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.

Flat Creek Has Been Rolling Heavy

We have received 9 – 10 inches of rain from Saturday night through Monday evening.  At last look at my bucket it had about 9 inches in it and we received a bit more after that.

I am including some pictures.  The Creek has gotten as high as I ever remember, and it got higher than any of the past five years we have lived here for sure.

These pictures are in our backyard.

 

The following pictures are down stream at our swimming area, and called the Whirlhole, and the road down to the hole.

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” Proverbs 21:1

That is how it is on 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

Getting a Good Rain

We are getting a very good rain today.  Since it began this morning it has been coming down slow, easy, and soaking the ground.  I do not believe there is any run off.  I know that does not help the Flat Creek or the branches which run into the Creek and eventually Table Rock Lake.  It is very good for the ground.

There has been no thunder, lightening, or wind; no storm of any kind.  At least that I have noticed.

To the Good LORD above for the rain let us be thankful.

Thank YOU LORD.

-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

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

A Bit of Snow…

When I went to bed last night it was snowing lightly.  This morning when I arose I looked out the window to see, but a trace of snow on the porch, and the ground.  The temp, however, was biting at 12 degrees, and since then has dropped to 11 degrees.

I somewhat asked for a stable Winter this year.  I mean by that with more Winter type temps of thirty and below during the daytime.  It has not been quite that stable, but we have been having more cold days together than apart; at least it seems to me to be so.

Just heard from our son who lives in Mt Vernon, MO. that they had about three inches on the ground there.  I am happy for them. 🙂

Have a grand day.

-tim

Blessed with Rainfall

I have been told that all of last year here in Southwest Missouri we received all of 10 inches of rain, and no more.  Also that since January of this year we have been blessed with over 14 inches of that sweet dew from heaven.  All praise to the One who gives it on the just and the unjust.

Just this past Thursday, April 18, we received over 3 inches.

Awoke this morning, a little later than usual, to a ground covered with frost, and 29 degrees.

Thank YOU Lord for YOUR bountiful blessings.

Some Additions

I have recently added some new posts to this blog.  They were written in years past, so I post them as such, on the date they were posted on another blog, and another hosts.  I am planning on deleting that other blog; after I get all moved here.

This blog was started in June 13, 2011.  Though it has not had many readers I am thankful for each one who comes here, and I am praying for you.  Thanks for coming by.

-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

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

Second Anniversary

Just to get right to the point.  Today marks the second anniversary of my wife Madge and I moving into our new home.  We are still enjoying the home with which the Lord of all has blessed us.  The Creek is still rolling by, though this past Summer with the extreme high temps, and the drought caused it to drop considerably; and with recent rainfall it has now risen much above drought conditions.

The other day I went and cut some cedar logs for the “legs” for a back porch on the house.  I am planning on building a porch which measures 8 feet by 8 feet.  That will give us a fairly large porch in the back in order to have more room for the door the swing open, and to sit out back on the porch; if we choose to do so.

Thank you LORD for Your many blessings; and today for our home.

-tim

Early Fall

It has been a week now that the Autumnal Equinox occurred.  We have received a little rainfall in the past week as well which is a real blessing.  It has, however, been quite some time since there has been any water flowing over the banks of Flat Creek.  It has been at least one and one half years since the Creek flowed over the banks.

With the rain we have received our yard has needed mowing, and  I have mowed some of it, but not all.  I am back to pushing a twenty inch push mower to mow my nearly three acres of grass.  That is hard to keep up with, especially when you have other things needing done.

I am thankful for the green grass.  It was such a drab to look across our yard and only see brown, dead grass lying on the soil.  The trees I planted and the “Rose of Sharon” shrubs, as well are doing well.  At least some of the trees are doing well.  I planted eleven poplar trees, and only six are surviving.  All twelve of the “Rose of Sharon” shrubs survive.  I watered them every morning during the century degree weather; which was nearly every day for a month here in our valley.  I watered them everyday even when it was not in the hundreds of degrees.  The tallest trees are about five feet tall now.  From maybe two feet to five.  Those that are five feet; at least two of them were cut back due to dog damage, yet they have out grown the others.

It will not be long and it will be Thanksgiving.  I try to make each day a day of thanksgiving; and I fear there are days I fail to be thankful.  May there never be another.

-tim

The Bite of Frost

When I came into the Living Room this morning the temp was 31 degrees outside.  I just went out a little while ago and looked and there is frost on the ground and on our cars.  We are not yet passed the time of frost, though I think some around had felt there would be no more.

