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
Hope you are having thankful day.
I am thankful for the sunshine today, and the warmth it provides for our planet. It has been said that if our distance from the sun was any greater we would all freeze to death; there would be no life here; and if it was any closer it would be far too hot.
So I am thankful to the Creator of all things for designing so intricate of details into the created order.
Thankful from the banks of Flat Creek,
`tim
“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” Franklin
“We were sent here to move America forward again by putting people back in charge of their own country, to promote growth to give individuals the opportunities to reach for their dreams, to strengthen institutions of family, school, church, and community, to make the United States a stronger leader for peace, freedom, and progress abroad, and, through it all, to renew our faith in the God who has blessed our land.”
Ronald Reagan 12/12/1983 12:00:00 AM
“The Constitution was never meant to prevent people from praying; its declared purpose was to protect their freedom to pray.”
Ronald Reagan
9/18/1982 12:00:00 AM
The following is a speech by Patrick Henry as he spoke to our Nation’s leaders in March of 1775.
“Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death” Patrick Henry – 03/23/1775
No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings. Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not [Jer. 5:21], the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it. I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss [Matt. 26:48]. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free– if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending–if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained–we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us! They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us [2 Chron. 32:8]. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone [Eccl. 9:11]; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable–and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come. It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace– but there is no peace [Jer. 6:14]. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle [Matt. 20:6]? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
Scripture references added.
This speech can be found in Sketches of the Life and Character of Patrick Henry by William Wirt (James Webster: 1818) pages 119-123. WallBuilders offers a beautiful parchment copy of Patrick Henry’s speech and a CD ROM of his Life, Correspondence, and Speeches, available through our online store.
We need to pray for our leaders today. Our nation is in great peril.
There is a whole lot of politics going on. You know the idea, and ask the question, “How do you know a politician is lying?” The answer is… I will let you know a little later. That almost sounds like a good answer. That is not it, however.
How should Christians who are ‘followers of Jesus Christ’ be involved in politics, or should they be? Jesus said, “Render to Caesar, the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s”. It seems you could get a clear and distinct answer of being involved from that statement, “Render to Caesar…” When we are citizens of a Nation which has a democratic process of elections, then, we should participate in those elections and let our vote and voice be heard.
Should Christians try to get moral legislation for that Nation? That may be a little stickier. As Christians we understand that morality, nor legislation is going to change a nation. A nation changes as the hearts of the people are changed. That works in the positive and the negative. If the life changing message of the Gospel of Jesus is received by the populace, then there will be a positive change of hearts. If, on the other hand, society begins to turn more and more away from God, His Word, equal justice for all, giving of their resources to others in need, and Biblical/Christian morality, then there is the negative change and evil will increase. The streets will be filled with crimes such as street shootings, school shootings, robberies – banks, convenience stores, jewelry stores, churches, etc. Husbands killing wives, wives killing husbands, parents killing children, children killing parents, co-habitations (couples living together without being married), and all kinds of immoral sexual behavior, and that includes the U. S. Supreme Court approved same sex marriage. Though approved by men, to God it is still an abomination.
Christians must have a voice, and that voice is in their church buildings and in the voting booth, and in the public forum. Christian, you have the right to vote: Use it or lose it.
I was behind a car from New Hampshire on the afternoon of Friday October 27, 2006 in Cassville, Missouri. I noticed something about that plate and the motto on the plate. It read, “LIVE FREE, OR DIE”. I thought when I saw it, “Now who ever came up with that one had a bold thought”. As long as you and I have the freedom to vote we have a say in the way things are run in our country.
If we get to trusting in the political process to save our Nation we are doomed. In the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ it speaks of a woman riding a beast. That woman represents religion, and the beast is – I believe – democratic government. I must say, has not religion in recent years been riding the beast of democracy? What follows is not pretty.
The Gospel of Jesus will change hearts and lives. No political process can do that. Legislate as you will.
Now to answer the question at the beginning. Their mouth is moving. But, you probably already knew that.
From the banks of Flat Creek,
`tim
Here are some things to think about…
How long can the USA continue as a nation?
“HOW LONG DO WE HAVE?
This is the most interesting thing I’ve read in a long time. The sad thing about it, you can see it coming.I have always heard about this democracy countdown. It is interesting to see it in print. God help us, not that we deserve it.
