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 USA and the Roman Empire

From an Article titled, WHY DID THE ROMAN EMPIRE FALL? This is noteworthy for repeat wherever we may do it.

The events which led to the collapse of the Roman Empire are startling similar to the events which are occurring in our nation today.

Historical Sequence

1.Strong Families: Rome was founded on high moral standards. Each father was respected as the head of the family. In the early republic, the father had legal authority to discipline rebellious members of his family.

2.Home Education: The education of the children was the responsibility of the parents. This further strengthened the children’s honor and respect for their parents and also deepened the communication and understanding between parents and children.

3.Prosperity: Strong Roman families produced a strong nation. The Roman armies were victorious in war. The wealth of conquered nations increased Roman prosperity and prestige.

4. National Achievements: Great building programs began in Rome. A vast network of roads united the empire. Magnificent palaces, public buildings, and coliseums were constructed.

5. Infiltration of “The Lie”: As Roman families prospered, it became fashionable to hire educated Greeks to care for the children. Greek philosophy, with its humanistic and godless base, was soon passed on to the Roman families. Women demanded more rights and, in order to accommodate them, new marriage contracts were designed, including ‘open marriages’.

6. Big Government: By the first century A.D. the father had lost his legal authority. It was delegated to the village, then to the city, then to the state, and finally to the empire. In Rome, citizens complained about housing shortages, soaring rents, congested traffic, polluted air, crimes in the streets, and the high cost of living. Unemployment was a perennial problem. To solve it, the government created a multitude of civil service jobs, including building inspectors, health inspectors, and tax collectors.

7. Decline and Persecution: The problem of big government only multiplied. Meanwhile, a flourishing New Testament Church was established in the Roman Empire through the preaching of the Apostle Paul and others. The final act of the Roman Empire was to bring great persecution to these Christians

Rome was quite tolerant of all religions except Christianity. Christianity was banned and Christians were persecuted, burned, and thrown to the lions. Why? Because the very nature of Christianity is intolerant of “the lie” of Satan which is the basis of every other religion.

The above was taken from the book titled THE REBIRTH OF AMERICA, published in 1986 by the Author S. Demoss Foundation.

Can we not see the simlarities in these things and the evil that is taking place in our nation today.

From August 06, 2007

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.

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

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

New Year 2015

It seems odd to me that it is already the year 2015.  It is funny to watch an old sci-fi movie which has looked twenty to thirty years into the future, and what they have portrayed is no where near the way things are.

The year 2014 was a blessed year for my family and I.  There have been changes, there have been hardships, and some of those hardships were blessings in disguise.

I thank GOD, our Creator for His bountiful blessings; and for His watch and care through all the hardships, and the blessing of healings, and comforts in pain.

I am looking forward to this new year on the banks of Flat Creek.

May the new year be a prosperous one; especially in our LORD.

-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

Mount Vernon November

Our family got together today, at least most of us, at our son and his wife’s home in Mount Vernon, MO.  They invited us to a cook out, and with me doing the cooking on the grill.  That is enjoyable, and the food is usually very good.

James and Amber had us all to their home.  This is their new home, because their old one was destroyed in the May 22 tornado which hit and destroyed most of Joplin, MO.  God protected and blessed them, and continues to do so through this terrible tragedy.

All our family was there with the exception of Philip and his wife Sarah Joyce who live in Booneville, AR.  and Paul, our oldest daughter Charity’s husband.  It was a great time to get together.

The wind was blustery, and made things a bit cool at times, but we had an enjoyable day and afternoon.

We love you James and Amber, and all the rest of you too.  So proud of you all.

-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

Flat Creek

If you notice the background picture of this blog you will see Flat Creek as it flows along toward the bluff the road is on toward our house.  You will also notice the name change of this blog.  It seems to be a bit more fitting than the name of this contributor to the blog.

I grew up on a farm along the banks of Flat Creek.  That farm is part of the piece of land which my wife and I have ownership of; and have been given to care for for a while.  We enjoy living where we live.  We can hear the creek as it flows; and at times we can see it as we sit at our dining room table through the patio door.

I think the name change is a positive thing.

Enjoy, be blessed as we write of living along the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

Being blessed with more Rain

Today is the last day of Summer.  At least according to the calendar hanging on my wall.  Friday the 23rd is the first day of Autumn.  That seems to be a little later than usual to me.  It seems to usually fall on the 21st or so; but not in 2011 I guess.

It is raining again.  Thank the Lord of all grace and mercy and love.  It is wonderful how He loves us all.  It seems to me that rain is a reminder of His love, grace and mercy and our need.

