tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75615504561792925172024-03-12T19:29:09.330-07:00Boundaries & BridgesThe Musings of a
Husband,
Father
and PastorUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-32903415029668162802014-01-14T07:18:00.002-08:002014-01-14T07:18:18.531-08:003 Startling Graces of God<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Provision</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Psalms 37:25 - I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging [their] bread.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Thanking God for my streams of income and that they are all ministry</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span><br />
<img height="200" src="http://www.nanfwi.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/zija-300x300.jpg" width="200" /><img height="183" src="http://www.nwm.org/userfiles/filemanager/785/" width="200" /><img src="http://mygraylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/CCLogo.gif" /><br />
<img height="200" src="http://asklogo.com/images/D/dignity%20memorial%20logo.jpg" width="200" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeo2h71Q4XJn_VpyWeI9ppJhSTD5VHhMZ4wuE5bj6WkGU63pyrgDdkHpaKs9pZxzTuqQ7z86YLX4EZ7wdovsE4wUzwpqv3YCkUGILjJZjYmDpHhlJDF7_simXDnhvhwW7xbB4ADEQFAN_t/s400/31005LGLakeWilwoodBaptist2A003.jpg" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Posterity</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Psalm 127:3-5 </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; text-indent: -2em;">Behold, children</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; text-indent: -2em;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; text-indent: -2em;">are</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; text-indent: -2em;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; text-indent: -2em;">a heritage from the</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; text-indent: -2em;"> </span><span class="smcaps" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 1.5em; text-indent: -2em;">Lord</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; text-indent: -2em;">,</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></span><span class="poetry2" style="display: block; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4em; text-indent: -2em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The fruit of the womb is a reward.</i></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></span><span class="poetry2" style="display: block; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4em; text-indent: -2em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 4px;"><a class="foreground_black" href="http://studylight.org/desk/?q=ps%20127:4&t=en_nkj&sr=1" style="color: #781f66; text-decoration: none;" title="Click to study this verse">4</a></span> Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,</i></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></span><span class="poetry2" style="display: block; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4em; text-indent: -2em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>So are the children of one's youth.</i></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></span><span class="poetry2" style="display: block; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4em; text-indent: -2em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 4px;"><a class="foreground_black" href="http://studylight.org/desk/?q=ps%20127:5&t=en_nkj&sr=1" style="color: #781f66; text-decoration: none;" title="Click to study this verse">5</a></span> Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;</i></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></span><span class="poetry2" style="display: block; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4em; text-indent: -2em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>They shall not be ashamed,</i></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></span><span class="poetry2" style="display: block; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4em; text-indent: -2em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.</i></span></span><img height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1518816_10153661300560578_471960716_o.jpg" width="320" /><img height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t31/1097115_10153661307730578_1795334634_o.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<img height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t31/1402311_10153470421885341_571677865_o.jpg" width="320" /><img height="320" src="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/555162_10152720021320341_1943250590_n.jpg" width="255" /><img height="320" src="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/536992_10201177226011145_1813341610_n.jpg" width="240" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Peace</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Philippians 4:6 - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;</i></span><br />
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<img height="240" src="http://trans4mationchurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/peace.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-16477927507847525952014-01-10T10:03:00.003-08:002014-01-10T10:03:40.467-08:00Joy Dare day 10A Gift Sour: <br />
Dill Pickles...love em. Especially Anna's home made DP's<br />
<img src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/images.ziplist.com/images/7768695/a76ba59e494a0590e86a1d5210afafb8.image_large_square.jpeg" /><br />
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A Gift Sweet:<br />
<img src="http://www.kaartje2go.nl/kaarten/home-sweet-home-3/img/home-sweet-home-3.jpg" /><br />
There's no place like home. It's the people that make up the place that makes it sweet...warts and all<br />
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A Gift Just Right:<br />
A hot cup of Joe on a Raw n Rainy day...<br />
<img src="http://repinly.machsrichtig.com/wp-content/uploads/cbcfb__18999629648230674_jUyD9wJ6_c.jpg" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-46087761439947832742014-01-09T05:18:00.003-08:002014-01-09T05:18:38.719-08:00Joy Dare Day 9<span style="font-size: large;">Dusky Light: </span> <div>
<img height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t31/1274568_10153251172225578_345502702_o.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Opening Day of Bow Season hunting Rum Creek WMA. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Surprising Reflection:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Years ago while living in Florida I was getting ready for bed and caught a glance of my reflection in the mirror. I was shocked because I saw my Dad with his 5 o'clock shadow and broad shoulders bearing the weight of the world. I think that was the first time I thought of my self as a Man.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lovely Shadow:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My parents at the Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve Service</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Emma's little light</span></div>
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<img height="640" src="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1452398_10152162541351532_199996324_n.jpg" width="469" /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-33337315703478956542014-01-09T04:57:00.000-08:002014-01-09T04:57:10.502-08:00Joy Dare Day 7Three Graces from people you Love:<br />
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Elizabeth: The Grace of Belief in me. Sometimes I think that she must be crazy to trust me so implicitly. It's not like she's ignorant of my numerous weaknesses. She has the Spiritual Gift of Faith. It's become clear that it's not me she trusts...it's God. I can't adequately express the transforming effect that her gift of trust has had on me over the past 25 years<br />
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<img src="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/6372_101018979913753_7729129_n.jpg" /><br />
Jim Williams: The Grace of...well, Grace. This man has embodied grace to me as his Pastor. I've experienced his 'wounds of a friend' and also his wise & unflinching support. I cannot imagine being in Ministry without him.<br />
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My Parents: The Grace of Investment. I don't know how you call your son Pastor. Dad has other names for me but behind them I see his pride in my calling. Mom and I are so much alike that we tend to butt heads every now and then but her support of my calling has never been in question. They have invested so much in me that numbers fall short to quantify their giving. It goes so far past money and time and even support. They have raised the bar high for me in my calling as a Father.<br />
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<img src="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1476175_10202284845579229_1101773459_n.jpg" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-26663661703580080462014-01-08T03:59:00.000-08:002014-01-08T04:00:08.897-08:00Joy Dare day 8A Gift Held:<br />
My younger children's hands at the end of every worship service during the singing of the Doxology. I don't remember how it started but I know that Sam was the genesis for this tradition. Somehow he began toddling down the aisle to me when the doxology was played at the benediction of our services at Lake Wildwood Baptist Church. This tradition passed to Ben & now Emma. Emma still insists on being carried. It's so apprpriate...Praise God from whom all blessings flow - and my hands are literally full of those blessings.<br />
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A Gift Passed By: <br />
Farm Land. My Dad rode with me yesterday on my Help Link route. We were out in the country & in some rural areas of Georgia that he had never seen before. We both LOVED the farm land & rolling hills. I realized yesterday where I got my love of land from and I was blessed to spend the whole day enjoying it with my Dad.<br />
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A Gift Sat With:<br />
I sat with one of my best friends last night as a doctor explained to him that his wife was with Jesus. Grief is a gift from God & we shared it together starkly last night. Real men do cry - loud, long and like a man. The gift is being allowed & invited to walk the valley of the shadow of death together.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-14189519024744248752014-01-06T09:28:00.000-08:002014-01-06T09:28:18.511-08:00Joy Dare Day 6<span style="font-size: large;">Something in your Bag: No man purse here but I do carry a backpack full of my hunting supplies. My wife bought me a baclavia years ago. Like an tube of cloth that you wear around your neck and can even stretch over your ears. It's amazing how warm that can keep you on a cold hunt</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Something in your fridge: Green Olives! Jesus surely ate them and I love them!</span><br />
<img src="http://ts3.explicit.bing.net/th?id=H.4579295392304214&pid=1.7" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Something in your Heat: Joy. Having all the kids home for Christmas, seeing God move in people's hearts yesterday, the manifold blessings I enjoy but do not deserve.</span><br />
<img height="425" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1507262_10153703455600341_311193019_o.jpg" width="640" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-76936729254897828082014-01-05T12:40:00.002-08:002014-01-05T12:40:57.306-08:00<span style="font-size: large;">Something You're Reading: The Richest Man in Babylon</span><br />
<img src="http://cd.pbsstatic.com/l/66/3566/9781438243566.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Something You're Making: A commitment to eat healthier & to exercise 3x a week</span><br />
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<img src="http://www.usahealthclubs.com/i/h/k/i/kinetixhealthclub.com.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Something You're Seeing: God moving in People's hearts today in Church.</span></div>
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<img src="http://s4.hubimg.com/u/7996143_f248.jpg" /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-9157137758942491802014-01-02T08:48:00.000-08:002014-01-02T08:48:41.221-08:00Joy Dare Day 2<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">A Gift Outside, Inside & On a plate:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">A Gift Outside: The smell of autumn leaves with the caress of coolness on the breeze...dressed in blaze orange, in a tree stand praying for a deer to walk by</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">A Gift Inside: Sitting by a warm fire in my living room with a hot cup of black coffee & God's word in my hand</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">A Gift on a Plate: Beth's Chili - especially last night's. Nothing like a bean saturated, venison infused, sour cream adorned bowl of Beth's Chili. When the Lord created the white tail deer - He had a bowl of chili in mind</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-23574114715312420362014-01-01T11:05:00.001-08:002014-01-01T11:08:52.216-08:00The Joy Dare...Day 1<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">3 Gifts Heard...</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1: Emma Grace, "Dad, its monin' time" - best alarm in the universe,</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">2: Ken Davis talking about kids and Sunday mornings - laughter is chocolate to the soul,</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">3: Matt Redman's 10,000 reasons - I was made for Worship!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/joy-dares/">http://www.aholyexperience.com/joy-dares/</a><br />
Join the daily Joy Dare and enjoy 1,000 gifts by the year's endUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-52146353191329110982014-01-01T10:39:00.001-08:002014-01-01T10:39:36.471-08:00Cat Theology<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, this blog has been abandoned...or so it would seem. It's a new year & a new day and I'm making some new plans. "His mercies are NEW every morning". <div>
So here's some of my plans. I'm going to live joyful this year - no excuses. Looking at the blatant positives with thanksgiving & digging out the gold of dark days.</div>
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Let's start with Ellie's cats. I have never been a cat person. I've never made that a secret. However, I am an Ellie person and she's a cat person therefore - you can finish this conditional syllogism (thanks to Jim Nance's introductory logic). I have come to not only tolerate but enjoy these two familial felines - Rory & Rose (apparently named from the Dr. Who tv show). They are brother and sister and Ellie got them while I was in Brazil this summer. Did I mention that Ellie is smart like her Momma?</div>
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They have been expensive, smelly & a pain - like having two nocturnal toddlers set loose in the house every night.</div>
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Rory lets us know when he wants to come in from the outside by hanging on the screen in the living room. He's already ruined one of the screens and is working on the other. It's like a cat version of Spider Man - splayed out on the living room screen.</div>
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The sad part is...he's got us trained. They say that there's no training a cat but they are sure good at training us.</div>
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Rose is the feline version of Ellie. She is private, aloof & tempermental. Those aren't bad things...they just are things. You have to take them both as you find them and love them right where they are no matter what. She runs away from everyone...except Ellie. If you do catch her and pet her, she immediately has to clean herself where ever you touched her. Pity & offense are simultaneously felt by trying to love this cat.</div>
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Yet I've come to love these furry flea infested felines. They think they are worth it and wonder why we don't do more for them. There is no such thing as gratefulness with cats...just expectation. Someone astutely noted that cats don't have owners, they have staff.</div>
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I've come to realize that i'm a lot more like a cat in my relationship with God. I have a bad case of Cat theology. You take a dog off the street, bathe it, take it to the vet, feed it, give it a warm place to sleep and when it looks at you the dog thinks, "This guy must be God". You do the exact same think with a cat and the cat thinks, "I must be God".</div>
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So here's to Cats! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-72637943429208162202012-12-01T05:54:00.000-08:002012-12-01T05:54:27.463-08:00Anna's Big Buck<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anna has been hunting hard for 2 years now with no fruit from her labors...until now<br />
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On Nov. 15th she and Joseph (her future husband) went out hunting in the swamp to a place we call "way over there" because it is waaaaaaay over there through a nasty swamp. Its nearly 2 miles of a muddy march to get there. Of course Joseph just couldn't see Anna going through all that so he found a subdivision that bordered the 'way over there' property and got permission from a homeowner to park there making 'way over there' not nearly so far.<br />
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Joseph bought Anna a ruger 770 223 stainless steel rifle. He then bought a laminated thumb hole stock and a leupold scope. He then hand loaded some nosler partition rounds. Due to a severe arm break several years ago, Anna's wrist is not able to twist side to side which is called supination. That's why Joseph got the thumb hole stock. She is very comfortable with it.<br />
After sitting down by a tree for an hour, Joseph noticed movement. A big 10 pt buck was making his way towards them. He may have winded them because he stopped for several minutes. He stepped out and Anna put the shot right on his shoulder.<br />
I don't know who was more excited - Anna or Joseph.<br />
The interesting thing is that Joseph took his first deer on that same date nine years earlier.<br />
I sat in the very same spot when I took my two bucks just 15 days later.<br />
We love 'Way over there'!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-78878758116030120252012-11-30T19:58:00.000-08:002012-11-30T19:58:17.037-08:00best hunt ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I went hunting this morning after a prolonged absence from the deer woods. Just figured it would be a good day to watch the sun come up with my future son in law Joseph. I got to the tree where on November the 15th Anna harvested her first deer - a beautiful 10 point buck (I'll post on that soon - pics and all)<br />
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I got to the tree at 7:28 a.m. sat down and immediately saw a deer. I saw a tail through some trees. I couldn't make it out at all through my scope. I decided to stand up so I could maneuver better. It helped in that I could now see the deer but no ethical shot was possible. Just then I caught movement off to my right.<br />
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On the ridge above the hollow I was in stood the biggest buck I've ever seen! He was watching me and the does in the thick stuff. I slowly shifted my rifle to him. The only clear shot I had was at the base of his neck. Seeing that he was above me I figured it would find the vitals.<br />
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I went into auto pilot, squeezed the trigger and watched a show of a lifetime. He jumped straight up about 6 feet. whirled around then did what looked like cartwheels until he lay still less than 30 yards from where I shot him.<br />
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I texted Joseph to come see this buck. When I got up to him the first thing I saw was his huge body. 245 pounds which is way above average for Georgia. His neck was HUGE - swollen in the rut. What an amazing animal. He was obviously the dominate buck in the area. <br />
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Just then I heard a buck grunt close and loud. I figured it was Joseph alerting me that he was fixing to come over the ridge. I looked up and was amazed to see a tall 9 point buck looking for the does that my buck was trailing. I raised my rifle and he turned to leave. One grunt stopped him and my 270 did the rest - right through the shoulders. I saw him run away and found good blood.<br />
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Joseph then appeared over the east ridge. He marveled at the 12 on the ground. Joseph is pretty even keeled but seeing a big deer on the ground lights his fire. I love that this young man is as happy for me as he would have been if he had shot it.<br />
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I then told him about the other buck. "No way" was his response. "Yup - I put my hat on the limb over first blood." I replied.<br />
We found him just 30 yards from where I shot him. I was still numb. Did this really happen? Am I gonna wake up from this dream disappointed?<br />
We were both in shock.<br />
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Joseph informed me that Anna's buck taken 2 weeks ago was the biggest taken on that property. These bucks were even bigger.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">"Lord, I don't deserve this but thank you for such an 'over the top' blessing" was my prayer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">What a day! Two wall hangers in 5 minutes!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-19871608637966892782012-10-01T06:35:00.001-07:002012-10-01T06:35:26.730-07:00It's Not Easy Being GREEN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb250da58oKiSDXpwpqWVA1wNGjQSt6JySK3I1h3PUWqhuqS3jJg32iMeYwPOG4wL5ZJC_YI1Wua_AWF7sCuYGuFXxn-LfRJbeffLCUSJ3VarGQnZ8giRzX-IXu9zzU8pnTp8Cvzk6_za9/s1600/emma+green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb250da58oKiSDXpwpqWVA1wNGjQSt6JySK3I1h3PUWqhuqS3jJg32iMeYwPOG4wL5ZJC_YI1Wua_AWF7sCuYGuFXxn-LfRJbeffLCUSJ3VarGQnZ8giRzX-IXu9zzU8pnTp8Cvzk6_za9/s640/emma+green.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Check out the story behind this crazy pic at my wife's blog. Never a dull moment around our house!<a href="http://www.lifesjourneywith5.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://www.lifesjourneywith5.blogspot.com/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-11575047119668801772012-09-22T15:17:00.000-07:002012-09-22T15:17:21.856-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Ocmulgee Indian Festival</span></em></strong></div>
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We ran into this fella at the Indian festival. He makes his own bows, arrows, arrow heads & strings. Then he hunts with them. It was amazing to watch! Ben (which was his name too) loved it. He demonstrated how to make a fire with just a stick</div>
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Sitting atop the largest of several Indian mounds at this site. Lola was our guest and we had a blast with her. We discussed the meaning of the mounds and their purpose. Much of it is speculation as there is no written record or oral history that made it to our century. </div>
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I believe that a Biblical worldview gives the answer. It's found in Genesis 11 which delineates the attempted building of the tower of babel. God confused their languages in order to dilute their ability to continue.</div>
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This caused the post flood population to spread out and fill the earth which was God's original command. They moved in their language groups and began to spread out in the time of great continental shift.</div>
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What did they take with them? </div>
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Their false faith - the worship of the dragon. A demonic knock off system of the worship of the Most High God. Seems I remember Satan saying the He would 'become like the most high'.</div>
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This ziggurat structure, which is described aptly in Genesis 11, has been found on every continent except Antarctica. I guess the penguins had better sense than us.</div>
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The same structure with religious significance often involving human sacrifice to placate these lesser gods.</div>
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I used this opportunity to again drive home with my children the reason we worship the ONE & ONLY MOST HIGH GOD. It is fascinating to apply God's Word to what we see of our past human history and to connect the dots and see that God's Word once again makes the most sense of what we see.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-48112675300381740912012-09-19T07:58:00.000-07:002012-09-19T07:58:15.718-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn000RdO1CDHleTn5m4GkyWNudX3P29elqpwIEY4SPl0RK8blR5MMc0449AoJ9-SERe0tKzldO5JbN8igw7PusjmpDn76AQc3aPkyZnCDwMF-GhYLiOqK2-pDUe-qs-vrkAOo1N_pYRc_b/s1600/old-couple-holding-hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><span style="font-size: large;">WHEN I CROSS THE BRIDGE...</span></div>
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I've had the privilege of 'doing life' with some pretty fascinating folks over my 12 years here in Georgia. Standing out among them are John & Marion Vance. I've never met a couple who were so 'in love' even after 67 years of marriage. Sadly, Marion's Parkinson's overcame her zest for life & God graciously took her home after nearly 68 years of marriage. <br />
Knowing that her voice would soon be gone, a couple of years ago she asked her husband John, "When I cross the bridge, will you hold my hand"? <br />
John met Marion when he was tasked to befriend and report on a suspected communist spy in his military unit. This guy was a party animal and John was quite the opposite but he had to adjust his lifestyle to fulfill his orders. Not surprisingly, this mission found John in the USO one evening when his eyes fell upon "the cutest young gal" he'd ever seen.<br />
New mission - win that gal's heart and boy did he ever...in short order. In less than a year they were married.<br />
Stubbornly, John determined to fulfill the last request of his 'bride' as he lovingly referred to her. On Sunday, August the 11th - He lay down beside her and held her hand...all day long and into Monday. Marion went to live with Jesus shortly after midnight and John held her hand as she crossed the bridge.<br />
Deeply moved by this account, I gathered this story after praying with John in the wee hours of that Monday morning and the following literally flew from my mind to the paper. It was a God thing.<br />
Graciously, God enabled me to read it at the funeral a few days later.<br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: x-large;">"When I Cross The Bridge"</span></em></strong></div>
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<em>in memory of Marion Vance</em></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>"When I cross the bridge, </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>will you hold my hand?"</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>she asked him and he nodded yes. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Her wish had ever been his command</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Over the past 67 plus years </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>they'd crossed many a span</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Some were a blessing and others heart rending </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>but all were crossed hand in hand</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>See John fell hard for that pretty little gal </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>and he's never been able to recover</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Truth be told she fell hard for him too, </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>for each there was none but the other</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Their love was one in a million. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>A picture of God's original plan</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Three wonderful children, blessed memories in spades </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>were crafted with joy by the Vance clan</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Some bridges were not so cheerful, </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Parkinson's took its toll</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Marion never once complained </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>instead, </em></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>God's grace she extolled</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>As her voice was growing weary </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>she asked of her ever faithful man</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>"When I cross the bridge, </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>will you hold my hand?"</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Determined to give her one last gift </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>with resolve John took his stand</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>and as she crossed Jordan's bridge, </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>He faithfully held her hand</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Until with aching heart of faith </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>to another he gave her hand</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>This hand still bore the scar of the nail. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>"Well done good and faithful man"</em></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-46409974262590191102012-09-17T18:25:00.000-07:002012-09-17T18:25:19.452-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Went hunting at the Creath's Sunday evening. Took a nice walk alone along the swamp border and found the old ladder stand overlooking a freshly cut hay field. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">I love being alone in the woods, especially above the forest as the world below forgets an intruder is there. You get to see and hear things that most people never have the opportunity to see and hear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">It's also a great time to pray. That's what I found myself doing. We had a sweet time at church that morning. Preached out of Romans 8:5-13 - "Saints & Aints & How to Tell the Difference" I was applying that text to myself and asking God about it. One of our families had their home broken into during church yesterday. I found myself praying for their peace. Then one by one I could see the face of my flock and as the Spirit brought them to my mind's eye I would lift them before the Father. It was a sweet time and time seemed suspended in a spiritual pause that I've experienced so many times before.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Then I heard a twig break behind me and I remembered what I was there for. "Father, it sure would be nice to put some fresh pork in the freezer. Would you send a nice fat pig my way and make my shot true?" 30 seconds passed before I saw the boar jet out into the middle of the field. He put the breaks on and I raised my 270 to that sweet spot in the hollow of my shoulder. Instinctively, he caught that movement and did and about face in 4th gear headed back to the swamp from whence he came. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">"Oh well", I told myself, "That's why they call it hunting and not shooting." Amazingly I heard that boar busting through the bush to my left. My rifle butt found the sweet spot ahead of time and the black boar appeared just 10 yards away and stopped.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Now I was thinking about not messing up the meat. Deliberately the cross hairs were lowered to the base of the neck. Deep breath, half exhale, squeeze...boar down! My future son in law heard the shoot and appeared at the edge of the field moments later.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">We loaded our harvest on his four wheeler and headed back to the homestead. Now the work was about to begin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">My sons Ben (4) and Sam (7) were fascinated and they stayed out for the two hours it took to completely process this magnificent animal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">We made many a memory last night that no doubt will be some of my favorites - not the least of which was Ben's anatomy questions and his insistence on poking and prodding every part of the pig.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">God was so good to bless us with such an abundance of fresh meat. He has given us "our daily bread" once again.</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-31792524640528171982012-08-28T22:53:00.000-07:002012-08-28T22:54:50.714-07:00Make it by Midnight half marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOHS8eXxRgoYlPmABONoYr0ET15mGo6g-J9dNC9GJaBEkTi3Qy3v5k7xgK2fHX01vSC0VfEkyME6T_vOWIBnd5dKMXQMHbuR6qALPHmN0meLiR2LM4hVQfSQTyGCqt7EJYkInIzdIGJED/s1600/race+015+(1024x683).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOHS8eXxRgoYlPmABONoYr0ET15mGo6g-J9dNC9GJaBEkTi3Qy3v5k7xgK2fHX01vSC0VfEkyME6T_vOWIBnd5dKMXQMHbuR6qALPHmN0meLiR2LM4hVQfSQTyGCqt7EJYkInIzdIGJED/s320/race+015+(1024x683).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've never run that far for that long in my life. Nothing was chasing me except the clock. At 45 years of age I ran in my first ever marathon, all be it a half - 13.1 miles. It was 97 degrees when Anna and I started running. Heat, Hills & Humidity...reminds me of another word that starts with 'H'! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The most astonishing part of this feat was not that I finished but that I was even able to begin.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXXFVUyLzUw_98DtaxrhL1nCwQpsc6SrV1w8y3rHOsa0OnaCVtZxrjeKuAZhjS6Dm_tXQ9T_GoR-pMWbfkNub3lG7QkBnrDdXLpvN5IR8m40PDU6ysYMfAxwo64xYQzYVD5EKVpWQweOk/s1600/IMG_3329+(681x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXXFVUyLzUw_98DtaxrhL1nCwQpsc6SrV1w8y3rHOsa0OnaCVtZxrjeKuAZhjS6Dm_tXQ9T_GoR-pMWbfkNub3lG7QkBnrDdXLpvN5IR8m40PDU6ysYMfAxwo64xYQzYVD5EKVpWQweOk/s320/IMG_3329+(681x1024).jpg" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjGVqGC4Ow4663Gs9FslyyNPsPghKC2RELEhEs7zTBPvkiv5zKpdhBl8_3waAUH49raNTJiqcRJ3bIUi8y36-ySkvdc8ymT_i3oz4vuqvWG4xinX_ha6m_YEqgGcKeqOw3FsNccvAnnNA/s1600/before+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjGVqGC4Ow4663Gs9FslyyNPsPghKC2RELEhEs7zTBPvkiv5zKpdhBl8_3waAUH49raNTJiqcRJ3bIUi8y36-ySkvdc8ymT_i3oz4vuqvWG4xinX_ha6m_YEqgGcKeqOw3FsNccvAnnNA/s320/before+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDyH7AIJAz56CLnEcIsQUhLv4G7rSLOFSWyT3-S81Aaz1eNc5rLe3N-RZMZi1K6NsPP7_X7QUp03InZBMxDY0O157al3OX1FreyLPKnHh6TqYgtrGXEcLS052vdx6H91Jzl6VLIKrmw1p/s1600/before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDyH7AIJAz56CLnEcIsQUhLv4G7rSLOFSWyT3-S81Aaz1eNc5rLe3N-RZMZi1K6NsPP7_X7QUp03InZBMxDY0O157al3OX1FreyLPKnHh6TqYgtrGXEcLS052vdx6H91Jzl6VLIKrmw1p/s320/before.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are the after (sort of - I've dropped 10 pounds since the above pic in the yellow) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The before pic was a few years ago at our Church Camp. I was shocked when I saw these pics. My buddy Brett in the above pic with me told me last week that he used to call me his "pudgy preacher pal"! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not any more Brett! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">God brought an amazing tree into our lives called the morniga olifera tree. The first company to bring it to market in the US is called Zija. Beth and I began taking <a href="http://www.drdz777.myzijastory.com/" target="_blank">zija</a> around the time of Emma's birth - a bit over 2 years ago. As of last week's weigh in at the gym, we've lost just shy of 200 total combined pounds. That's 20 pounds more than I weigh now!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We did it by laying a foundation of solid nutrition from the moringa tree. I'm not saying zija smart mix did it but oddly enough, Beth has been able to come off of all medications to lower b/p...she used to be on 3!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We've been able to help many people gain health, make a regular residual income, shed unhealthy pounds and negative side effects. It may or may not be for you but you owe it to yourself to <a href="http://www.drdz777.myzijastory.com/" target="_blank">check it out</a>. They have a money back guarantee. You've got nothing to lose but bad health.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-82048231041637638682012-08-28T22:28:00.001-07:002012-08-28T22:28:57.789-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, it's only been a year since my last post! <br />
These are some pics of our vacation 2012 in Blue Ridge GA. Zack came home and he brought...a girl! Andrea is a sweet young lady who loves God and somewhow loves Zack too. We had a great time in a large cabin up in the north GA mountains for a week. God has been so good to us.<br />
I loved my 'hair style' here but alas my wife did not so I'm growing it back. We're in the awkward fuzz stage right now. I miss not having any hair but Beth even likes the fuzz that is finding its way back.<br />
Go figure:)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-75832318177267312212011-06-22T10:01:00.000-07:002011-06-22T10:42:51.096-07:00Vacation 2011<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7hgFtrF4lp8cQH4_AU1fkxmpBltpbFpz3LV1CA6x-nQoxN-8KQdNtW9ygL9k4m2UBfvUfNp2F64w-2mCHASZ4Yx_t5yzNmUoE9bmjTiPCct3CxaX5Babv2gMC0x3-NSNqMDGjuHPUHeR/s1600/royal+gorge+010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621095597655066658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7hgFtrF4lp8cQH4_AU1fkxmpBltpbFpz3LV1CA6x-nQoxN-8KQdNtW9ygL9k4m2UBfvUfNp2F64w-2mCHASZ4Yx_t5yzNmUoE9bmjTiPCct3CxaX5Babv2gMC0x3-NSNqMDGjuHPUHeR/s400/royal+gorge+010.JPG" /></a> Brunch the last morning of the Focus on the Family Clergy Conference<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyltLqLNDHz0UnXRc0lhn7Ht59SKsVbAU7du8lGXLOZ4Ks-jUw00-oayhtfjsl283OQT4vljrMZlx2tpJ3k55X-V5vdEQNtOyUUojn9KiM2DIn9798EKfNGzTNI0iGYdWng8kybeZ-xsdE/s1600/vacation+353.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621095594185297858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyltLqLNDHz0UnXRc0lhn7Ht59SKsVbAU7du8lGXLOZ4Ks-jUw00-oayhtfjsl283OQT4vljrMZlx2tpJ3k55X-V5vdEQNtOyUUojn9KiM2DIn9798EKfNGzTNI0iGYdWng8kybeZ-xsdE/s400/vacation+353.JPG" /></a>This is in "Whit's End" at Focus - my children love this program<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjUiJ-pssmcZpiayHU_ZGvl5aGJrX_KdI1FcJvjnmVZv8xQtxPWkGzeb_m5ZNUtn6FU3ZkC8GopXzMiQxXelD8fkZbMQLnFMjApmZRkbvR5I12XOekpvJTYv4q5KV36ra4E_oWrJldp5J/s1600/vacation+359.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621095588627878882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjUiJ-pssmcZpiayHU_ZGvl5aGJrX_KdI1FcJvjnmVZv8xQtxPWkGzeb_m5ZNUtn6FU3ZkC8GopXzMiQxXelD8fkZbMQLnFMjApmZRkbvR5I12XOekpvJTYv4q5KV36ra4E_oWrJldp5J/s400/vacation+359.JPG" /></a> H.B. London - a Great Man of God - A Pastor to Pastors<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQyiYARtXvvD7y1gb71wSp8DvMbwLPMvXme_2Jrc9xS1yWo7MH0gjo_Qu8dAR3k0Ske6ZmoyV6gjxeyPHVdf2fItm1QLRmzCRvHkbdECadAG2kgX11RhrWm1o10V8sF6bYkDSnTXCCXHH/s1600/vacation+265.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621095574439926786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQyiYARtXvvD7y1gb71wSp8DvMbwLPMvXme_2Jrc9xS1yWo7MH0gjo_Qu8dAR3k0Ske6ZmoyV6gjxeyPHVdf2fItm1QLRmzCRvHkbdECadAG2kgX11RhrWm1o10V8sF6bYkDSnTXCCXHH/s400/vacation+265.JPG" /></a> 30 degrees & very windy/...loved it!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZD5l0b5L_-XAtWJR7iMvxnI_3HEkuhlG5aVdu8y9Y387pSxKo5SGaXWQNoiowKPDklNLUByWGEwt9BMh5RfbKuxTgKvpTWZ9CV5Bz0OL760V3HjbsoFOleA9zvfXdhe84dK7c8jiyiGXz/s1600/vacation+233.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621095571479088802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZD5l0b5L_-XAtWJR7iMvxnI_3HEkuhlG5aVdu8y9Y387pSxKo5SGaXWQNoiowKPDklNLUByWGEwt9BMh5RfbKuxTgKvpTWZ9CV5Bz0OL760V3HjbsoFOleA9zvfXdhe84dK7c8jiyiGXz/s400/vacation+233.JPG" /></a> I love this pic. The contrasts in color, texture, & space is interesting<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621092707523513266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYLxcYrGOa8UhtAGn6NFJ7zteopEsCXHljeRBei6bFVwtgKu1kGhbQVFDfzsunrz5LlEY-VdGSDsD6yitsZDGSyl7Gd-u8GX4kYdEnjiUKppBIcYIjsZCk__AELoHPtkRLz7U8Wm8Kmqn/s400/vacation+315.JPG" />Two Big Horn Sheep near the top of Pike's Peak<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56peSjXhe8i_JnjcSlzu7C643i-w41aHOOyJ8nd5-BsyJj1p364NfG-WzGTozFvYNYD95SllkwUj8Gda-YCBHZ3db0DeRlOUUeSRM98Xqx-fxM6mgNf23StWM7n1tVUyBcHLmXiPnrPEO/s1600/vacation+275.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621092699104225842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56peSjXhe8i_JnjcSlzu7C643i-w41aHOOyJ8nd5-BsyJj1p364NfG-WzGTozFvYNYD95SllkwUj8Gda-YCBHZ3db0DeRlOUUeSRM98Xqx-fxM6mgNf23StWM7n1tVUyBcHLmXiPnrPEO/s400/vacation+275.JPG" /></a> Odd to see snow in June<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31m1ICo1_bKiwuU4S3VYV8uQqlFsOaA9OUIY_2OgSVBwwWQoJuTEWMKMsfgHLr8tg9GLoeJoA6Yr28OeF3X7voAvHo3JmkAkOyJlcYy2P5PRANHYaLYFy-ocyg2TeSJ1JYWk0zLsXU8hh/s1600/vacation+245.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621092693765557138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31m1ICo1_bKiwuU4S3VYV8uQqlFsOaA9OUIY_2OgSVBwwWQoJuTEWMKMsfgHLr8tg9GLoeJoA6Yr28OeF3X7voAvHo3JmkAkOyJlcYy2P5PRANHYaLYFy-ocyg2TeSJ1JYWk0zLsXU8hh/s400/vacation+245.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdfwtfdqx0uv-XWFjdORsFzOykHeDnPxqFyWJN6g0o8O1YNASrNId4FNbPNxf7nK7wQNimnJQJ0tWBLO5nNXhbnEf331wKfxWGYx0IzBFJEbFwgrMxr52ZIJ4OhCrm-BE4tD8y7ulT0YR/s1600/vacation+242.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621092693569420706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdfwtfdqx0uv-XWFjdORsFzOykHeDnPxqFyWJN6g0o8O1YNASrNId4FNbPNxf7nK7wQNimnJQJ0tWBLO5nNXhbnEf331wKfxWGYx0IzBFJEbFwgrMxr52ZIJ4OhCrm-BE4tD8y7ulT0YR/s400/vacation+242.JPG" /></a> On Top of the World<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div align="justify">I lost my head in Kansas...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFwL54agmeJoS6e6RVzqohWTlP9QzGgaqbJ9mZFbmtQhW9XgD88dXcrMYCeIJ3ytFCY5nKRqI2d-rQQIlviw5wgDJwBSeNCn8hqSiyPsYEEEgLGEY7C44BQaCJbxmOcOKLYoC8ZuMJVfR/s1600/vacation+047.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621092686999767650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFwL54agmeJoS6e6RVzqohWTlP9QzGgaqbJ9mZFbmtQhW9XgD88dXcrMYCeIJ3ytFCY5nKRqI2d-rQQIlviw5wgDJwBSeNCn8hqSiyPsYEEEgLGEY7C44BQaCJbxmOcOKLYoC8ZuMJVfR/s400/vacation+047.JPG" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">We left steamy Macon Georgia at 9:55 pm June 1st. We pulled into my in-law's drive around noon the next day. Not a bad trip but we were beat...all of us. Emma did the best. She was nothing but a delight. An amazing gift of a baby. God knew that we'd need a sweet content baby in our old age.<br /><br /></span><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I was able to preach at Liberty Baptist Church that Sunday then we left Monday morning for Colorado Springs for 5 glorious days - just Beth & I. We attended the Clergy & Spouse Conference at Focus on the Family. It was tremendous! Every thing there was first class but not in a showy way but in a God honoring way. The purpose of the conference was rest, relaxation, & encouragement. They pulled that off in spades. </span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">The other wonderful aspect of Colorado was the time alone together. It has apparently been a very long time since we've been together for several days alone. It reminded me of how much I not only love Beth but I 'like' her too. We 'fit' <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">each other</span> & that is the grace of God & His working to make us 'One' over the past 23 years. It took 11 hours to get to Colorado Springs from Kansas City. We didn't talk for the first 10 hours. We literally just enjoyed the quiet...which is a rare commodity in our home. On the way back to K.C., Beth began reading an excellent book that I highly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">recommend</span> - "Give them Grace" by Elyse Fitzpatrick. It is really the only 'grace/gospel' parenting book that I've ever heard of. We had some excellent discussion, repentance, & laughs. We got back into Kansas on Friday evening. Ben didn't do well in our absence. That night when I put him to bed, he wouldn't let me leave because he was afraid I would go away again. Even now, over two weeks later, his still gets a little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">panicky</span> when I grab the keys.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">We traveled over 3,400 miles round trip. It was a great time & one of the best vacations in recent memory. Thank you Lord.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-22971971578909762242011-05-17T06:46:00.000-07:002011-05-17T07:00:50.678-07:00Where Does the Time Go?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3zrdCjvKq-RKkt8nEsn7ao6ma7DgTqihvS9iV4wwvFd0MGOjjV6Dj0cM5Ypp0klPsarmDV_TzPL4Y-fVqsfBlMQfJPlT7hJ-Oc76FwA0Vhmx9uajMW7KcAiBvnJ-kE8aRjMSqOrB7HfF/s1600/may+2011+038.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607682538286874482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3zrdCjvKq-RKkt8nEsn7ao6ma7DgTqihvS9iV4wwvFd0MGOjjV6Dj0cM5Ypp0klPsarmDV_TzPL4Y-fVqsfBlMQfJPlT7hJ-Oc76FwA0Vhmx9uajMW7KcAiBvnJ-kE8aRjMSqOrB7HfF/s400/may+2011+038.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKRJ08fGdtVuz8y3QhH4xZ42Dk_jEt6e2FUtz_ARYclnAog3xlHhMY2Qtm6K5iRXT0yP8_C833kcGg33vFSvxIJPE3rJn60n9U9ajEmYbFpo78qYneWMcydgv1cYD4yq7sjDg0sFaSfmy/s1600/may+2011+035.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607682531368944978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKRJ08fGdtVuz8y3QhH4xZ42Dk_jEt6e2FUtz_ARYclnAog3xlHhMY2Qtm6K5iRXT0yP8_C833kcGg33vFSvxIJPE3rJn60n9U9ajEmYbFpo78qYneWMcydgv1cYD4yq7sjDg0sFaSfmy/s400/may+2011+035.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88M0vmhBWP1UO2Ru7EiIitVjR3_qnacB56W-TcVUusR8o5cHNGKZDPwRXhb11PK8WZpJqdgqDtnVphv2YtitcJyQayOoKYd7rGYmZecM38P3vVD3FMVp4hPrvzCiNMNVYinAFcWH9vvsH/s1600/may+2011+020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607682528458343602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88M0vmhBWP1UO2Ru7EiIitVjR3_qnacB56W-TcVUusR8o5cHNGKZDPwRXhb11PK8WZpJqdgqDtnVphv2YtitcJyQayOoKYd7rGYmZecM38P3vVD3FMVp4hPrvzCiNMNVYinAFcWH9vvsH/s400/may+2011+020.JPG" /></a> Seems like yesterday that I got a call from Elizabeth to tell be that the baby she was carrying was a girl. "You got your girl!" were the words I distinctly remember hearing. What a day that was. Anna was born on Mother's Day after a long night of unproductive labor. She was stubborn even before she was born!</div><br /><div>Anna turned 15 a few days ago. She wanted to take her driving permit test. Anna has only driven once...in my old beater truck on my hunting land a couple of years ago. Well, I had to go to the DMV to renew my drivers licence last month. I asked for the book so she could begin to study it. The lady behind the counter informed me that they were out. I took that as a sign from God & told Anna as much. A few days later she had the book from a young man in our church who took his earlier in the year. </div><br /><div>Well, she passed it...amazing! I let her drive my current - not a beater - truck home from the church. She did well in light of her nearly complete lack of experience. </div><br /><div>I'm still trying to figure out where the time went. She & I were headed to the church yesterday & I came out to see her in the driver's seat with the engine running. She gave me a 'deal with it Dad' look & I prayerfully climbed into the passenger seat.</div><br /><div>The way the 'Speed of Life' is going for me, Emma will be driving soon!</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-35942375899464700042011-05-05T10:42:00.000-07:002011-05-17T06:46:31.951-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD70rixCEflcPvJGAkBHbo2HQv59909ibIF95DxY6ZZXXlL4uqoqxisfA5KqsOUG7GrYISLI8DDASBYS0MjutjGVH0Gp9jtD1mdBb4YM3y7VKculfLt8ze0dn9MGmFdGja9JK5BdztQVbJ/s1600/national+day+of+prayer+004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607680194198563394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD70rixCEflcPvJGAkBHbo2HQv59909ibIF95DxY6ZZXXlL4uqoqxisfA5KqsOUG7GrYISLI8DDASBYS0MjutjGVH0Gp9jtD1mdBb4YM3y7VKculfLt8ze0dn9MGmFdGja9JK5BdztQVbJ/s400/national+day+of+prayer+004.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bkg2J4G8n-yTIn6ptiazVJtElM2eqQ2mhBHpqbw2Myi3KO4v4mHbuY3HfLWq51Q-t7FTqkDr_8yDraunHEvRVdAycMMrkEQtbr99aPxOV5K70XiSSAo-HzcqBm8OkFEP419ZSn8VuAmm/s1600/national+day+of+prayer+012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607680195058763538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bkg2J4G8n-yTIn6ptiazVJtElM2eqQ2mhBHpqbw2Myi3KO4v4mHbuY3HfLWq51Q-t7FTqkDr_8yDraunHEvRVdAycMMrkEQtbr99aPxOV5K70XiSSAo-HzcqBm8OkFEP419ZSn8VuAmm/s400/national+day+of+prayer+012.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><strong></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuz6UAT0-INXs-xB7my_Or3-KDESO62uhHMpcNi1qmZru4x0-FDKVR8sQ1PBDW-cs0aMYX2PpzRwEa2rJAhY5m0Y2mTyJhp7dUIAFtdchVWfE-aBPW747zl4Y1GYGwYu8DxXUdix3AtufZ/s1600/Picture-7.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 271px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603289402432288610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuz6UAT0-INXs-xB7my_Or3-KDESO62uhHMpcNi1qmZru4x0-FDKVR8sQ1PBDW-cs0aMYX2PpzRwEa2rJAhY5m0Y2mTyJhp7dUIAFtdchVWfE-aBPW747zl4Y1GYGwYu8DxXUdix3AtufZ/s400/Picture-7.png" /></a><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"> I was asked to read the theme scripture & offer the opening prayer for the NDP event on the steps of Macon's City Hall today. Below is the text of my prayer:<br /><br />Psalm 91:1-2<br />1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."<br />Father God,<br />We come boldly before your throne of grace seeking help in our time of need. We’re in trouble Father & we finally know it. We’ve gathered today as your sons & daughters by your grace though faith in your Son Jesus Christ. The scripture for this National Day of Prayer is Psalm 91:2 where David said, “I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’”<br />A Refuge & a fortress are places of Rest, Relief & Protection. We – your people – have no concept of You as our Refuge & Fortress. We have the government for that, we have 401ks, IRA’s, & fat bank accounts for that. We would never say it with our lips but our lives loudly declare, “Who is the Lord that I should need Him?”<br />Help us Father! We come to City Hall today the way we should come every day – not with hands out but with hands up. Not looking to GET something but coming to GIVE something. Not looking for HELP but rather GIVING HOPE.<br />David also made his statement personal – He called you MY GOD, MY Fortress, My Refuge. That’s what our country so desperately needs today – Citizens who’s first allegiance is to your Kingdom & your will & your righteousness. A nation who’s God is unashamedly – Jehovah.<br />David also concludes his bold declaration by stating that His trust will be in you. The prophet Isaiah echoed that in 31:1 when he said, “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, And rely on horses, Who trust in chariots because they are many, And in horsemen because they are very strong, But who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, Nor seek the LORD!”<br />That’s exactly what we’ve done and are continuing to do as the church – your called out ones. We’re looking to Egypt for help instead of Heaven. We’re looking to capital hill for answers that can only be found in Calvary’s Hill.<br />We’re trusting in our Military might to execute the Bin Ladens of our would & keep us safe while the real terrorist of the World, the Flesh & the Devil laugh in victory. There is only one execution that holds the answer & it happened at Calvary’s hill not Capital hill.<br />We are an unfaithful people who are so prone to wander from the God we love. So today we gather to seek true repentance – a changing of the way we think & act. The hope for America is standing here today but we must turn from our Idolatry & truly trust in you again as our forefathers once did at the miraculous founding of this great nation. Change our hearts that we may declare with some level of integrity, “We will say of Jehovah, ‘He is our refuge & our fortress; Our God, in Him & Him alone we will trust.” Help us Father in Jesus Name </span></strong></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-78497748727976729382011-04-21T17:44:00.000-07:002011-04-21T19:05:09.868-07:00A Family Seder ~ 2011<div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Pz3XZLfm5UX7qIG4kB8RLUwgZJdlZVNJorxdr-ka_pyEyg6xwKsQY13_qf0yIFrHRAsgo2f-Xdsuity8hh7RUIzzk73FoJaAk4pI1u_t_388X-ZOZi8Qp_Mp-p5VUiXfMYof8Kd22cQb/s1600/zoo+431.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598214654832867282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Pz3XZLfm5UX7qIG4kB8RLUwgZJdlZVNJorxdr-ka_pyEyg6xwKsQY13_qf0yIFrHRAsgo2f-Xdsuity8hh7RUIzzk73FoJaAk4pI1u_t_388X-ZOZi8Qp_Mp-p5VUiXfMYof8Kd22cQb/s400/zoo+431.JPG" /></a> The Passover Table is set!</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyqmJZo6io5R_G894sSMtu4fKitrFUPotRQuUZPKDyoG-x1QMiDuzuD2DQ-4GgFYfC4lUj3W050cW5A3j8Bt2cZZWvWCpktAjNuuMDJfp5k6brO29hpVXfHaB4A1h4vm13SE62ds42679/s1600/zoo+434.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598214650464501010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyqmJZo6io5R_G894sSMtu4fKitrFUPotRQuUZPKDyoG-x1QMiDuzuD2DQ-4GgFYfC4lUj3W050cW5A3j8Bt2cZZWvWCpktAjNuuMDJfp5k6brO29hpVXfHaB4A1h4vm13SE62ds42679/s400/zoo+434.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGZMGwd0d9UW-_g-WboPjUQE830wuNSDSYIdOV53Gf-RZRHb9vQmQTZL99TbU28AHHGMGnbHThRLHSJafo1e3-mWdBsUE5ugOUs8pU3DGuFcqK5HfHwprRsSp0V0EssdzaJVhn55_-hil/s1600/zoo+435.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598214651920630322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGZMGwd0d9UW-_g-WboPjUQE830wuNSDSYIdOV53Gf-RZRHb9vQmQTZL99TbU28AHHGMGnbHThRLHSJafo1e3-mWdBsUE5ugOUs8pU3DGuFcqK5HfHwprRsSp0V0EssdzaJVhn55_-hil/s400/zoo+435.JPG" /></a> Oh No! Leaven! Let's get it out of the house!</div><br /><div align="center"><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSfpW7tAVFCEJg5OMzlT0T1VCC_ungNknio21PGGOX4e9a5ncUyJhQ6r10yq-aucWaXLb0g9e113us7xEqF3EnOuHFnt7wTZ9-2pOr4PRCirXFBD0YfmqJRkiNpCY5-HWiutdPpThNnA0/s1600/zoo+436.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598214647007825970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSfpW7tAVFCEJg5OMzlT0T1VCC_ungNknio21PGGOX4e9a5ncUyJhQ6r10yq-aucWaXLb0g9e113us7xEqF3EnOuHFnt7wTZ9-2pOr4PRCirXFBD0YfmqJRkiNpCY5-HWiutdPpThNnA0/s400/zoo+436.JPG" /></a> When are we ever going to eat!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRk2RODQ-C_b4lt-4hJ7G63mDf1lBQt1T8HNAHGa4tSIlum7ui0GyZPuHjbopultWAWjsfkHuNERgQt_wxTdSc13YBccG2rOos3k7Pfy-duj7y5Q73H3x5579pMSVLU0u03sJX_nqJh9fm/s1600/zoo+438.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598209169247603682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRk2RODQ-C_b4lt-4hJ7G63mDf1lBQt1T8HNAHGa4tSIlum7ui0GyZPuHjbopultWAWjsfkHuNERgQt_wxTdSc13YBccG2rOos3k7Pfy-duj7y5Q73H3x5579pMSVLU0u03sJX_nqJh9fm/s400/zoo+438.JPG" /></a> Bitter Herbs aka - romaine dipped in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">horseradish</span> sauce - sin stings Samuel<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAs9m65z8wjYPp61EUIWOuCLqgTkKpxJLFs5qGvdqBVCIhBVtu6fLP16O9beO_CtpFSq_bPZL2OFO8NfJ8CcXDdJK3lJuRdAOUGaJEyIYveXyJViiEhzPcOYWDBZ25mJZqrqf_G6IFWNrK/s1600/zoo+448.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598209171782669554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAs9m65z8wjYPp61EUIWOuCLqgTkKpxJLFs5qGvdqBVCIhBVtu6fLP16O9beO_CtpFSq_bPZL2OFO8NfJ8CcXDdJK3lJuRdAOUGaJEyIYveXyJViiEhzPcOYWDBZ25mJZqrqf_G6IFWNrK/s400/zoo+448.JPG" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Parsley</span> dipped in salt water-life in slavery to sin brings many tears<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezYEru24zVAX0k4gVWXJOXSgjIGCnwWYhq-uZJAP2sQ5RHOqiUjSQ5UsuMoHdx4qyjBoVKst4hglEZrfVwB_hu12xL_Shv3AhISwjQVNYWNfO2zhqSv6H4TwOyEnI21_QWFVe6pfHfwpV/s1600/zoo+450.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598209164472501778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezYEru24zVAX0k4gVWXJOXSgjIGCnwWYhq-uZJAP2sQ5RHOqiUjSQ5UsuMoHdx4qyjBoVKst4hglEZrfVwB_hu12xL_Shv3AhISwjQVNYWNfO2zhqSv6H4TwOyEnI21_QWFVe6pfHfwpV/s400/zoo+450.JPG" /></a> Daddy tells the story of God's covenant faithfulness to His people...Past & Present<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5GJO7GAzCjPI_HdRZ9Z-yvIZQa5dNlMfeRJ_Aa0b5PcpJQItkKsFYxLpbzEM6odcZUOmJdUREgCOox83YQVkmmDWDoyvaQ44rpAk9yxSwMAunDZbcoWrHIexalywBOLMR8n6XqTFwOec/s1600/zoo+451.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598209163492448386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5GJO7GAzCjPI_HdRZ9Z-yvIZQa5dNlMfeRJ_Aa0b5PcpJQItkKsFYxLpbzEM6odcZUOmJdUREgCOox83YQVkmmDWDoyvaQ44rpAk9yxSwMAunDZbcoWrHIexalywBOLMR8n6XqTFwOec/s400/zoo+451.JPG" /></a> I'm not drunk on Passover wine...really I'm not. Breaking the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Afekomen</span><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxjufX2YsIVxxwoQDSz9iSKbJKFUk7Wa30vFSvyOb56vvCEsXvXkKas08EdXrfCf48LH7C7Q3SLCGYxtlxJFfX-tbnUNbKPqny70bcEMO0FAVJujZM3pAueZgRDyrNMasBUA8vK4_yOOb/s1600/zoo+454.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598209156711274946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxjufX2YsIVxxwoQDSz9iSKbJKFUk7Wa30vFSvyOb56vvCEsXvXkKas08EdXrfCf48LH7C7Q3SLCGYxtlxJFfX-tbnUNbKPqny70bcEMO0FAVJujZM3pAueZgRDyrNMasBUA8vK4_yOOb/s400/zoo+454.JPG" /></a> Enjoying the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">choroset</span> dessert - Apple salad that looks like the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">mortar</span> used in the bricks<br />It represents the sweetness of God's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">deliverance</span> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598216702616320402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jA8kSpa52UZ5ckexEAx9zbD4aaF5syKEIHo_6mh1r0ICQcoX9FDqGcfjl3CVoEZEaOCysJYRkMh8B16r6-sEZpEiOk9-g2RzpeWaAMEdCtaNelGLX_M0HAEnppPpNMWs8zPoXbHPiirj/s400/zoo+440.JPG" /><br />Lots of Wine for everyone (Fruit of the Vine - in case my Mom is reading this)<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598216709304390930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpHDDi6ZQfqo77y4Jj2wRDaQ_AlTdcsNAqrL8MONY72dLPQBFxe3C-O5NxJWejSvLe3AwSCJXMOIny7SW4v6sQ22IDX7s-f8PBgwFEV5q040tbCE8a1JMWB8jwz6wJ1lH8txt5iAoNsIm/s400/zoo+441.JPG" /></div><br /><div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFWRVDBD0k1sjfPTtolfam0832UQVSUfOaNYlsRxtPfib6rajtu5ZLkdDKB4FMXziM4zwirLad0HvB6GHS-VMhmhKc4UhS2C7tNDYnrdtZjZPIknexhJOecXBmnRooNfBu45NnbcanmIf/s1600/zoo+443.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598206973787424738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFWRVDBD0k1sjfPTtolfam0832UQVSUfOaNYlsRxtPfib6rajtu5ZLkdDKB4FMXziM4zwirLad0HvB6GHS-VMhmhKc4UhS2C7tNDYnrdtZjZPIknexhJOecXBmnRooNfBu45NnbcanmIf/s400/zoo+443.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Clean Hands</div><br /><div><br /><div>Pure Hearts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuiLaBPW67SyEGhXXaDNwix6SaUC_7gTV2PCI9Y9sPGcMVkz1q54EPZRKLdYljBoBadpgG4hTwl5uv84gAr6BWkiGew4WGLWjA9FScR9XGHKubA_5tkB6gvPgpO2aAVZC3WJNqDhdYPef/s1600/zoo+444.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598206973243519954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuiLaBPW67SyEGhXXaDNwix6SaUC_7gTV2PCI9Y9sPGcMVkz1q54EPZRKLdYljBoBadpgG4hTwl5uv84gAr6BWkiGew4WGLWjA9FScR9XGHKubA_5tkB6gvPgpO2aAVZC3WJNqDhdYPef/s400/zoo+444.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILJxmL37Ttdyq8Q_I3JauPkysBtAQhOj0UZJXHeWynq-s2U0XEMHLuWo8W8W0Bc7pBclcbZvwLD-pi-f55kkT3Tk32EHCP5HBXalABj9VNkLSoc3gfHXMQ1Da6-jM5gzGyhsDlnVfPCWC/s1600/zoo+446.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598206968828106386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILJxmL37Ttdyq8Q_I3JauPkysBtAQhOj0UZJXHeWynq-s2U0XEMHLuWo8W8W0Bc7pBclcbZvwLD-pi-f55kkT3Tk32EHCP5HBXalABj9VNkLSoc3gfHXMQ1Da6-jM5gzGyhsDlnVfPCWC/s400/zoo+446.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598205161640370194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63bcFgah4_1Np0eGTLuGntvm5av0NOuDGhQm0upBlWObu8iC0Hpls-W6Ew7i664F7gzt0aChqIQaHoJ2KMAWKeNki97AiD194b3zuAzUtIdaUI9ObVwAX-8d-bwvoiXsu-idWUOuQ6Mlb/s400/zoo+447.JPG" />God is up to something. Seems that so many of us 'Gentiles' are being wooed back to God's holy days & festivals. As a father I find myself forever trying to 'clean up' the holidays for my kids. Ever get tired of trying to strip the holidays of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">meaningless</span> fable, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">carnivoristic</span> consumerism, & theft of God's characteristics bestowed upon <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Scandinavian</span> saints who break into homes, leave gifts...and steal the glory of Jehovah?</div><br /><div align="left">Well, I feel your pain. God has a much better idea. Imagine a holiday that still has much fun & story for all ages to look forward to it months in advance. The whole idea of "Spring Cleaning" comes from preparing for Passover. The Jewish Mommas would deep clean the dwelling to get every trace of 'leaven' out of the house.</div><br /><div align="left">Then, just before the Passover Seder could begin, the Jewish <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Papas</span> would take a candle & search the house with the little ones. Momma would leave a little bit of "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chametz</span>" by the stove. One child would have a wooden spoon & the Dad would sweep the leaven onto the spoon with a feather. Another child would wrap it in a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">linen</span> cloth & then they would take it outside of the house & burn it. You don't have to be a biblical scholar to get the symbolism: Candle - God's Word, Wooden Spoon - the Cross, Feather - the Holy Spirit, Linen cloth - grave clothes, Fire - Christ's sacrifice - a burnt offering.</div><br /><div align="left">We retold the story of God's delivering the Children of Israel with an Outstretched arm. When God stretches out His arm - you don't want to be on the receiving end of it...just ask <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Pharaoh</span>.</div><br /><div align="left">We talked about the bitterness of life, the wages of sin being death. We <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">remembered</span> our baby who we will see in heaven one day. Salty tears still flow at the thought of him or her. But out of that sad valley came three beautiful babies - Samuel Isaac, Benjamin Robert Anthony, & Emma Grace. The blessings & the bitterness - through it all God is faithful.</div><br /><div align="left">We've never done this at home before. I've wanted to for years. We almost didn't do it this year but I felt an urgency to celebrate this '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Moed</span>' with my family.</div><br /><div align="left">We're going to do it again this Friday with our Church family. The Seder at home was a bit of a dry run. We're going to scale things back & loosen them up a bit for Friday. But we are still going to remember, recount & retell the story of God's covenant faithfulness to His children.</div><br /><div align="left">Let me encourage you to give it a try. God knows how to have a holy holiday. It beats the fire out of thinly veiled pagan festivals. Let's get back to the book & back to Celebrating the feasts of the LORD.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-72609448932061373822011-04-15T07:23:00.000-07:002011-04-15T07:37:55.839-07:00The Gospel Stairs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpX2paXNQQ-mPCFvLGdoInDuyOvUNuaUGojics4cCIJF99X_-Zkbx9EFWQ4ZaYehc8v9PUefrueqvh411HqLuX9j3SEQOnfkrmrdtdwxs98KTY5yfFxT_qIzaSVfhJfxCBpx88FbV7m-eb/s1600/Calvary-Cross-Pics-0508.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595816040811813138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpX2paXNQQ-mPCFvLGdoInDuyOvUNuaUGojics4cCIJF99X_-Zkbx9EFWQ4ZaYehc8v9PUefrueqvh411HqLuX9j3SEQOnfkrmrdtdwxs98KTY5yfFxT_qIzaSVfhJfxCBpx88FbV7m-eb/s400/Calvary-Cross-Pics-0508.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Our Church, <a href="http://www.lwbcmacon.com/">Lake <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wildwood</span> Baptist</a>, began a journey through Romans this past Sunday. I came across this poem in my studying & I have to confess that I wept when I read the last line. It is my story & that of any & all who have been drawn by the Father & effectually called by the Holy Spirit to Justification by faith alone - vacant of ANY work on my part.</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">May we all be reminded that God has done it all...We are merely the blessed recipients of the His gracious gift through our Lord Jesus Christ.</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">Enjoy...</span> <br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">The Gospel Stairs</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">O long & dark the stairs I trod</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">with trembling feet to find my God</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Gaining a foothold bit by bit</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">then slipping back & losing it</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Never progressing; striving still</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">with weakening grasp & faltering will</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Bleeding to climb to God, while He</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Serenely smiled, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">unnoting</span> me</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Then came a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">certain</span> time when I</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Loosened my hold & fell thereby;</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Down to the lowest steps my fall,</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">As if I had not climbed at all!</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Now when I lay <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">despairing</span> there</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Listen...a footfall on the stair!</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">On that same stair where I afraid,</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Faltered & fell & lay dismayed</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">And lo, when hope had ceased to be,</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">My God came down the stairs to me!</span></em></strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-56350926728618263402011-04-04T15:00:00.000-07:002011-04-04T15:35:46.171-07:00Ellicott Wilderness: A Great Teacher<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvb0PA1IZ3GYoTuA8fRcyQ5Bw2kqItMgsFcQwppkGNlYanfCfx_OPguH0Q9YigkVUhTac7kSLzfRKrKX-KsQ8vrepC_Ql-_86kFvQlQiM0enmb0nLM037jIr3_TNLoTzYY-Drg30bkp1O/s1600/hiking+trip+031.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591857901199145810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvb0PA1IZ3GYoTuA8fRcyQ5Bw2kqItMgsFcQwppkGNlYanfCfx_OPguH0Q9YigkVUhTac7kSLzfRKrKX-KsQ8vrepC_Ql-_86kFvQlQiM0enmb0nLM037jIr3_TNLoTzYY-Drg30bkp1O/s400/hiking+trip+031.JPG" /></a> Drying my shoes by the fire <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqvNxRbWf-z1bZ4s9DujgL84TczfzzaLfzBTLO9m_JLY5L25qxMQWNqoG-ytHUeaIX_MLVNWJcp9lEvi_okNBrVB7219WHS1vyDl0oT-EMrNshy4V5kKpzs3h3HebaF6y60hhsN6nniMt/s1600/hiking+trip+030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591857896727028978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqvNxRbWf-z1bZ4s9DujgL84TczfzzaLfzBTLO9m_JLY5L25qxMQWNqoG-ytHUeaIX_MLVNWJcp9lEvi_okNBrVB7219WHS1vyDl0oT-EMrNshy4V5kKpzs3h3HebaF6y60hhsN6nniMt/s400/hiking+trip+030.JPG" /></a> Going fishing the second day <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBiD7E6Rstmr-jS3g5Q6LXtGGeDkPFo4cKHdkK-zsSS6-80OnDNblfv8S8GO5Qp_AV7nLjexRe5c8GMUGkGpfcDRJJHKafrt_-OJ9DsLZsr-NjlPpXigEiwor3pfWmNipsjLozgyqahc_/s1600/hiking+trip+029.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591857887570750946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBiD7E6Rstmr-jS3g5Q6LXtGGeDkPFo4cKHdkK-zsSS6-80OnDNblfv8S8GO5Qp_AV7nLjexRe5c8GMUGkGpfcDRJJHKafrt_-OJ9DsLZsr-NjlPpXigEiwor3pfWmNipsjLozgyqahc_/s400/hiking+trip+029.JPG" /></a> My 'barely one person' tent <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyXoB0lt5BRPKpZRdcKLO18PR-VpK3WlFJUzNxaK_Azk2aXSlLxsetPsxODYh2p5ITnBg5CGzYdxxYCTpsz6tW822ZzVVtOkFXG4Zp693Ag1Q_eLLmKrEw1vM4uRXvrMRmAEE6FNmFkLR/s1600/hiking+trip+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591857885178143522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyXoB0lt5BRPKpZRdcKLO18PR-VpK3WlFJUzNxaK_Azk2aXSlLxsetPsxODYh2p5ITnBg5CGzYdxxYCTpsz6tW822ZzVVtOkFXG4Zp693Ag1Q_eLLmKrEw1vM4uRXvrMRmAEE6FNmFkLR/s400/hiking+trip+009.JPG" /></a> Beautiful Waterfall <br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfB-6G5VVIhpQv1fshjNlUPlnPyR17X9pnlxh-9GX7AClPbeuHxSx4QMjAjfaVKhL0NzdGBS6BvGdc-_jC2wSfXJPpIHaPnxZp-PAfVDSouX1sVXg8t8DgxD6R-zUTRQj6jEVRxSzxhuwM/s1600/hiking+trip+011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591855781392797138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfB-6G5VVIhpQv1fshjNlUPlnPyR17X9pnlxh-9GX7AClPbeuHxSx4QMjAjfaVKhL0NzdGBS6BvGdc-_jC2wSfXJPpIHaPnxZp-PAfVDSouX1sVXg8t8DgxD6R-zUTRQj6jEVRxSzxhuwM/s400/hiking+trip+011.JPG" /></a> My pack complete with crickets for fishing <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZuh0WXCbEb4S0u9x88E-4qNSq3RcQRpcdnrHHB5eZpg1RrJvi-U-Mq9N19PVvi4e4qhE-pi8q0uAcij68MpZNzb-D-vlFQEv04uo-t1FA_cbsQRv1SzV9pfIb4SbREUpvJS3YgrKlU5i/s1600/hiking+trip+020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591855769941297554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZuh0WXCbEb4S0u9x88E-4qNSq3RcQRpcdnrHHB5eZpg1RrJvi-U-Mq9N19PVvi4e4qhE-pi8q0uAcij68MpZNzb-D-vlFQEv04uo-t1FA_cbsQRv1SzV9pfIb4SbREUpvJS3YgrKlU5i/s400/hiking+trip+020.JPG" /></a> A Black Bear track right outside my tent! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69lmJQKxD-XWngGnKxoA1Xs9mCEic2_d_DOXBe1sfUuT2Nh6t28S63ZirZ69wWUdgaPWKYy4iXSIkl5xzN4HjLWrANE3BhfOZ_WrHsTNLsEv8pJDBE7GSWg4PKIfSYd3f-l58_jlPimeB/s1600/hiking+trip+014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591855768150821874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69lmJQKxD-XWngGnKxoA1Xs9mCEic2_d_DOXBe1sfUuT2Nh6t28S63ZirZ69wWUdgaPWKYy4iXSIkl5xzN4HjLWrANE3BhfOZ_WrHsTNLsEv8pJDBE7GSWg4PKIfSYd3f-l58_jlPimeB/s400/hiking+trip+014.JPG" /></a> Necissity is the Mother of invention <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAPh1ALU69GE4O7LnahVfLs90WkxMOfy7pNkwLJzP5MDsdSho42buoJXuTciLZFLoXLTfjI7i9pC911KUSYpoMagjIOMhoTKHRxoyxmH1EdWKii5DWC__A_V45NvIi7Q_2aYiwC91Am_q/s1600/hiking+trip+015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591855764940410418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAPh1ALU69GE4O7LnahVfLs90WkxMOfy7pNkwLJzP5MDsdSho42buoJXuTciLZFLoXLTfjI7i9pC911KUSYpoMagjIOMhoTKHRxoyxmH1EdWKii5DWC__A_V45NvIi7Q_2aYiwC91Am_q/s400/hiking+trip+015.JPG" /></a> Smoking Trout...Its what's for dinner! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyp8tKmRCHzzydztTgaWmzpeulPWwCpr3y3wRWJK1kq2fmZnsoqMWOIkNUnPg6enZlCYYX4IX6IS-Dt6fka69_d3zGnQHTWqWcoKP74MJC-y7qSVEKFoKePcmh995U-fhKglntZTFmLyc/s1600/hiking+trip+012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591854643533050482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyp8tKmRCHzzydztTgaWmzpeulPWwCpr3y3wRWJK1kq2fmZnsoqMWOIkNUnPg6enZlCYYX4IX6IS-Dt6fka69_d3zGnQHTWqWcoKP74MJC-y7qSVEKFoKePcmh995U-fhKglntZTFmLyc/s400/hiking+trip+012.JPG" /></a> I caught the big one & 2 of the smaller ones! Panther martin spinner knocks em dead!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="justify">I recently had the opportunity to take a hiking trip with some fellow Pastors. We went to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellicott_Rock_Wilderness">Ellicott Wilderness </a>for a 3 day 20 mile hiking/fishing/camping trip. I've shed, by God's grace-the <a href="http://www.drdz777.myzija.com/">moringa tree </a>& Zija, 60 pounds since July of last year. I figured the 40 pound pack would be no problem! I may have lost weight but I have yet to gain cardio shape! The 3,000 foot elevations really challenged me to the max. My partners gave me the 'trail name' of 'Grunt' because I made noise with every step.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">We hiked 7 or 8 miles the first day. By the end of that hike I figured out how to & how not to wear the backpack. It is supposed to rest on your 'saddle' aka top of your butt. Let me tell you, my 'saddle' was sagging by the time we made camp that afternoon!</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">The second half of that first day found us in some very steep mountainous country. Nearly vertical ravines on a foot & a half wide dirt trail made for some hairy hiking. At one 'hairpin' turn there was a tree growing up over the path & a 300 to 400 foot drop off on the outer edge. I watched my partners grasp the trunk & 'swing' under the tree. No problem. I didn't factor in my 40 pound pack. In the middle of my swing my left hand slipped off the tree trunk & my swing started swinging down & not over! That was a wake up call to be sure!</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">The hiking wasn't so fun at first...or in the middle...or on the last day really. What was fun was looking back & realizing you did something hard & you persevered!</div><br /><div align="justify">We camped along the Chatooga river where deliverance was filmed. I kept a sharp ear out for banjo music!</div><br /><div align="justify">We caught 6 trout the first afternoon & I caught 3 more the next day. Nothing like fresh trout smoked over a fire. The big trout bumped my spinner on 3 successive casts. On the 4th cast I reeled that spinner as fast as I could & instead of 'tasting' it - he inhaled it! </div><br /><div align="justify">After our trip I figured out why my Pastor buddies so enjoyed this kind of get away. It is the polar opposite of what we do every day. No cell phones, people, or problems other than physical ones to be overcome. No dressing up, meetings, or fires to put out - only ones to start.</div><br /><div align="justify">It was so quiet except for the sound of the river which lulled us to sleep each night. We carried everything we needed to sustain us right on our backs. We were miles from civilization & we not only survived but we thrived. </div><br /><div align="justify">I can't wait to go back & take Paul Jr. with me. He would love this kind of adventure!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561550456179292517.post-60128641026683544422011-03-09T18:32:00.000-08:002011-03-09T18:58:24.468-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhD1QdWXgNrZDWRyReeEsYNSOw34fe-05lDS4Jhqvk4EV9Uy7Uveh07jFXvWYkCiDEkMxD4sArnSfXborEmsCANBXmqz-0ZKlBd8u7CmAYIw8eNQ9RexM15Fhd3Ugww7KfAj1gCxGZrlX/s1600/serous+me.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582273768366812530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhD1QdWXgNrZDWRyReeEsYNSOw34fe-05lDS4Jhqvk4EV9Uy7Uveh07jFXvWYkCiDEkMxD4sArnSfXborEmsCANBXmqz-0ZKlBd8u7CmAYIw8eNQ9RexM15Fhd3Ugww7KfAj1gCxGZrlX/s400/serous+me.jpg" /></a><br /><div><strong>I haven't had the flu in 12 years...all good things comes to he who waits! I got hit with it Monday evening - Aches, chills, fever, chest pains - the whole 9 yards! Baby Emma got it earlier on Monday & Ben had it over the weekend. Sam got hit with it last night at 3 am when his dinner came up & out. Note to self - no sick ones on the top bunks...gravity is not pretty when wed to the flu. He also just threw up all the way down the hall what sounded like gallons. Of course he stopped right at the bathroom door...go figure. One of our church members Face Booked me & asked if she could bring us anything. I replied, "A mop carried by a Nanny. My wife is about to lose what little of her mind she still has." Its been one of those weeks.</strong></div><div><strong>Anna just came out & stated she is feeling sick! Please God, don't let Beth get this mess. Ellie is also complaining of a sore throat. </strong></div><div><strong>I just couldn't stand to be in bed by Tuesday late morning. Beth kept trying to shew me back to bed but I wasn't having it. It hurts to just lay there. I'm still achy but it's not so painful. I'm left with a rough & painful cough. </strong></div><div><strong>I am not a good patient. My wife reminds me of that often. She's been such a trooper though all of this. I am a blessed man to be sure.</strong></div><div><strong>God has been so good to me & my little family. Pray for my older sons. They both want to attend Toccoa Christian College in the fall but money is the only barrior. Pray for God's provision.</strong></div><div> </div><div> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1