Some have planted tomato plants and other plants in jeopardy to frost.  I do not believe it is a hard frost though, and maybe this frost is only in low lying areas such as where we are.

I did notice that the Cassville temp is at 40 degrees.  No danger there of frost.

-Tim

Bird Song

During the later morning hours, sitting in my office  preparing for Sunday morning in our church; I heard a clunk at my office window.  Seeing how we had four of our grand children present, and they were outside, my first thought was that one of the smaller ones threw something and hit the window.  However, when I looked out the window I saw our dogs gathered around something on the ground, they were sniffing at it, and blocking my view of whatever it was.

I went outside and looked. It was a small bird.  It was still alive.  It’s eyes were blinking, and I could see the movement of its breast by its breathing.  I picked up the little bird, and held in my hands.  After a few minutes the bird sat up, got on its feet, still stunned.

I took it and showed it to my grand kids.  They were thrilled wanting to touch it, and pet it.  He/She just sat there in my hand.  One time flying under the trampoline.  I retrieved her/him, and she continued to sit on my hand for a while longer.  In just a little while she flew away; flying very low to the ground, finding a resting place, and perching herself on a limb; sat there for a while.  I did notice later that she was gone.  I supposed she had finally came to her senses and flew away.

This morning, as I was in the office doing my blog writing, there was a bird that came singing at my window.  My thoughts were that this bird thought she would sing a song for me praising the LORD for His goodness; and letting me know she was fine.

When I hear birds singing; I believe they are singing praises to the King of kings, the LORD of hosts, and that is what God has made them for.  He made us for worship too.  However, it seems that we are the only part that fails to do so.

Listen to the birds sing.  Listen to the Bird Song.

Along the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

New Front Porch

For over a year now we have had manufactured steps at our front door with no porch.  Of course we still have some of those steps at our two back accesses to the house; one at our laundry door, and one at our patio door.  No!  We do not have a rear deck built yet; but it is in the plans.

We are only endeavoring to do these builds without adding more to our debt.

The front porch is now built and paid for; the only part of the house that is paid for.  It is great and we offer our praise to the Creator who has blessed us with the means to receive it and to care for it.

It will be great to have the porch to set in our outdoor chairs on the days of nice weather; to watch, listen and learn from God the things He has made in creation.

On the banks of Flat Creek, and it is still rolling right along.

-Tim

One Year Ago Today…

We moved into our new home along the banks of Flat Creek.  It has been a joyous year being able to step outside our home; especially out the back doors, and hear the sound of the creek as it rolls down toward Table Rock Lake several miles away.

It was a joy to last Winter watch the Eagles as the soared above our heads, house and land.  It was also with joy that when the tornado struck Joplin, MO. we had the house and space for our son James, his wife, and Archer and for a short while even Pillar and Skillet; to move in with us for a couple of months until they could find them a new home.  Archer, ended up finding his home with us permanently.  We have really enjoyed having him around too.  I do not remember as a boy with a dog having as much fun and joy as I have had with Archer.

Anyway, the year has gone by quickly.  There is much work we need to do around our home yet.  We need to get a front porch built on it.  We also want to built a back deck.  That will still come.

One day we would like to get the old house my father was born and raised in fixed up and use it for family and friends to stay in when they come visit.  That will be a while in coming.  There is much work to do, and with being a pastor, driving a school bus there just does not seem to be enough time in the day to accomplish everything I would like to do.

I just thank the LORD Almighty for His blessings, His grace and His mercy.  I also thank Him for our home which we are only stewards; and I pray will be always faithful stewards of what He has entrusted to our care.

Being blessed daily along the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

Electric Fence

I am in the process of putting an electric fence around our yard.  For some time now we have had problems with my brother’s cattle coming in our yard; afterall it has not been that long and our yard was their pasture; so they need a little education.

It rained all day yesterday, and yesterday morning with the help and aid of a friend we went to the local MFA, and I purchased the fence charger, some insulator clips, ground rods, one half mile of wire, clamps for holding the ground wire effectively to the ground rods.  I already had a few steel t-posts and a designed fence most of the way around the yard so I am using that is the place for the insulators.

Just for information.  This electric fencing is not designed to injure, maim or kill; only to turn them away.  It will only deliver an electric shock.

Looking forward to watching it at work.

-Tim