It will not be long and we will all be longing for those warm, even hot Summer days; at least I know I will.  I must admit some of these past Summer days were extremely hot; but that is Summer.

It is great to be alive.  It is great to have family and friends whom I love and who loves me.  It is even greater still to know that there is a God in Heaven who also lives within me, because He loves me and cares for every need.  All because of the gift of His Son Jesus – His death on the cross, burial and resurrection; and knowing that one day soon He will return.  O,  What a day that will be…

Thanks for the rain.

-Tim

Eli

Let me tell you about my grandson Eli.  I was playing with him last evening after I returned home from driving the school bus, and called him “Little boy”.  Without even saying anything else he said, “My name is Eli”.  Just to see what he would do I called him “Little boy” again, and he said, “My name is Eli” again.

I do not know about the rest of you, but I think that is cute.  A feisty two year old, who knows who he is.

There are fewer and fewer adults who know who they are.  O,  yeah, they know their name; but do not know who they really are.

It may take a while for that to sink in with a some, if they read this.

Flat Creek is still flowing beautifully over the rocks and through the valleys.

-Tim

Thieves, Crooks, and Culprits

It is horrible what some people will stoop so low to do.  Are they even in the human race?  Of course they are but they are depraved and wicked of mind and heart.  What am I writing about?  Thieves, crooks and culprits who would connive and steal from the elderly by way of a email or phone scam.

I have heard of them, and known of some people who were stolen from by these wicked perpetrators of stealing others property.  It has never hit so close to home until today.  My mother calls down to our house, and says, “Get up here NOW!” to my wife in an emergency type voice.  Madge tells me; we leave in a rush; we arrive at the house, and mom meats us at the door; upset, in tears, and trying to tell us what is wrong.  We finally find out she is talking about Charity, our eldest child and daughter.

The  caller has called pretending to be Charity, in tears, supposedly in jail for being drunk, and hitting a child; and needing several thousands in bail money.  When I heard that I immediately recognized it for what it was. A big fat phone scam.  Dad is still on the phone talking to some man connected with the attempted theft.  I have spoke rather loudly as I came in, “It’s a scam” and Dad handed me the phone but the culprit is already hung up; maybe it should be “Hung”.

Can someone actually find pride, and fulfillment in bilking elderly people out of thousands of dollars.  I think my parents had it pretty well figured out by the time my wife and I got there; but my mother was pretty upset.  We stayed around for a while, and talked.

Our family is familiar with one another and what we are doing and where we go.  So keep your hands off.  You will get caught.

That is my line for the day from the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

Maybe the heat is gone

It has been over 100 degrees at my house for the past three or four days.  One day, Wednesday I think it was 109, and miserable.  Now though according to forecast maybe the heat is starting to go South for a while.  I like the heat of Summer, but the body and the earth can only endure so much of it you know.

Yesterday I did almost nothing.  We had Men’s Breakfast at church, and only four of us were there.  We had great fellowship and enjoyed the time and good food.  In the late afternoon we attended a surprise Birthday party for a niece (Sarah Kay), and celebrated her 30 years of living in this world.  She and her husband David have become a lovely Christian couple and have a wonderful family of 5 children.  My sister Judy invited us all to come, and we were served hamburgers cooked on the grill, along with hot dogs, and even had turkey burgers; though I did not even try any of that.

We had a great time.  It was a little warm outside.  James told us that when they arrived there the temp was about 98 degrees.  I am glad we had plenty of shade to be under.

I really hope and pray that all the heat will not be gone.  Without it we would all die in short order.

From the banks of Flat Creek, I am praying that all who read this blog will be right with the Lord and attend worship services in your local church today.

-Tim

Marriage and Friends

The title of today’s post is probably does not have to do with what you might think.  I learned yesterday of the importance of keeping your marriage as a top priority in your home.

I finally got around to calling a long time friend.  We had not talked in about a year.  After our conversation was over, and the phones placed back on the dock I had a lot of thinking to do.  When a couple has children the children cannot be the major event of the home.  In this day and age we live this will not be too popular to say; but when you have children the most important thing they need to see is not you keeping them busy and hopping and happy.  The greatest thing you can give your child, other than the message of Christ Jesus, is a good marriage.

Your children need to see Dad loving Mom, respecting Mom, and Mom respecting Dad.  They need to know you two are together forever.  The two of you have made a vow to God, “Until death do us part”.  Your children will grow up and leave home.  You will no longer have them in your arms, and within reach any longer.  Be glad, not sad about that; that is what growing is all about.

I have watched several homes, though not intentionally, but usually from afar.  They have majored on their children, neglected their marriage; then when the children are grown and out on their own the marriage falls apart and they divorce.  These are far too often Christian homes.

