at our family swimming hole; the Whirl Hole. That could be a little in doubt now though, due to some rain.

I went down to mow, because it has been over a month since it was mowed.  When I got started mowing it started sprinkling and as I mowed it came down progressively harder. I was soaked when I got to the house.

I kept mowing until I got a fairly large enough space for a party, and access to the Creek for swimming.

We have not heard for our daughter Monica; if it is still a go. Addyson will surely be disappointed if it is rained out for the Creek.

Even if it is raining I am sure she will enjoy the meal at Flat Creek in Republic.

Happy Birthday to Addyson Worley  14 years old.

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

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

Refreshing Rains Have Come

I guess you could say that it is that time of year for rains to come.  Nothing, however, is for certain here in the Southwest Missouri Ozarks area.  We have, however, been blessed by God with some nice, easy rainfall.  Easy meaning there has not been a whole lot of runoff which would be filling creeks, and ponds; which we also need.

I finally got away from Flat Creek for a while  yesterday.  My wife and I went to the Queen City of the Ozarks – Springfield, Missouri for two of our grand children’s Birthday parties.  Jonathan, our oldest grandson turned 14; and Caitlyn is about 9, I think.  Of my grandkids ages I am not real certain with some of them.  I mean when you have been blessed with 12 of them… you know what I mean.

Anyway, it is good to get the rain.  We were driving down Interstate 44 yesterday as it was coming down pretty good there.  I am thankful for the rain.  There is more on the way.

-tim

Lydia – My Grand daughter

Just this past Saturday afternoon our son and his wife came down with their kids.  The smallest one [Lydia] wanted to go and see the puppies, so I took her to go see the puppies.  They are no longer in the pen, due to a lack of shelter there; and one evening last week when it started raining Little Girl [Mama] moved them under the shed to keep the dry.  That is where they are still.

We went out there; and of course Little Girl was there seeming curious about what I was doing, yet so gentle, and good natured; not even growling but more like wanting attention, nestling up to me.  I got down on my knees, looked underneath the shed, and saw one of the puppies just out from the rest of them; so I took him out, and let Lydia hold him.  Mama is watching closely, yet gentile like.  After Lydia gets down on her knees to look underneath we put the puppy back, gently and start returning to the house.

On the way back to the house Lydia turns around, and looks upward to the sky in the  East, points and says to me, “What is that?”  I turn around to see, and it is the moon.  Not yet shining, because the sun is still up, yet there it is just hanging like our Creator intended it to.  So I tell her, “That is the moon.”  At that she says “Oh!” and continues toward the house.

Lydia is less than two years of age, but cute as she can be.  She even likes her grandpa.

I have several grand daughters.  Our oldest grandchild is a grand daughter.  The youngest grandchild is a grand daughter, but lives in Booneville, AR. so we do not get to see them too often.  They are all my sweet hearts, and I am very thankful for all of them.

It is raining as I am writing this morning.  It is great to live in the Ozarks of Southwest Missouri; especially on the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

First Day of Summer ’09

The first day of Summer 2009 is starting out acting like Summer. Hot, muggy, summerish to say the least, and I guess I am one of a few or many (not sure of stats) who enjoy the hot, muggy days of Summer.

This day also is Father’s Day. Father’s are a blessing from God. I know mine is to me. I pray that I have been to my three sons, and two daughters too. Our daughters Charity and Monica both have children with their husbands and are both happy and to to be Moms. Two of our sons are Dads and happy and blessed to be so. I am now blessed as a grandfather of nine living, two with Jesus in heaven, and one on the way.

On this Sunday we will be attending church at Carr Lane Baptist, preaching the morning message, worshipping in the preaching and singing of hymns, songs, and spiritual songs; singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord. On this beautiful first day of Summer. What a wonderful day our Lord has wrought.

Thank YOU Lord.

-Tim A. Blankenship