Where else but the Autumnville Country Store front porch could sitting be considered sport. But there the tres amigos, Fred, Ed and Ted, competed in rocking chairs, just a tad more antique than they were.
"Good morning rocking chair jockeys," greeted Mrs. Bode, as she ascended porch steps, "I see you all are wearing the team uniform and protective head gear."
"Are you poking fun at our overalls and caps?" Ed complained.
Mrs Bode halted halfway through store screen door and left jabbed his shoulder. "Just yours Ed," she laughed.
"Ouch!" Ed rubbed his shoulder.
"Beat up by a woman!" Fred ribbed.
"Yep," nodded Ted.
"Shut up!" Ed fended them off, "At least she's purdy, and she touched me. That's more action than either one of you two geezers have had in the past 40 years."
"Sadly true," Fred reflected.
"Yep," Ted agreed.
Fred stroked beard, spit, said, "Have you ever crossed the line, just to get to the other side?"
"Been there, done that," Ed mused.
"Yep," chimed Ted.
Fred contemplated, "Have you ever had a date with destiny," he spit over porch plank edge, "and got stood up?"
"Been there, done that," Ed said, added, "In fact her name 'was' Destiny, back in '43."
"Yep," Ted was slipping off into that special place of diminished capacity, called The Ted Zone.
Fred thought a while, then asked, "Have you ever accepted Christ Jesus as Savior?"
"Nope!" Ed croaked, tilted forward, fell face down on porch plank. The only chair still rocking was the one Ed fell out of.
"Is he planking?" Ted asked.
"Walked the eternal plank," Fred observed. He swallowed hard, "Why didn't I witness to him before now?"
Ted cried out, "This life is but a mist for a little while..."
James 4:14; Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9 & 13
pawpawcorner.blogspot.com
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Monday, September 9, 2013
HALFWAY TO HATHAWAY
Serpentine smirk glowered in the dim light of dashboard GPS. "Spur 777 dead ends in the town of Halfway, Texas. If that is not poetic injustice for all those logic challenged Christians, what is? This is going to be good," spat out the up to no good Saul Bellow of the Texas Restless Reporter. Seems Saul never ceased pursuit of atheistic un-value.
For Saul that winding road to Halfway was an unsteady climb over hill after hill; till one hill loomed steeper than them all. Saul on gas pedal the pressure applied, but his truck began to buck, coughed, choked, then died, before backwards it began to slide. Hard on the brake pedal Saul gave it all, but truck downhill continued back pedal fall. His leg muscles for what seemed eternity burned raw. His heart pounded. His brain ached, took a minute or two to register truck no longer moved. "Wheeh, still alive?" At steep hill bottom Saul chewed, "I got a job to do!"
To the less taller hill behind, the truck u-turned, climbed to its top, turned round and stopped. "Get 'er done!" Saul screamed, crammed gas pedal to metal. Tires burned rubber. Saul's heart burned hotter, "I got a story to twist!"
Down hill Saul sped, then up higher hill he fled, till stopped, till perched on top. From over his shoulder the morning sun rose, shined on west, cast twilight day down upon the town of Halfway, nestled in the valley of the Horse Shoe Mountains. Saul stepped out of truck. Raised camera, even said, "So beautiful, it almost makes me want to believe." He filmed a while, before returned sad smile, "But I'll get over it."
The plan was nothing new, followed old format, tried and semi-true. Thru town pass thru. Film here, film there, fire in an oral observation or two. But Saul interviewed none, figured to do it later; for something compelled him toward the far end of Halfway. "Why not," Saul shrugged, "I mean, like after all, how far down can far end be in this halfway town?"
Saul braked at stop sign. Spur 777 ended at the tee with Hathaway Street. On the far side of Hathaway a big green sign beckoned. Welcome to Horse Shoe Mountain Trail. Enter at own risk. Continue on foot. So he did, camera in hand. "Photo-op heaven!" Saul slipped, un-corrected himself, "That is, if there really were a heaven."
Up he went. The climb rapidly got steeper. The trail got narrower. "Real narrow," Saul muttered, "Who in their right mind would put a public trail not more than three feet wide up the side of a mountain?" He rounded the corner. Heard coiled diamond back rattler. Saul looked down, squeaked, "That snake's head is bigger than my foot!" Back glued to mountain, eyes squinched tight, he called out, "Help me Jesus!" With venom dripping fangs that ancient serpent sprang, sprang over trail edge to far, far below...
Saul's eyes opened. Saw all the way to Hathaway Street and a cross topped building there...
Back in the town of Halfway, on the street of Hathaway, a shaken Saul walked thru the Door of the Church. "Hello little sheep. I've been told to expect you, Saul," greeted the Pastor from altar steps, "Have you ever considered a change of name?"
...Is Halfway to Hathaway closer than thought...
...Call out to the only way...
...JESUS...
As entertaining as this little story may be, it is no where near as awesome as the true story of Saul to Paul in the Bible... Please read Acts 9:1-20 & 13:9. The sheep and the Door & the Way are explained in John 10:1-30; 14:6; 3:16; and Romans 10:13.
pawpawcorner.blogspot.com
For Saul that winding road to Halfway was an unsteady climb over hill after hill; till one hill loomed steeper than them all. Saul on gas pedal the pressure applied, but his truck began to buck, coughed, choked, then died, before backwards it began to slide. Hard on the brake pedal Saul gave it all, but truck downhill continued back pedal fall. His leg muscles for what seemed eternity burned raw. His heart pounded. His brain ached, took a minute or two to register truck no longer moved. "Wheeh, still alive?" At steep hill bottom Saul chewed, "I got a job to do!"
To the less taller hill behind, the truck u-turned, climbed to its top, turned round and stopped. "Get 'er done!" Saul screamed, crammed gas pedal to metal. Tires burned rubber. Saul's heart burned hotter, "I got a story to twist!"
Down hill Saul sped, then up higher hill he fled, till stopped, till perched on top. From over his shoulder the morning sun rose, shined on west, cast twilight day down upon the town of Halfway, nestled in the valley of the Horse Shoe Mountains. Saul stepped out of truck. Raised camera, even said, "So beautiful, it almost makes me want to believe." He filmed a while, before returned sad smile, "But I'll get over it."
The plan was nothing new, followed old format, tried and semi-true. Thru town pass thru. Film here, film there, fire in an oral observation or two. But Saul interviewed none, figured to do it later; for something compelled him toward the far end of Halfway. "Why not," Saul shrugged, "I mean, like after all, how far down can far end be in this halfway town?"
Saul braked at stop sign. Spur 777 ended at the tee with Hathaway Street. On the far side of Hathaway a big green sign beckoned. Welcome to Horse Shoe Mountain Trail. Enter at own risk. Continue on foot. So he did, camera in hand. "Photo-op heaven!" Saul slipped, un-corrected himself, "That is, if there really were a heaven."
Up he went. The climb rapidly got steeper. The trail got narrower. "Real narrow," Saul muttered, "Who in their right mind would put a public trail not more than three feet wide up the side of a mountain?" He rounded the corner. Heard coiled diamond back rattler. Saul looked down, squeaked, "That snake's head is bigger than my foot!" Back glued to mountain, eyes squinched tight, he called out, "Help me Jesus!" With venom dripping fangs that ancient serpent sprang, sprang over trail edge to far, far below...