Love your children, YES!  Cherish your wife and love her like Christ loves the church and gave Himself for her.  Cherish your husband, love and respect him in the Lord.

Just a note.  Marriage can only be between a man and woman.  Anything else is perversion.

My wife and me celebrated our 38th Anniversary on July 28 and look forward to many more empty nest years together.  Have they all been smooth and trouble free?  No way.  But they have sure been good.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

What I’m Hearing…

I’m hearing that my Dad will be coming home today (08/19/11).  I don’t think he has improved in the sense of being better off.  He is most likely near to going home to be with Jesus our God and Savior.  He may have some strength for the days ahead to do what he feels like doing; and he may not.

Dad is still talking of getting up to go milk the cows.  That is what he has done all his life.  Even though his health has been failing him, he has endeavored to go to the milk barn, and help my brother with the milking.  It has given him a sense of self worth, and something to do.

There is one thing I know, and that is that Dad is ready to see Jesus Christ, King of kings, Lord of lords; and to be with Him for ever and for ever.  No one can actually know that of any one else, but you can see it by the way they live; and what is in their hearts and comes out of their mouth.  That is what has come out of Dad’s heart and mouth.  His love and concern for his wife, children, grandchildren; and others too.  It hurts my Dad to see family members at odds with one another – maybe I should say angry with one another to the point of not speaking.  I also know Dad has not been perfect; and he knows that too.

I am thankful that God gave me my Dad.  I am thankful that God has blessed me with the family given me.  I pray that I can be as faithful to God, and His Church as my Dad has been.

Like I said above,  I hear that Dad is coming home today.  He will be back near the banks of Flat Creek, his wife and family; and of course the milk cows.

-Tim

My Dad

On Tuesday of this week I was nearing my home when my wife called me on the cell and told me that my Dad was possibly having a heart attack.  He was refusing to be taken to the ER for help.  My Mom had called my wife [Madge] to have her call me and if I could take him where he needed to be.

I stopped went in, and asked if he was doing okay.  He told me, “No! I’m not” even saying to me that there was the possibility he could be having a heart attack.  My words were, “Don’t you think you need to get to the hospital?”  To which he responded, “That’s a possibility”  We were getting somewhere.  He at first wanted to wait for Mom to get home.  She had a doctors appointment that day and was away with my sister Judy doing that.

Our Aunt Bonnie was there with my Day when I got there and she helped me to finally get him to agree and go.

When we arrived at the ER in Springfield an hour and a few minutes later, they quickly put him on an EKG and he was having a heart attack.  They rushed him to the cardiac cath lab; then, an hour and a half to two hours later the doctor came out and told us that basically they could do nothing; and he was continuing with the attack.  They would medicate him, keep him in CCU for a while, send him to a room, and send him home in a few days if things went well.

They have filled him with morphine, his mind is confused from it, and he thinks everyone else is confused.

My Dad made sure that my siblings and myself new the Lord by taking us to Sunday School and church every time the doors were open; and teaching us about work; and the value of family and friends.  Of course, my Mom had a big hand in that too.

There is one thing that I am convinced of and that is that God is good.  God is in control.  Not only is my Dad’s life in His hands; so is mine and yours.  None of us know the day or the hour we take our last step, breathe our last breath, or the last beat of our heart.

Whether it be along the banks of Flat Creek, Cox Hospital, any hospital, or Fairbanks, AK. we are all in the hands of our Creator.  So it is a great thing if you come to Him through His Son Jesus Christ, Creator.

-Tim

Family Weekend is Over

We made it to the end.  WHEW!!!  A house full of grand kids, their parents and the grand parents is an experience that will  not be soon forgotten.  When you have a family of 22 in one small home, sleeping in the living room floor, on the hide-a-bed, on the living room floor; on the dining room floor, the kitchen floor, and in all three bedrooms; there is bound to be some tension build up.

We all get along very well, yet there is tension.  I must give the credit to our getting along well to our GOD and Savior Jesus Christ.  Without that it would be nigh to impossible.  It also has to do with loving one another, and understanding matters.

We have had our problems; we continue to have problems where there are arguments occasionally over various matters; yet we still get together, converse, and enjoy our time together.

When we have got together at Philip’s and Sarah’s I have always been happy to return home.  When the kids are all here I am happy to see them come; but I am also happy to see the tail lights or rear bumpers of their cars headed toward their own homes.  Some people thinks that’s mean.  That’s the way life works.  Children are supposed to grow up and leave home.  If you don’t like it; get over it and accept the fact that you can’t hang on to them forever.  Nor, should you even want to.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim