It Has Been Awhile

Last November 16 was when I shared my last thoughts on this site. I shared one someone else had posted on April 7th, 2020, but nothing of my own.

Since about March 16 of this year things have really gone crazy, we have had quite the adventure; unlike anything I have ever seen. I have not heard of this nation being shut down due to anything. I know about the “Great Depression”, but things were shut down because of other things, and people could still get out and work.

There have been worse sicknesses, and viruses that have hit our Country, and the nation has closed up everything except the government bureaucracies and needed hospitals.

I know, I am like most of you. I am tired of hearing about this stuff.  I prefer to trust my government, but when things like this happens it causes me to ask questions and doubt their intent.

I have no intent of attacking anyone, or trying to get anyone in particular to agree with me.  When government agencies are allowed to continue working; why is it the populace cannot? It seems to me to be more of a power grab, than protecting the people.

How many millions have lost their jobs. Families are hurting, and it  is not the govs responsibility to bail us all out – personally, or business, or State wise.

I pray for all those who have gotten ill from COVID-19 to get well and for full recovery. For family who has lost love ones to this enemy, my prayers to Almighty God goes up for you, your comfort, and encouragement.

My last thought is to pastors and churches it seems we have given cause for those who are out for a power grab, to make a precedent for this time, and who knows what it will be next. God our Creator has it in His hands.

O, by the way. The Church of which I am pastor has not closed its doors.  We have been meeting every Sunday regular services; except one Sunday night that was scheduled anyway. God has blessed. It was because I had no clear direction otherwise.

From the banks of Flat Creek,

~tim

The Month of Thanksgiving – Sixteenth

Today I am thankful for our fifth born child, third born son James. James was born in November of 1982 in Aurora, MO.

James is married to the lovely Amber. They live in Mount Vernon, MO. and they are happy pet owners to a couple of big dogs.

James and Amber for for a business in Aurora taking care of other people, and their needs. James is a loving, kind, tender, and caring man; as is Amber.

James knows the Lord as does Amber.  I thank the Lord for James everyday; and I am very thankful that the good Lord gave him to us.

Thankful from the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

The Month of Thanksgiving – 8, 9, & 10

I am thankful that I remembered today. For some reason I neglected to give a thanks for the 8th and the 9th; so I will include them today.

For Friday November the 8th I am thankful for the sunshine, and its warmth for the day, for our well, and that I was able to tend its need, which I had overlooked for some time.

For Saturday November the 9th I am thankful for the day Madge and I spent together going to the Queen City of the Ozarks, seeing both daughters, getting a couple of beds for our bedrooms, the visit with Larry and Margaret; and the beautiful drive home through Ozark, Highlandville, Abesville, Galena, and through Wheelerville, and on home. It is a wonderful drive through God’s country and country side.

Today, Sunday November 10, It is Veteran’s Day for remembering all who have signed that blank check even to the giving of their lives if necessary; thankful for all the sacrifices they have made for our Nation.

Thankful for the Lord’s work in my life and for His work in all our lives.  God is good, great, awesome, and glorious. He is worthy of all praise and thanksgiving.

Thankful from the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

The Month of Thanksgiving – 2 & 3

Since I overlooked posting a Thankful comment yesterday November 02, 2019 I will share two thanks today.

Yesterday was Youth Deer season, and our next to youngest grandson, Eli, got his first deer, so for that I am thankful. Thankful for that big smile his mother caught on camera as he knelt beside his first at the age of 11.  Thankful that he is enjoying the blessings of God’s creation, and His blessings.

For today I am thankful for this everyday, and most every moment of the day; and that is for God’s grace and mercy by which all can be saved from sin and the wrath of sin through Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the Church where I preach; and that they all have come under that grace through faith in Him.

Thankful from the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

A Sunday Drive on Friday

When I was a boy I can remember a few times when my Mom and Dad would decide to go on a Sunday drive after worship at our Church. I remember going to Silver Dollar City in the early 1960’s and it was nothing like it is today.  At that time it seems like we just drove up and walked in. I do remember a few drives that was just driving around to see different places.

Well; anyway I woke up yesterday morning [Friday] trying to decide if I needed to go to the Church office for further study prep and prayer or if I would just stay at the house. I decided on staying, and I did do some review, and praying over the text, and studying.

Along about the time I was winding things down I decided I wanted to go to Aurora for a cheeseburger at Sonic; so I asked my wife (Madge) if she would like to go and eat lunch. I knew she would not turn down an opportunity to go out and eat.  She said “Sure”.

The lunch date quickly turned into a drive.  While we were eating I asked Madge, maybe I stated to her, “Let’s go on to Timothy and Sarah’s, and see how the work on their house is going”. She was all for that.  They live in Stott’s City, west of Mount Vernon a few miles.  On the way I told her “We are taking a Sunday drive on Friday”.

As some of you know I retired from School Bus driving at the end of the 2018 – 2019 School year; from the Cassville R-IV School District. From September 2003 through May 17, 2019 I drove a bus to supplement our income.  I also enjoyed it until around the 2016 – 2017  School year.  I am now retired.

Several have asked me, “Do you miss driving the bus?” My answer to that is “NO!” I do miss the friends I have made among the other bus drivers, and some of our talks around the tables in the garage.

If it were not for retiring from the School, I would not have been able to take a Sunday drive on Friday.

I am still thankful to the Lord Jesus everyday for the strength, and life He gives, for the family and friends He has blessed me with.  I have plenty to do; and too much have left undone that I need to get done, so I know nothing of boredom.

I look forward to taking more Sunday drives on Friday.

From the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

Article 3 of the Constitution of the United States of America

The Constitution of the United States of America

Article III. – The Judicial Branch

Section 1 – Judicial powers
The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behavior, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services a Compensation which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.

Section 2 – Trial by Jury, Original Jurisdiction, Jury Trials
(The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority; to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls; to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction; to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party; to Controversies between two or more States; between a State and Citizens of another State; between Citizens of different States; between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects.) (This section in parentheses is modified by the 11th Amendment.)
In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have apellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.
The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed.

Section 3 – Treason
Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
The Congress shall have power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.

Preparing the Garden Spot

It has been some time since writing on Flat Creek Rolling, but here goes…

I have nothing in the ground to call a food garden.  We have plenty of things to call garden. They have flowers and such growing in other spots, some have already bloomed and died off like they are supposed to do.

However, back to our garden spot.  It had been covered in tall weeds and grass.  I mowed it down, rode it down with the mower on Wednesday (6/6/18).

This morning (Saturday June 9) I went and tilled a small spot at the lowest part of the old garden.  My thinking is, that when the creek has risen out of the banks the time or two since we moved in here, the water, as it lowered left better soil for growing things.

I may be too late in planting anything.  I am going to plant some beets, carrots, and things such as that, but we need some rain. The ground, this morning, was really too dry for tilling, but it got tilled anyway.

I am going to try, and we will see what happens.

From the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

Snow in April 2018

It is not real rare, but we are hardly one month into Spring and we get a snow.  I remember a day in April of 1971 we received about six inches during the day, and it was gone by sundown.

Here are a couple of pictures from this morning, and from our front porch…

It is wonderful to live in the southwest Missouri Ozarks.  You just never know what the weather is going to do.

From the banks of Flat Creek

`tim

 

April’s Showers and May Flowers

We have been getting bunches of rain around here.  It is good to get, and I am sure ruins the plans of human ideas.  Let us be real though.  Without rain we perish.

Inches and inches of rain has fallen.  Flat Creek, out our back door is rising from last nights rainfall, and there is more on the way.  The creek is barely out of the banks.

I went down to look at an hour or so ago, and it is barely in the lowest spot which use to be part of our yard.  After the flooding of December 2015, I do not treat as part of the yard any longer.

April is almost over.  The many showers of April have fallen giving rise to hope which will bring prosperity for the ground, cattle, gardens, crops and life.  May flowers is the promise of beauty, peace, and prosperity.

Is it not wonderful how our Lord and God has blessed us with beauty and hope.  Have a great day ending April.  Be blessed in the month of May.

From the banks of a roaring Flat Creek.  The picture above is when the Creek is flowing peacefully.