Saul's eyes opened. Saw all the way to Hathaway Street and a cross topped building there...
Back in the town of Halfway, on the street of Hathaway, a shaken Saul walked thru the Door of the Church. "Hello little sheep. I've been told to expect you, Saul," greeted the Pastor from altar steps, "Have you ever considered a change of name?"
...Is Halfway to Hathaway closer than thought...
...Call out to the only way...
...JESUS...
As entertaining as this little story may be, it is no where near as awesome as the true story of Saul to Paul in the Bible... Please read Acts 9:1-20 & 13:9. The sheep and the Door & the Way are explained in John 10:1-30; 14:6; 3:16; and Romans 10:13.
pawpawcorner.blogspot.com
Saturday, August 31, 2013
THE FULLER'S SOAP
Sope: middle English spelling for soap, an emulsifier, bleach and cleanser.
Fuller: a craftsman who softens, bleaches, purifies and cleanses wool cloth.
Have you ever been around sheep? Sheep are not clean animals. Like a magnet to metal the thick wool of sheep attracts all sorts of impurities. That's putting it lightly. For every bit of dust stirred, every icky thing a sheep lays in not only stains, but permeates the fibers of wool. In short sheep stink. Ever wonder why Jesus calls us His sheep? Could it have something to do with the stain of stinky sin?
The Son of God came down from heaven to be born the Son of Man. To be close to us, he became one of us. What better way to communicate? What better way to show His love? Jesus also came down from heaven as both Good Shepherd and Lamb. The Shepherd calls us His sheep. Again, Jesus became one of us. Jesus the deity became a sinless man among sinful men. Jesus the Shepherd became a Lamb without blemish among a flock of dirty sheep. On the cross Jesus, the spotless Lamb, gave his own blood to wash away the blemishes of his fellow sheep. For Jesus is the Master Fuller, whose own blood is the fullers soap: that washes the wool of His sheep whiter than snow. Thankfully, Jesus clothes us in His righteousness. For no unrighteous thing, nothing with blemish, nothing with even a hint of the stain of sin enters heaven... The catch is: Jesus clothes only those who ask...
Malachi 3:2 KJ, "But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner's fire and fuller's sope." Jesus, the fuller's soap that purifies and cleanses the wool and hearts of all us dirty stinky, sin stained sheep... who call upon him...
Mark 10:46-52 KJ, "And they came to Jericho: and as they went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. 47) And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus thou son of David, have mercy on me. 48)And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried out the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. 49)And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth. 50)And he casting away his garment, rose and came to Jesus. 51)And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. 52)And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way." By faith Bartimaeus saw to cast off his garment; saw to cast off the old and receive the new; saw to put on the whiter than snow garment of salvation... Indeed, Bartimaeus not only followed on the road, but followed Jesus ...in the way... the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (Romans 10:13; 2nd Corinthians 5:17; John 14:6)
Isaiah 35:8 KJ, "And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein." Down the road from Jericho, Jesus continued on to Bethphage and Bethany on the slope of the Mount of Olives, then unto Jerusalem. There, two of Jesus' disciples cast their garments upon the back of a never ridden donkey colt. On cast off garments Jesus sat riding, and many spread their cast off garments on the road before him. Not only did they spread their garments on the roadway in reverence to his divine royalty; but more so cast off those worldly sin stained garments, that sin and death be cast off and trodden; and that they be newly clothed in the way... clothed in the salvation and righteousness of Jesus.
Mark 11:9 KJ, "And they that went before, and they that followed, cried saying, HOSANA; BLESSED IS HE THAT COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD." Hosana: from the Hebrew hoshiahnna & Greek hosanna: a cry of adoration and acclamation, and even more so a cry out, literally meaning... pray save us. So may we also be clothed: Romans 10:13 KJ, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Isaiah 61:10 KJ, "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and a bride adorneth herself with jewels." Jesus clothes each Christian, His church, His bride in His whiter than snow garment of salvation and robe of righteousness (Rev. 19:7-16). And you must wear His clothing and no other or be cast out of the wedding (Mat. 22:1-14).
Atop a mountain, Peter, James and John witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus: Mark 9:3 KJ, "And his raiment became shining, exceedingly white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them."
"The Fuller's Soap," the only brand of soap that gets you squeaky clean and clothes you forever in the love of... Jesus...
Fuller: a craftsman who softens, bleaches, purifies and cleanses wool cloth.
Have you ever been around sheep? Sheep are not clean animals. Like a magnet to metal the thick wool of sheep attracts all sorts of impurities. That's putting it lightly. For every bit of dust stirred, every icky thing a sheep lays in not only stains, but permeates the fibers of wool. In short sheep stink. Ever wonder why Jesus calls us His sheep? Could it have something to do with the stain of stinky sin?
The Son of God came down from heaven to be born the Son of Man. To be close to us, he became one of us. What better way to communicate? What better way to show His love? Jesus also came down from heaven as both Good Shepherd and Lamb. The Shepherd calls us His sheep. Again, Jesus became one of us. Jesus the deity became a sinless man among sinful men. Jesus the Shepherd became a Lamb without blemish among a flock of dirty sheep. On the cross Jesus, the spotless Lamb, gave his own blood to wash away the blemishes of his fellow sheep. For Jesus is the Master Fuller, whose own blood is the fullers soap: that washes the wool of His sheep whiter than snow. Thankfully, Jesus clothes us in His righteousness. For no unrighteous thing, nothing with blemish, nothing with even a hint of the stain of sin enters heaven... The catch is: Jesus clothes only those who ask...
Malachi 3:2 KJ, "But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner's fire and fuller's sope." Jesus, the fuller's soap that purifies and cleanses the wool and hearts of all us dirty stinky, sin stained sheep... who call upon him...
Mark 10:46-52 KJ, "And they came to Jericho: and as they went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. 47) And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus thou son of David, have mercy on me. 48)And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried out the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. 49)And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth. 50)And he casting away his garment, rose and came to Jesus. 51)And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. 52)And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way." By faith Bartimaeus saw to cast off his garment; saw to cast off the old and receive the new; saw to put on the whiter than snow garment of salvation... Indeed, Bartimaeus not only followed on the road, but followed Jesus ...in the way... the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (Romans 10:13; 2nd Corinthians 5:17; John 14:6)
Isaiah 35:8 KJ, "And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein." Down the road from Jericho, Jesus continued on to Bethphage and Bethany on the slope of the Mount of Olives, then unto Jerusalem. There, two of Jesus' disciples cast their garments upon the back of a never ridden donkey colt. On cast off garments Jesus sat riding, and many spread their cast off garments on the road before him. Not only did they spread their garments on the roadway in reverence to his divine royalty; but more so cast off those worldly sin stained garments, that sin and death be cast off and trodden; and that they be newly clothed in the way... clothed in the salvation and righteousness of Jesus.