How Long Do We Have? About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier:”A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government.””A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury.””From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship.””The average age of the world’s greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years”
“During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the following sequence:
1. From bondage to spiritual faith;
2. From spiritual faith to great courage;
3. From courage to liberty;
4. From liberty to abundance;
5. From abundance to complacency;
6. From complacency to apathy;
7. From apathy to dependence;
8. From dependence back into bondage”
Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota, points out some interesting facts concerning the 2000 Presidential election:
Number of States won by:
Gore: 19
Bush: 29
Square miles of land won by:
Gore: 580,000
Bush: 2,427,000
Population of counties won by:
Gore: 127 million
Bush: 143 million
Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by:
Gore: 13.2
Bush: 2.1
Professor Olson adds: “In aggregate, the map of the territory Bush won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of this great country. Gore’s territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in government-owned tenements and living off various forms of government welfare…”
Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the “complacency and apathy” phase of Professor Tyler’s definition of democracy, with some forty percent of the nation’s population already having reached the “governmental dependency” phase.If Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to twenty million criminal invaders called illegal and they vote, then we can say goodbye to the USA in fewer than five years.”
How long do we have as a nation? Only God knows. We do however need to be in much prayer and be diligent to get to the voting booth on election day, and always let our voice be heard.
My Thoughts from the banks of Flat Creek,
`tim
I awoke this morning and heard some distant thunder. I had some information from accu-weather that is was supposed to rain, and I was hoping it would the ground was dry; even down a foot deep it was dry.
I know that because early the week before I had the sad duty of burying a dog name of Archer which had suffered for a long time from arthritus (spelling), and other problems. He was a big loving, lovable dog. The ground was dry and hard.
This morning around six or so at our house, in Mill Valley, on the banks of Flat Creek it started to rain. It came with lightening, thunder, and wind. O, how I was glad and happy to receive the blessing.
A couple of months ago we were wondering when it was going to stop raining. Many homes and businesses were flooded, and suffered damage, and sadly in some places people perished in those floods.
Myself I am thankful for the rain when ever it comes. I do not ask God to stop it. I will not complain about too much rain. I will thank Him for it; He is the One who gives itl
From the banks of Flat Creek south of Jenkins,
`tim
Article V – Amendment
The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.
Article IV – The States
Section 1 – Each State to Honor all others
Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.
Section 2 – State citizens, Extradition
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime.
(No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, But shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due.) (This clause in parentheses is superseded by the 13th Amendment.)
Section 3 – New States
New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new States shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.
The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.
Section 4 – Republican government
The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.
On April 30, 1789 our first President was inaugurated into the office of the presidency of the USA.
Peter Marshall and David Manuel write, “He reached New York in time to be inauguated on April 30, 1789. Stepping out onto the outdoor balcony of Federal Hall, in full view of the assembled multitude, he requested that a Bible be brought. Having placed his right hand on the open book, he took the oath of office. And then, embarrassed at the thunderous ovation which followed, the pealing church bells, and the roaring of the artillery, the new President went inside to deliver his inaugural address to Congress.’
‘Speaking with a gravity which verged on sadness, his voice deep and tremulous, he went further than he had ever gone before in stressing the role of God in the birth of the nation:” From THE LIGHT AND THE GLORY p. 349.
“It would be peculiarly improper to omit, in this first official act, my fervent supplication to that Almighty Being, who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States… No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency… We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.”
From THE LIGHT AND THE GLORY paperback.
My, how the leaders of our nation, and the people of our nation need to wake up and get back to the foundation of these truths.
In the year 1787 there was very serious debate of the Constitutional Convention. It was not being accomplished, and it seemed all was to no avail.
Peter Marshall and David Manuel write, “At this crucial moment, when there was not a man present who had any real hope of finding and effective solution, it was Ben Franklin who rose to speak. This elder statesman, who was also one of the most prominet physicists of his age, quietly said:”
“In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence of our favor… And have we now forgotten this powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?’
‘I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: ‘That God governs in the affairs of man.’ And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?’
‘We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel; we shall be divided by our little, partial local interests; our projects will be confounded; and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a byword down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter, from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing government by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war, or conquest.’
‘I therefore beg leave to move that, henceforth, prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven and its blessing on our deliberation be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business.” From THE LIGHT AND THE GLORY by Peter Marshall, Jr. and David Manuel, pp. 342 & 343 paperback.
O how we need again, to hear the words of this man in the history of our nation. If we are not dependent upon God, our Providence, for the leadership of this nation we will become the laughing stock of the world.
For the next few days I will be posting quotes from the books written by Peter Marshall, and David Manuel on the history of our Nation. The first is from “The Light and the Glory”, and is a quote from a sermon preached by the Reverend Samuel Langdon on May 31, 1775, following the taking of Fort Ticonderoga.
“We have rebelled against God. We have lost the true spirit of Christianity, though we retain the outward profession and form of it. We have neglected and set light by the glorious Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and His holy commands and institutions. The worship of many is but mere compliment to the Deity, while their hearts are far from Him. By many the Gospel is corrupted into a superficial system of moral philosophy, little better than ancient Platonism.
‘Wherefore is all this evil upon us? Is it not because we have forsaken the Lord? Can we say we are innocent of crimes against God? No, surely it becomes us to humble ourselves under His mighty hand, that He may exalt us in due time… My brethren, let us repent and implore the divine mercy. Let us amend our ways and our doings, reform everything that has been provoking the Most High, and thus endeavor to obtain the gracious interpositions of providence for our deliverance…
‘If God be for us, who can be against us? The enemy has reproached us for calling on His name and professing our trust in Him. They have made a mock of our solemn fasts and every appearance of serious Christianity in the land… May our land be purged from all its sins! Then the Lord will be our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble, and we will have no reason to be afraid, though thousands of enemies set themselves against us round about.
‘May the Lord hear us in this day of trouble… we will rejoice in His salvation, and in the name of our God, we will set up our banners…” From THE LIGHT AND THE GLORY pp. 277 & 278.
Can we see that this is a message that is pertinent for our day?
I was approaching our house up on top, before reaching the cemetery. Coming home from driving the School Bus, and I saw several turkeys; a big Tom with a very long beard, and a few of the hens with him.
The Tom had his tail feathers spread, strutting his stuff. This was the first I have ever seen a wild tom strutting with his tail feathers spread. It was quite exciting for me. Here are some pictures I took. Not sure if you can see them. I did not want to run them off too quickly…
Top left is, as you can see taken from inside the car. The other two are through the open drivers window looking over the bluff. I realize the picture is not real clear, but he is really there.
From the banks of Flat Creek, which you can see in the background over the bluff.
`tim
We have not had much snow for a few years in Southwest Mo., but we are getting enough today. So much so, in fact, that the Cassville School District has already canceled classes for January 16, 2018, and I received the call shortly after 11 a.m. on January 15.
The following are some pictures my wife Madge tool just outside our backdoor…
and one more…
I am not a real fan of cold Winter weather, but it goes with having seasons, and I thank the Lord our Creator for them all. Snow is beautiful because it covers all that is unsightly, ugly, and messed up.
From the banks of Flat Creek
`tim
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
It has been a while since I shared anything on this blog, so I thought I would today.
Cassville Schools started back on August 16, 2017; so I am back in full swing as a School bus driver. There is still a thing about it that I enjoy, and seeing those kids has a way of making a driver either feel younger or older. I guess it depends on your attitude and mentality.
I have been absent in the blogging department for at least a month now; for personal post, and Bible studies at Broken Pieces and I hope to return to that real soon.
Our phone and internet provided by CL, and which we had phone for 11 years, and internet since 2008, quit working on us about two weeks ago. The phone just had static, but the internet did not work at all. We called, and called, and called about it, but all they did was send us a new modem saying that should fix it. It did not. Finally I called them with an ultimatum to either get it fixed within 24 hours, or I am no longer your customer. Guess what? I am no longer a customer.
I went to a satellite provider, and so far it is far superior anyway. We even have home phone service through the company.
I decided a long time ago that I can survive without internet; however, it is not without its own problems; and it is mostly the convenience of internet.
My how foolish we can be when it comes to our conveniences.
Well! We received a bit of rain last night, and there was fog this morning driving in to drive the bus. God is great and good, and all went well.
From the banks of Flat Creek…
`tim
We just celebrated Easter yesterday by remembering the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. With the coming of Spring, and the greening of everything since March 20 it is quite fitting to mention “Resurrection”
Spring signifies the renewing of all things living. Going through Autumn and then Winter the plants seem to die, but then in Spring they come back to life. Resurrection is testified to by even the Creation around us.
The siblings, myself and our mother experienced the passing away of our Dad (on February 9,2017), and our mother’s husband of 63 years. Though that was and continues to be a sad departure for us we know Dad is more alive today, in the presence of Jesus, than he has ever been. One day, and maybe soon, he will rise from the grave in which he is buried, along with all those who died in Jesus Christ; and those who are still living in Christ will join them all in the sky, with Him.
So shall we ever, forever live with Jesus.
Why do I believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus, and all who believe in Him? The green of April declares it. Most of all God in His word proclaims and declares it. Jesus is risen. “He is not here. He is risen.”
From the banks of Flat Creek,
~tim
…By the grace of God I will be voting on Tuesday November 08, 2016. I will not be voting for “the lesser of two evils”.
I will be voting for the candidate who will honor their pledge (at their inauguration) to “protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America”. I will be voting for the candidate who will defend the Second Amendment, and the people’s right to defend themselves against a tyrannical government. I will be voting for the candidate who defends the right of life to the unborn human child. I will be voting for the candidate who cares more about the citizens of this great nation, than they do about global causes. I will be voting for the candidate who will appoint Supreme Court Justices who will honor, defend, and protect the Constitution according to its original intent rather than what is culturally acceptable, or politically correct.
The reason to go vote. Your vote will make a difference.
From the banks of Flat Creek.
~tim
Flat Creek Rolling 