~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

Potato Garden

I know.  It has been several months since I wrote anything here.  This has not been a priority with me, but I will endeavor to make it so.

A few weeks ago I bought some seed potatoes (35 pounds), and my wife and I cut them up as you must, and then I planted them.  I ended up with nearing six full rows of approximately 100 feet in length.

As of today they are looking good.  We do need rain.  We received some rain this past week, and that helps.

Right now all we have is potatoes growing in the garden, but we have plans for tomatoes, bell peppers, and some spicy peppers too.

It is fantastic watching things grow.  It will we wonderful to have a good potato harvest, hopefully around July.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

Let it Rain

I was planning on doing some mowing today.  The very back of our yard that is beside the Creek needs mowing.

I will not curse the rain though. It is a much needed blessing.  There are places in the U. S. of A. that needs good rains.  Even in those places where they live by irrigation they still need much rainfall, and snowfall that only comes from the Creator to sustain their sources of irrigation water.

The rain we are getting at this moment is intermittent showers; but much appreciated.  If the sun would shine in a few moments for the rest of the day, then I would do some mowing.  If not: Thank you LORD for the rain.

That is my story on the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

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

Raining

It seems that it has rained all night.  As a matter of fact I think it is still raining.

That will be wonderful for the ground and the Creek.  Thank you Lord for the refreshing rain.

-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

Some Late Summer Rain

It is the latter part of Summer when you get to Labor Day weekend.  September 1 is just about a day away.

When got up this morning there was thunder in the distance, and as I went outside to investigate I saw the lightening; but there was yet, no rain.  We need the rain.  Plants are drying up without water.  The grass is brown or turning brown from the intense heat we have had for several days.  Things just do not live for long without water.

Just a few minutes ago, around 6 a.m. we received a bit of rain.  It was a grand blessing to hear the pebbled dew of heaven falling on our roof top.

The blessing for today.  One blessing for today is the rainfall we have received.

~tim

Summer Heat Has Arrived

Summer time has always been my favorite time of year.  When I was a kid I looked forward to it because I would be out of school, and there would be hay to rake, bale, and haul to the barn.  At that time we used what we called square bales, thought they were really rectangular.  That is right I, as a kid, enjoyed preparing the hay and hauling it to the barn.  It was hot, and hard  work.  It was better than school :).

Up to this point we have had a really mild Summer.  The temps have been cool for Summer.  One morning in July; at least here in our valley; the temp was 48 degrees.  In the past few days the morning temp at my viewing has been upper sixties, even in the seventies.

Three days ago the high temp here in our valley was 100 degrees, the day following was 101 degrees, and yesterday’s high was 102 degrees.  There is something about this valley that makes it hotter in the Summer and colder in the Winter than surrounding areas.  I love it here.  Enjoying the Summer.  I guess I always have and I always will.

We do need some rain.  So thankful to the Creator for the rainfall we have received this year.  Every drop is a blessing of heaven.

The Summer Heat has arrived in along the banks of Flat Creek.

-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

Book – Empire of the Summer Moon

On July 17 of 2013 I posted an article on this book, “Empire of the Summer Moon” by S. C. Gwynne, copyright 2010.  I neglected to write further of it after I finished a few weeks later.

I am a slow reader, and it just never happened.

This cannot really be a finished review, but I will state I was involved in the story.  The history has much to do with Quanah Parker, his mother Cynthia Ann Parker, and Quanah’s rise in the white man’s world.

The following is a quote from the book about Quanah Parker:

“Quanah speaks English, is considerably advanced in civilization, and owns a ranch with considerable livestock and a small farm; wears a citizen’s suit and conforms to the customs of civilization–withal a fine-looking and dignified son of the plains….He is tall, muscular, as straight as an arrow; look-you-straight-through eyes, very dark skin, perfect teeth, and heavy, raven-black hair–the envy of feminine hearts….He has a handsome carriage and drives a pair of matched grays.”

The quote is a chapter 20 footnote for a quote from James T. DeShields, article “Cynthia Ann Parker: The Story of Her Capture”.

I found it to be very interesting for history, and after I really got into the story found it hard to put the book down.

It is not a children’s story.  It is for an adult reading.

-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