Mark 11:9 KJ, "And they that went before, and they that followed, cried saying, HOSANA; BLESSED IS HE THAT COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD." Hosana: from the Hebrew hoshiahnna & Greek hosanna: a cry of adoration and acclamation, and even more so a cry out, literally meaning... pray save us. So may we also be clothed: Romans 10:13 KJ, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Isaiah 61:10 KJ, "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and a bride adorneth herself with jewels." Jesus clothes each Christian, His church, His bride in His whiter than snow garment of salvation and robe of righteousness (Rev. 19:7-16). And you must wear His clothing and no other or be cast out of the wedding (Mat. 22:1-14).
Atop a mountain, Peter, James and John witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus: Mark 9:3 KJ, "And his raiment became shining, exceedingly white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them."
"The Fuller's Soap," the only brand of soap that gets you squeaky clean and clothes you forever in the love of... Jesus...
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
KNOW IT ALL
Never known till it happens, what sparks may fly between two old adversaries at a reunion. Ten years had passed. The faces had changed a bit, most bodies had added a pound or two, but one thing had changed not at all: the feud between a certain two, the valedictorian and salutatorian of good old Anguish High.
Something about banquet tables invites the lonely eyed to hide in plain sight at class reunions. Hide eyes, dancing couples reflecting; hide eyes, longing to be a couple dancing. So dwelt the eyes of Matt Meeks, as he reached for punch bowl ladle, found ladle handle soft and warm. His eyes drifted from dance floor, met blue eyes not unfamiliar, the eyes of Sarah Demure. "Miss Know It All, I shoulda' known!" Matthew's hand recoiled from hers.
"Mr. Know Nothing!" Sarah countered.
"If you knew, what you think you know, you'd know better!" Matthew spewed.
"If you knew what I knew, then you'd know what I know!" Sarah chewed.
Was it something about the attraction of two opposite poled hearts; or was it planned purpose camouflaged as coincidence... the kiss twas soft?
And so it was that Saturday night reunion led to Sunday morning date. Matthew gathered Sarah from her parents' door and off to Church they went. Of course it was a neutral denomination in a neutral nearby small town, but it was Church. And so they came, and so they settled to settle down in mid neutral pew.
And after song and prayer, it seemed that directly at a certain mid pew two, the pastor stared, delivered yet another not so camouflaged coincidence of purpose, "I may not know it all, but I know our Creator, who does know it all. For at night my eyes behold the heavens, the moon and the stars, the very work of His fingers..."
There in mid pew did eyes open, turn to one another, well traces of joy filled tears.
And so it was that planned purpose of coincidence came to pass. Three children in the back yard played, while mom and dad were just a swinging in a swing made for two. Matthew and Sarah held hands while sparking neath the shade of that old oak tree, a neutral tree of course... But then again twas GOD who made them all...
In the garden one became two, that two become one...
Genesis chapter 2
The beautiful PSALM 8, a Psalm of David
The Song of Solomon, by David's Most Wise Son
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If this has blessed you, please hit follow>>>
Something about banquet tables invites the lonely eyed to hide in plain sight at class reunions. Hide eyes, dancing couples reflecting; hide eyes, longing to be a couple dancing. So dwelt the eyes of Matt Meeks, as he reached for punch bowl ladle, found ladle handle soft and warm. His eyes drifted from dance floor, met blue eyes not unfamiliar, the eyes of Sarah Demure. "Miss Know It All, I shoulda' known!" Matthew's hand recoiled from hers.
"Mr. Know Nothing!" Sarah countered.
"If you knew, what you think you know, you'd know better!" Matthew spewed.
"If you knew what I knew, then you'd know what I know!" Sarah chewed.
Was it something about the attraction of two opposite poled hearts; or was it planned purpose camouflaged as coincidence... the kiss twas soft?
And so it was that Saturday night reunion led to Sunday morning date. Matthew gathered Sarah from her parents' door and off to Church they went. Of course it was a neutral denomination in a neutral nearby small town, but it was Church. And so they came, and so they settled to settle down in mid neutral pew.
And after song and prayer, it seemed that directly at a certain mid pew two, the pastor stared, delivered yet another not so camouflaged coincidence of purpose, "I may not know it all, but I know our Creator, who does know it all. For at night my eyes behold the heavens, the moon and the stars, the very work of His fingers..."
There in mid pew did eyes open, turn to one another, well traces of joy filled tears.
And so it was that planned purpose of coincidence came to pass. Three children in the back yard played, while mom and dad were just a swinging in a swing made for two. Matthew and Sarah held hands while sparking neath the shade of that old oak tree, a neutral tree of course... But then again twas GOD who made them all...
In the garden one became two, that two become one...
Genesis chapter 2
The beautiful PSALM 8, a Psalm of David
The Song of Solomon, by David's Most Wise Son
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If this has blessed you, please hit follow>>>
Saturday, August 24, 2013
HIGHLY DOUBTFUL
The highly doubtful doubt just about all, except that non-existent. Seems a doubt here, a doubt there leads to doubt almost everywhere. Ends in the fear of of fear itself. In one such bed of despair, sheets tossed off for fear of something crawling there, lay lady Hylee Doubtful's disheveled hair.
Next morning suspicions lingered on in Hylee's head. "Nothing another mug of Joe can't nix," Hylee described her eight mug a day latte fix. Seemed the only thing Hylee could hold together were trembling hands round that nother mug a Joe. And even though caffeine sloshed to and fro over mug rim, Hylee brimmed, "I can quit anytime I want to. I just don't want to."
And friends, well what few friends were left, often whispered one to another, "Hylee's last name ought to be Deceitful, not Doubtful. The only thing she doesn't deny is herself another mugful."
On and on this went, till Hylee shook so bad, she hatched convoluted plan to visit Ol' Doc. Surely Doc could ease her too tightly wound clock. "What are drugs for?" Hylee thought.
In the room of examination Doc pulled stethoscope from ears, undid the pressure cuff, asked, "Hylee, how much coffee 'do' you consume in a twenty-four hour period?"
Hylee blurted, "I cut myself back to eight mugs a day!"
Doc pondered a while, then smiled, "How big are those mugs, pitcher sized?"
"No, no, not quite that big!" Hylee was caught, "A little smaller, maybe." A tear ran down twitching cheek, "I'm in big trouble, aren't I, Doc?"
"Let us review," Doc read as he wrote, "Trembling hands, facial twitches, vibrating eyes, pupils pinpoints, erosion of esophagus, stomach pain, not sleeping, not dreaming, no rest, paranoia, hallucinations," Doc drew a deep breath, "and one self deceiving heart that almost blew up my blood pressure monitor."
"I'm going to die!!" Hylee screamed!
"Panic attack," Doc added to the list. He opened the door and to passing nurse ordered, "Ambulance - stat."
Hylee survived. Graduated the Betty Fiat Christian No Mas Latte Rehabilitation Center a mere three months later. For Hylee had finally asked Jesus to cast out all doubt and bless her with fearless spirit.
To this day, to all who will listen, Hylee does say, "Let not the heart plead innocent, when the spirit knows better. Look to Jesus and find peace..."
Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 7:7-8; 11:28-30
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Next morning suspicions lingered on in Hylee's head. "Nothing another mug of Joe can't nix," Hylee described her eight mug a day latte fix. Seemed the only thing Hylee could hold together were trembling hands round that nother mug a Joe. And even though caffeine sloshed to and fro over mug rim, Hylee brimmed, "I can quit anytime I want to. I just don't want to."
And friends, well what few friends were left, often whispered one to another, "Hylee's last name ought to be Deceitful, not Doubtful. The only thing she doesn't deny is herself another mugful."
On and on this went, till Hylee shook so bad, she hatched convoluted plan to visit Ol' Doc. Surely Doc could ease her too tightly wound clock. "What are drugs for?" Hylee thought.
In the room of examination Doc pulled stethoscope from ears, undid the pressure cuff, asked, "Hylee, how much coffee 'do' you consume in a twenty-four hour period?"
Hylee blurted, "I cut myself back to eight mugs a day!"
Doc pondered a while, then smiled, "How big are those mugs, pitcher sized?"
"No, no, not quite that big!" Hylee was caught, "A little smaller, maybe." A tear ran down twitching cheek, "I'm in big trouble, aren't I, Doc?"
"Let us review," Doc read as he wrote, "Trembling hands, facial twitches, vibrating eyes, pupils pinpoints, erosion of esophagus, stomach pain, not sleeping, not dreaming, no rest, paranoia, hallucinations," Doc drew a deep breath, "and one self deceiving heart that almost blew up my blood pressure monitor."
"I'm going to die!!" Hylee screamed!
"Panic attack," Doc added to the list. He opened the door and to passing nurse ordered, "Ambulance - stat."
Hylee survived. Graduated the Betty Fiat Christian No Mas Latte Rehabilitation Center a mere three months later. For Hylee had finally asked Jesus to cast out all doubt and bless her with fearless spirit.
To this day, to all who will listen, Hylee does say, "Let not the heart plead innocent, when the spirit knows better. Look to Jesus and find peace..."
Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 7:7-8; 11:28-30
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Saturday, August 17, 2013
NAPE OF NECK
As wives do, Grace sensed something amiss. Knew the brain of hubby Bernie be boredom bent.
Bernie R. Beorde knew it all too well as well. Seemed no thing and no one anymore rang his bell. Many in the shoes of Bernie would sport a story of infidelity not to tell, but Bernie figured it'd be just one more boring temporary spell. "Besides," he thought, he smiled, "I do so love my Grace." So Bernie puttered on with life. "Better to putter than not putter at all," Bernie smiled at only semi-lamentful life crawl.
Till one Sunday sunny, while he and Grace were getting ready for church, from the TV set the preacher proclaimed, "The nape of the neck shines forth attitude. So why emit stiff necked ingratitude? The nape of the neck reveals who we are; even more so shines whose we are."
Curiosity pricked, Bernie decided to explore; opened the Bible, entered sacred door; then through the window to the soul named Proverbs, his eyes did soar, "Remember our Creator that wisdom and discretion sow 'grace to thy neck' and life to thy soul."
And Bernie thought, "What does this mean?"
So it was that the slow puttering of Bernie caused him and Grace to be late for church. Thus they seated three rows from the back. For already all stood standing, praiseful song lifting, bodies swaying in the dance of grace. Bernie sang too, even added a sway or two, when the Lord drew his eyes to next pew. Drew eyes to a little girl's hair pulled back save soft singular curl on right side of nape of neck. And Bernie thought, "How precious..."
Then the Lord reached out; lifted Bernie's eyes to see all about. See the napes of the necks of fathers, of mothers, of children, of the old and of the new. And Bernie saw... beautiful and bright each life of light... Saw whose they really are... each light of Spirit... each light of soul...
And the river of each life light, all that made them who they are, their rivers of light swept over and through him. His breath left him. He was drowning in too much to bear. He sank to his chair. Bernie whispered, "Take it from me, Lord... Yet, so beautiful... Just a little while longer, Lord." And again he stood, as his tears flowed with the flood of beautiful lights.
From then on the nape of the neck of Bernie Beorde shined forever more never bored.
...By the light of Jesus, the neck receives grace...
...By the nape of the neck, your light is shown...
...You are wonderfully and fearfully made...
(Please note this little story is very closely based on an awesome, not so long ago, real life event... You just never know what blessing awaits, while praising God...)
Proverbs 3:1-4 & 5-8; also 19-22 & 23-24 KJV
Bernie R. Beorde knew it all too well as well. Seemed no thing and no one anymore rang his bell. Many in the shoes of Bernie would sport a story of infidelity not to tell, but Bernie figured it'd be just one more boring temporary spell. "Besides," he thought, he smiled, "I do so love my Grace." So Bernie puttered on with life. "Better to putter than not putter at all," Bernie smiled at only semi-lamentful life crawl.
Till one Sunday sunny, while he and Grace were getting ready for church, from the TV set the preacher proclaimed, "The nape of the neck shines forth attitude. So why emit stiff necked ingratitude? The nape of the neck reveals who we are; even more so shines whose we are."
Curiosity pricked, Bernie decided to explore; opened the Bible, entered sacred door; then through the window to the soul named Proverbs, his eyes did soar, "Remember our Creator that wisdom and discretion sow 'grace to thy neck' and life to thy soul."
And Bernie thought, "What does this mean?"
So it was that the slow puttering of Bernie caused him and Grace to be late for church. Thus they seated three rows from the back. For already all stood standing, praiseful song lifting, bodies swaying in the dance of grace. Bernie sang too, even added a sway or two, when the Lord drew his eyes to next pew. Drew eyes to a little girl's hair pulled back save soft singular curl on right side of nape of neck. And Bernie thought, "How precious..."
Then the Lord reached out; lifted Bernie's eyes to see all about. See the napes of the necks of fathers, of mothers, of children, of the old and of the new. And Bernie saw... beautiful and bright each life of light... Saw whose they really are... each light of Spirit... each light of soul...
And the river of each life light, all that made them who they are, their rivers of light swept over and through him. His breath left him. He was drowning in too much to bear. He sank to his chair. Bernie whispered, "Take it from me, Lord... Yet, so beautiful... Just a little while longer, Lord." And again he stood, as his tears flowed with the flood of beautiful lights.
From then on the nape of the neck of Bernie Beorde shined forever more never bored.
...By the light of Jesus, the neck receives grace...
...By the nape of the neck, your light is shown...
...You are wonderfully and fearfully made...
(Please note this little story is very closely based on an awesome, not so long ago, real life event... You just never know what blessing awaits, while praising God...)
Proverbs 3:1-4 & 5-8; also 19-22 & 23-24 KJV
John 1:1-4; 8:12; 12:36; 1st John 4:17
Psalm 139:14
Saturday, August 3, 2013
RICH YET POOR
Not so long ago in Texas land, the rich yet poor visited home. Few in the town of Blessing did not know Lashlee Whippitt, whose name just about said it all; for as small towns go, the life story of any dwelled not afar. Otherwise said, all the wise knew what was not new with Lashlee Whippitt. For alas this poor rich lass had traded-in her name of birth for that of a country star in Austin's big city lights.
Yet, twas for blessed reason that the lips of Blessing folk remembered Lashlee Whippitt by her given name, Mercy Ann Love. But seemed every time so greeted as Mercy or Miss Love, a grimace un-graced the pouty lips of that otherwise beautiful young lady.
And so came the day, all would forever pay, or so schemed the tell them all off mind of Miss Whippitt. Miss Whippitt, who drove in four wheel drive her Cadillac truck over the curb into the drive of the Hotel Blessing. The Hotel Blessing where all are welcome to share the meal of high noon.
Mini whirlwinds whipped the parking lot dust in the wake of each flip-flop flip. And on way to the Hotel dinning room door, Lashlee's brain spit flame, "Never will anyone ever, no not never, call me Mercy nor Love, not never again!"
Now at the Hotel Blessing it is serve yourself, all you can eat, down home cooking, kept warm in kettles atop a row of antique stoves. And in line you stand with friends and neighbors, for in the Hotel Blessing all are neighbors, no matter where from, no matter how far traveled.
And in the line of waiting, pretty pink painted toenail toes strummed flip-flop soles, till time to fill the plate. And oh did she wait for it, wait for it with spite, ready to pounce if cheerfully greeted, when that awful name of birth be repeated.
"Well hi, Miss Mercy Ann Love. Why this very morning on KICK radio, I was just listening to you coo like a dove. That new song of yours is so..." interrupted in mid complement was an in line neighbor named Angel.
"My name is Lashlee! Don't ever, no not never, never, never ever call me Mercy nor Love again! I hate that stupid name." Lashlee Whippitt blew flame.
"Oh Miss Love! I didn't mean no harm. I, well actually most all folks in this little ol' town call you Miss Mercy Ann Love, cause we love our sweet home grown girl. We just love you, for being you. No matter how successful you are... no matter how far you go... you stay in our hearts... Why heavens! We love you, like Jesus loves us."
And love filled tears put out the flames of un-loved fears in the heart of Miss Mercy Ann Love, as she hugged her Blessing Angel. And from the rest of the waiting line, and from across every dining table, from every heart of neighbor flowed love for Miss Love. Miss Mercy Ann Love... once rich yet poor... was poor no more...
And so was that not so long ago of every day... at the Hotel Blessing...
Three weeks later Lashlee Whippitt vanished from Austin city neon light; that there instead the name Mercy Ann Love shine so bright...
John 15:12; Proverbs 22:1-2
pawpawcorner.blogspot.com
Yet, twas for blessed reason that the lips of Blessing folk remembered Lashlee Whippitt by her given name, Mercy Ann Love. But seemed every time so greeted as Mercy or Miss Love, a grimace un-graced the pouty lips of that otherwise beautiful young lady.
And so came the day, all would forever pay, or so schemed the tell them all off mind of Miss Whippitt. Miss Whippitt, who drove in four wheel drive her Cadillac truck over the curb into the drive of the Hotel Blessing. The Hotel Blessing where all are welcome to share the meal of high noon.
Mini whirlwinds whipped the parking lot dust in the wake of each flip-flop flip. And on way to the Hotel dinning room door, Lashlee's brain spit flame, "Never will anyone ever, no not never, call me Mercy nor Love, not never again!"
Now at the Hotel Blessing it is serve yourself, all you can eat, down home cooking, kept warm in kettles atop a row of antique stoves. And in line you stand with friends and neighbors, for in the Hotel Blessing all are neighbors, no matter where from, no matter how far traveled.
And in the line of waiting, pretty pink painted toenail toes strummed flip-flop soles, till time to fill the plate. And oh did she wait for it, wait for it with spite, ready to pounce if cheerfully greeted, when that awful name of birth be repeated.
"Well hi, Miss Mercy Ann Love. Why this very morning on KICK radio, I was just listening to you coo like a dove. That new song of yours is so..." interrupted in mid complement was an in line neighbor named Angel.
"My name is Lashlee! Don't ever, no not never, never, never ever call me Mercy nor Love again! I hate that stupid name." Lashlee Whippitt blew flame.
"Oh Miss Love! I didn't mean no harm. I, well actually most all folks in this little ol' town call you Miss Mercy Ann Love, cause we love our sweet home grown girl. We just love you, for being you. No matter how successful you are... no matter how far you go... you stay in our hearts... Why heavens! We love you, like Jesus loves us."
And love filled tears put out the flames of un-loved fears in the heart of Miss Mercy Ann Love, as she hugged her Blessing Angel. And from the rest of the waiting line, and from across every dining table, from every heart of neighbor flowed love for Miss Love. Miss Mercy Ann Love... once rich yet poor... was poor no more...
And so was that not so long ago of every day... at the Hotel Blessing...
Three weeks later Lashlee Whippitt vanished from Austin city neon light; that there instead the name Mercy Ann Love shine so bright...
John 15:12; Proverbs 22:1-2
pawpawcorner.blogspot.com
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
CHURNING MILK TO BUTTER
In a mountain land, on the outskirts of the hamlet Creme, seven days a week the duties of the milk maid, Collette did keep. Collette Ann Gemm, a pretty lass with an un-pretty limp, tended not one but two cows of moo, while their cud they did chew. But alas poor lass as her hands grew strong, sore leg did not.
And it came to pass on a sun lit day that Collette Ann Gemm sat on front porch, churning sweet milk, while chatting with a little neighbor boy. And when that neighbor boy saw coming down dirt street the preacher's prodigal son, William Ray; he spat out, "Oh no! Here comes the Bully Ray!"
Too late he turned to run. In thumb and fore finger the Bully Ray had his ear. "Time to lick my boot, neighbor boy!" And the boy wept while being by ear pulled down to dusty boot. "That's it!" Bully Ray leered, "More, more tears to wash my boot!"
"Leave him be!" From her stool Collette laid law, "In the name of Jesus, leave him be!!!"
And ear let loose neighbor boy ran, as the Bully Ray stepped up upon that porch, brought his nose o' so close to the nose of the milk maid, Collette Ann Gemm. And Bully Ray growled, "Well, little gimp legged gal, just how are you going to stop me now?"
Not a beat of the churn did the milk maid skip. One hand pumped churn, one hand shot out, vise gripped the nose of the Bully Ray. O' how the pain made him pay. And from the throat of the graceful neck of Collette poured forth these words, "Upon thy mouth thy hand lay!!!"
Too paralyzed to comply, blood dripped down from the nose of Bully Ray.
Still clamped on to that nose astray, Collette repeated, "Upon thy mouth thy hand lay." And this time he did obey. Then, Collette the Good Book did say, "As surely as the churning of milk brings forth butter; so does the wringing of the nose bring forth blood. Why force wrath to bring forth pain? You need Jesus." And she let go. And down backed the Bully Ray; and on porch steps left tears mixed blood...
So the town folk wondered at the disappearance of the Bully Ray. For far, far gone was that old Bully Ray; and home come home was the preacher's prodigal son, William Ray. Oh what a day... when apology he did pay to a certain little neighbor boy...
Twas on a sun lit Sunday morn three weeks later, William Ray scooted onto a pew next to a certain milk maid. A maid whose grimace but in a little while, faded to smile. A fair maid named Collette Ann Gemm, whose strong yet graceful hand... glided long that wood seat pew... found the hand of that new found man... William Ray...
...On a ring the collet is the ferrule into which the gem is clasped...
...Collette Ann Gemm both collet and gem... ...A Keeper of the Faith...
Proverbs 30:32-33
And it came to pass on a sun lit day that Collette Ann Gemm sat on front porch, churning sweet milk, while chatting with a little neighbor boy. And when that neighbor boy saw coming down dirt street the preacher's prodigal son, William Ray; he spat out, "Oh no! Here comes the Bully Ray!"
Too late he turned to run. In thumb and fore finger the Bully Ray had his ear. "Time to lick my boot, neighbor boy!" And the boy wept while being by ear pulled down to dusty boot. "That's it!" Bully Ray leered, "More, more tears to wash my boot!"
"Leave him be!" From her stool Collette laid law, "In the name of Jesus, leave him be!!!"
And ear let loose neighbor boy ran, as the Bully Ray stepped up upon that porch, brought his nose o' so close to the nose of the milk maid, Collette Ann Gemm. And Bully Ray growled, "Well, little gimp legged gal, just how are you going to stop me now?"
Not a beat of the churn did the milk maid skip. One hand pumped churn, one hand shot out, vise gripped the nose of the Bully Ray. O' how the pain made him pay. And from the throat of the graceful neck of Collette poured forth these words, "Upon thy mouth thy hand lay!!!"
Too paralyzed to comply, blood dripped down from the nose of Bully Ray.
Still clamped on to that nose astray, Collette repeated, "Upon thy mouth thy hand lay." And this time he did obey. Then, Collette the Good Book did say, "As surely as the churning of milk brings forth butter; so does the wringing of the nose bring forth blood. Why force wrath to bring forth pain? You need Jesus." And she let go. And down backed the Bully Ray; and on porch steps left tears mixed blood...
So the town folk wondered at the disappearance of the Bully Ray. For far, far gone was that old Bully Ray; and home come home was the preacher's prodigal son, William Ray. Oh what a day... when apology he did pay to a certain little neighbor boy...
Twas on a sun lit Sunday morn three weeks later, William Ray scooted onto a pew next to a certain milk maid. A maid whose grimace but in a little while, faded to smile. A fair maid named Collette Ann Gemm, whose strong yet graceful hand... glided long that wood seat pew... found the hand of that new found man... William Ray...
...On a ring the collet is the ferrule into which the gem is clasped...
...Collette Ann Gemm both collet and gem... ...A Keeper of the Faith...
Proverbs 30:32-33
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
CLOUDS AND WIND WITHOUT RAIN
Once upon a time in the Land of Allegory plowed the lives of Les and Mora Lister. Well, at least Mora plowed. Mora taught children at church, visited the elderly and never counted any in need other than a friend in deed. For Mora Lister was in all deed a planter of God's seed, Jesus. But other than owning Les Lister's Farm Equipment, the only thing Les plowed was a deep furrow in the den easy chair with TV remote in hand. And from that denly throne with electronic scepter in hand, Les Lister thundered an endless stream of 'do-nothing-I'm-gonnas,' promises like clouds and wind without rain. Oh sure, he even went to church; but, "Good for business," was Les Lister's aim of gain.
And it came to be, one certain Sunday, that a peculiar young lad skipped to a seat down the main aisle of sanctuary. Yet short of his intended roost, that lad stopped in mid skip at the seats of Les and Mora. There, that odd lad turned head and said, "If less was more, you'd be truly great, Mr. Les Lister."
As the lad joined family three rows up, in full scowl Mr. Lister envisioned violent chastisement of the posterior kind. While wife Mora thought, "Moral crowbars may seem cruel, but be necessary."
Through time of announcements, hymn and prayer the ruffled feathers of Les Lister had just about smoothed out, when the preacher stepped up. Then the Good Book he opened up, "Proverbs 25:14 KJ, Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain." And Les Lister felt burn these words of the preacher, "Why trade empty promise for gain? Why gain the whole world and lose your soul? Be not the sounding brass of vanity without love. Heed the Epistle of Jude 12 &13 NIV, "These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm, shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees without fruit, and uprooted, twice dead. 13)They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever."
On that certain Sunday evening after church, at home in the den Les Lister plowed in a very un-easy chair, contemplating, "Am I just too lazy to love others, or worse?" Les reached for the remote on the side table, but in its place lay planted wife Mora's moral crowbar: an open dictionary with bright highlight. Mr. Lister picked it up, then read the very definition of his purpose: lister - a double moldboard plow often equipped with attachments to stir the subsoil of rain limited land and plant seeds in a furrow. Upon that very page of his purpose, rain fell from the eyes of Mr. Lister... a new born cloud with rain... for in that moment Mr. Lister became the same as his name... became that plow stirring the soil and planting the seed of Jesus...
Like the allegorical Mr. Les Lister may we all see by the love of God above to escape the pit of 'do-nothing-I'm-gonnas;' even avoid empty promises for gain. Nor may we be the rainless clouds of tomorrow, drifting in the winds of lost opportunity. For is there not a time to sow and a time to reap? (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2; Isaiah 28:24-26)
For behold the days will come, when faithful plowman and Almighty Harvester shall be one in the Edenic abundance of hills, overflowing with the fruit of the vine of Jesus (John 15:1-17). Therefore, plow in hope and be partakers in hope... For he that watereth shall be watered also... Rain the love of Jesus... As Jesus rains love upon us...
...Plow in all hope...
Please share "Clouds and Wind Without Rain," that all see to do & to be clouds of Jesus' abundant rain.
pawpawcorner.blogspot.com
And it came to be, one certain Sunday, that a peculiar young lad skipped to a seat down the main aisle of sanctuary. Yet short of his intended roost, that lad stopped in mid skip at the seats of Les and Mora. There, that odd lad turned head and said, "If less was more, you'd be truly great, Mr. Les Lister."
As the lad joined family three rows up, in full scowl Mr. Lister envisioned violent chastisement of the posterior kind. While wife Mora thought, "Moral crowbars may seem cruel, but be necessary."
Through time of announcements, hymn and prayer the ruffled feathers of Les Lister had just about smoothed out, when the preacher stepped up. Then the Good Book he opened up, "Proverbs 25:14 KJ, Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain." And Les Lister felt burn these words of the preacher, "Why trade empty promise for gain? Why gain the whole world and lose your soul? Be not the sounding brass of vanity without love. Heed the Epistle of Jude 12 &13 NIV, "These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm, shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees without fruit, and uprooted, twice dead. 13)They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever."
On that certain Sunday evening after church, at home in the den Les Lister plowed in a very un-easy chair, contemplating, "Am I just too lazy to love others, or worse?" Les reached for the remote on the side table, but in its place lay planted wife Mora's moral crowbar: an open dictionary with bright highlight. Mr. Lister picked it up, then read the very definition of his purpose: lister - a double moldboard plow often equipped with attachments to stir the subsoil of rain limited land and plant seeds in a furrow. Upon that very page of his purpose, rain fell from the eyes of Mr. Lister... a new born cloud with rain... for in that moment Mr. Lister became the same as his name... became that plow stirring the soil and planting the seed of Jesus...
Like the allegorical Mr. Les Lister may we all see by the love of God above to escape the pit of 'do-nothing-I'm-gonnas;' even avoid empty promises for gain. Nor may we be the rainless clouds of tomorrow, drifting in the winds of lost opportunity. For is there not a time to sow and a time to reap? (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2; Isaiah 28:24-26)
For behold the days will come, when faithful plowman and Almighty Harvester shall be one in the Edenic abundance of hills, overflowing with the fruit of the vine of Jesus (John 15:1-17). Therefore, plow in hope and be partakers in hope... For he that watereth shall be watered also... Rain the love of Jesus... As Jesus rains love upon us...
...Plow in all hope...
Please share "Clouds and Wind Without Rain," that all see to do & to be clouds of Jesus' abundant rain.
pawpawcorner.blogspot.com
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
DRINK OF LIVING WATER
One day in July 2008... A story true...
Swimming in fresh sheets in the morning of a fresh new day, sleep never felt so good. With sweet singing of birds in ear, my eyes awoke to swaying banana leaves outside the window. And the light, so bright, much brighter than normal for an early morning work day... "Work day! WORK DAY!! 7:40AM! I've got to be there by eight! It's a 30 plus minute drive!" Fresh panic!
How many times can a grown man put his leg in the wrong leg of a pair of pants? And have you ever noticed how impossible it is to put on a sock when having one of those days? Well I finally took one last stab at getting that sock straight. The heel of the sock wound up on the side of the ankle. Shoe got stuffed on anyway. Grabbed a shirt and vainly trying to button up was running out the front door... when it hit me: I had not yet read a scripture nor prayed to start the day.
Back in the bedroom , I started to open the Bible, hesitated, remembered to first ask in Jesus name for understanding, then opened The Word. Psalm 42: 1-2 KJ, "As the deer panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2)My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?" His awesomeness swept over me. I thanked Him in the name of Jesus.
But the specter of work loomed. Late for work! Late for work! I now had less than 10 minutes to make a 30 plus minute trip. And as I again sped through that front door, still trying to button up that ornery shirt, and contemplating buying nothing but pull over shirts from now on... I was smiling... Something not usual for a grumpy old man... Who was now even later for work...
So I ran to the car, actually it was more of a brisk walk (old man knees), and plunked my rear in the car seat... still smiling... actually happy... even though late for work...
Driving along sunny Hwy 35, after praying those usual prayers one prays daily, Psalm 42:1-2 again flooded my mind, "As the deer panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: When shall I come and appear before God?" Immediately I began to dwell on another scripture, one in which Jesus reveals who he is to a certain Samaritan woman at Jacobs well: John 4:13-14 KJ, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14)But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."
And there I was in the car just past Markham on the road to Bay City when... a feeling of awesome joy swept over me and into me, filled the car all around me and yet sat in the seat beside me. And the Lord began to give me a little song... My first thought, "Thank you Heavenly Father!" My second thought, "I'll never remember the words." Frantically I fumbled for pen and paper and squeaked, "Wait Lord, please wait!" Then thought quite correctly, "You dummy, you don't tell God to wait! Please forgive me, Lord, and keep it coming." And faster and faster the words came. Eyes glued to the road I wrote as fast as I could. Scribbled word and line one on top of another all around the page... And then it happened... I began to chuckle... God was tickling his child... That'll teach me... Mr. Late For Work... Mr. Hurry Hurry Hurry, alias Late For Work... Like a Father tickles his child He had me laughing...
Too soon the car entered work's parking lot, a parking lot curiously, very curiously dark. I was more than puzzled, even disoriented. I had left broad day light at home and traveled twenty two miles... there should have been more light, not less.
And the employees parking lot should have been full, not empty save one other solitary car. "Where is everybody?" I thought, "I'm late. Is everyone else late too?" I opened the back door of the building; entered cold utter darkness; flipped on the hall way light; entered restroom, and washed my face. But washing my face did not wash away the confusion, a whimsical confusion, but still confusion. And why was I smiling? Back in the hallway I opened the next door to the main room; more darkness except for one little desk light in the back. Delores was entering a backlog of had to be done yesterday data on her computer.
I quietly sat down at my desk. Paused for a bit trying to make sense of what was happening. It took a while, a long while for the computer to warm up. Its light popped on. Lower right hand corner of screen said: 8:01 am... What
The Song: DRINK OF LIVING WATER
Drink of living water
Fresh from the Lord above
Blessed by the breath of the dove
And filled with Jesus love
Drink of living water
Panteth like the deer
For streamlets cool and clear
The dancing waters hear
Drink of living water
Use me as you will
Lost hearts to tend and heal
You are my Father still
Drink of living water
Panteth like the deer
For streamlets cool and clear
The dancing waters hear
Drink of living water
Panteth like the deer
For streamlets cool and clear
The dancing waters hear
Psalm 42:1&2
Isaiah 38:7&8
pawpawcorner.blogspot.com
Swimming in fresh sheets in the morning of a fresh new day, sleep never felt so good. With sweet singing of birds in ear, my eyes awoke to swaying banana leaves outside the window. And the light, so bright, much brighter than normal for an early morning work day... "Work day! WORK DAY!! 7:40AM! I've got to be there by eight! It's a 30 plus minute drive!" Fresh panic!
How many times can a grown man put his leg in the wrong leg of a pair of pants? And have you ever noticed how impossible it is to put on a sock when having one of those days? Well I finally took one last stab at getting that sock straight. The heel of the sock wound up on the side of the ankle. Shoe got stuffed on anyway. Grabbed a shirt and vainly trying to button up was running out the front door... when it hit me: I had not yet read a scripture nor prayed to start the day.
Back in the bedroom , I started to open the Bible, hesitated, remembered to first ask in Jesus name for understanding, then opened The Word. Psalm 42: 1-2 KJ, "As the deer panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2)My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?" His awesomeness swept over me. I thanked Him in the name of Jesus.
But the specter of work loomed. Late for work! Late for work! I now had less than 10 minutes to make a 30 plus minute trip. And as I again sped through that front door, still trying to button up that ornery shirt, and contemplating buying nothing but pull over shirts from now on... I was smiling... Something not usual for a grumpy old man... Who was now even later for work...
So I ran to the car, actually it was more of a brisk walk (old man knees), and plunked my rear in the car seat... still smiling... actually happy... even though late for work...
Driving along sunny Hwy 35, after praying those usual prayers one prays daily, Psalm 42:1-2 again flooded my mind, "As the deer panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: When shall I come and appear before God?" Immediately I began to dwell on another scripture, one in which Jesus reveals who he is to a certain Samaritan woman at Jacobs well: John 4:13-14 KJ, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14)But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."
And there I was in the car just past Markham on the road to Bay City when... a feeling of awesome joy swept over me and into me, filled the car all around me and yet sat in the seat beside me. And the Lord began to give me a little song... My first thought, "Thank you Heavenly Father!" My second thought, "I'll never remember the words." Frantically I fumbled for pen and paper and squeaked, "Wait Lord, please wait!" Then thought quite correctly, "You dummy, you don't tell God to wait! Please forgive me, Lord, and keep it coming." And faster and faster the words came. Eyes glued to the road I wrote as fast as I could. Scribbled word and line one on top of another all around the page... And then it happened... I began to chuckle... God was tickling his child... That'll teach me... Mr. Late For Work... Mr. Hurry Hurry Hurry, alias Late For Work... Like a Father tickles his child He had me laughing...
Too soon the car entered work's parking lot, a parking lot curiously, very curiously dark. I was more than puzzled, even disoriented. I had left broad day light at home and traveled twenty two miles... there should have been more light, not less.
And the employees parking lot should have been full, not empty save one other solitary car. "Where is everybody?" I thought, "I'm late. Is everyone else late too?" I opened the back door of the building; entered cold utter darkness; flipped on the hall way light; entered restroom, and washed my face. But washing my face did not wash away the confusion, a whimsical confusion, but still confusion. And why was I smiling? Back in the hallway I opened the next door to the main room; more darkness except for one little desk light in the back. Delores was entering a backlog of had to be done yesterday data on her computer.
I quietly sat down at my desk. Paused for a bit trying to make sense of what was happening. It took a while, a long while for the computer to warm up. Its light popped on. Lower right hand corner of screen said: 8:01 am... What
The Song: DRINK OF LIVING WATER
Drink of living water
Fresh from the Lord above
Blessed by the breath of the dove
And filled with Jesus love
Drink of living water
Panteth like the deer
For streamlets cool and clear
The dancing waters hear
Drink of living water
Use me as you will
Lost hearts to tend and heal
You are my Father still
Drink of living water
Panteth like the deer
For streamlets cool and clear
The dancing waters hear
Drink of living water
Panteth like the deer
For streamlets cool and clear
The dancing waters hear
Psalm 42:1&2
Isaiah 38:7&8
pawpawcorner.blogspot.com
Sunday, June 23, 2013
SHOWDOWN AT THE BLESSING STORE
Weathered board creaked under boot of old rancher as he stepped out on porch. Crisp autumn morn greeted the steam of breath. Red sunrise streamed through clouds of eastern sky. The last of what once was many green and red throated humming birds flitted among the flowers. The old rancher said a prayer of gratitude to the Lord. Yet, as the rooster crowed, off the porch the old rancher stepped, his boot struck ground, his face hardened to flint, for it was time; time to head for town and the big showdown.
So easily churned, so easily stirred still waters. Old scars run deep, new wounds their promise to keep. His mind for a time fought the flow; but the tempest swelled, the waves of sorrow did grow. Like a miserable and pregnant momma cat, he pfffttted and weeooowed and clawed inner walls of his skull. Every sad thing was dredged from the pit of his mind, filled the frown of his brow. Neath the falling leaves of a hackberry tree, he yanked open the door of that old pickup truck, climbed aboard that one way ticket to town and the big showdown.
Hacked off and ranting on down that road of self goad, the mange of his brain bled and bred the cult of self pity. The fire flared, fed of the fuel from the well of hell. What demons hackled; how they howled; what sea of glee did Satan see in his waves of sorrow; as that old cowboy headed for the end of town and the big showdown.
Twas in front of the Blessing Store that truck tires stirred the sour dust of the lot. While neath the brim of his hat that old cowboy still frowned, still drowned, sinking down deeper to dark thoughts keeper. And that devilish keeper leered, musing how well man has no problem, needs little to no prodding to send his mind to pity filled hell. And that old cowboy exited the truck and stared head long at the headline news from the rag in the box neath the wings of the Blessing Store. Two quarters he put into the slot of bad news, pulled open the portal to gloom, the door to doom; took from it the newspaper, closed that bleak door, and neath his armpit that well of hell did store. And the devil hopped in gleeful delight, that tomorrow's rag would tell the tale of what had happened at the end of town and the big showdown.
Through swinging double door, dusty cowboy boots walked that there floor, and in them the feet of him from whom acid did stem. To the meat counter he went, bacon and bloody hamburger his bent. Then away to to the line of waiting his boots he sent; and there in that line stood a man of Mexican descent. To him that Mexican man said, "Good morning, preacher. How are you today?"
And the lady behind the cash register with mile wide smile chimed in, "Good morning, preacher man!"
Then what had been, he chalked up to sin; looked up to heaven, let forgiveness in. And not from keeping up appearances, nor from inner embarrassment did the old cowboy plow; but from the root neath his brow, and from his heart escaped the blessed now, that this day held a journey of joy... Because in an instant, that old cowboy, that preacher boy, realized that he loved those precious Christian folk more than himself. And so did Satan lose, that day at the Blessing Store... in Blessing town... at the big showdown...
And the very next day that preacher boy, that old cowboy, did go back and thank them for what they had done... on that day of blessings... at the Blessing Store... in Blessing town... for with Jesus even the weak and broken heart... found triumph at the big showdown...
Deuteronomy 28:8 KJ, "The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and all that thou settest thy hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."
If "Showdown at the Blessing Store" will be a blessing in the storehouse of any waiting at the check-out line of life; please add to their grocery cart. And remind them with a gentle smile: We all got to pay-up sometime.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
THE LEAST OF THESE
The Lord is persistent. For many days the Lord echoed the words ...the least of these... through my little pea brain. I began to make notes from the Bible and found more than a few passages concerning 'the least of these'. But Matthew 25 verse 40 captured my heart. I thought what a wonderful message for us all. However, time was limited for my beloved wife lay in an ICU bed at Memorial Herman Hospital.
Praise the Lord God! Prayers answered! Wife got better. Well enough to hold hands while treading the beautiful historic section of the hospital built in 1925. And there in the architecture of old we beheld 'the main supporting pillar'. And embedded in that marble pillar a bronze plaque, where it is written founder George H. Herman's driving inspiration... and my minds echo... Matthew chapter 25 verse 40: "And the King shall answer and say to them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of 'the least of these' my bretheren, ye have done it unto me."
On the main supporting pillar rests the whole building. God is love. So does God command us to be love... by loving even the least of these. Jesus tells us to #1 love God and #2 love our neighbor; and that these two commandments fulfill the ten commandments of the law of the prophets. On the main supporting pillar rests the whole building. Love God and love thy neighbor: the central pillar. The bronze plaque upon that pillar: love even the least of your neighbors and so do you love also the Son of Father God, the King Christ Jesus. (Matthew 22:37-40 & 5:17)
The least of these... Jesus speaks in Matthew 25:34-40, "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35)For I was an hungered and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36)Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37)Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38)When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39)Or saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40)And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my bretheren, ye have done it unto me." The least of these... (also in Isaiah 58:6-11)
The least of these... By the grace of God that is Christ Jesus, those who serve in love with no thought for self, inherit the kingdom of heaven. Jesus has prepared a mansion there for each and every one, who shares his love even unto... the least of these... (Mark 9:41; John 14:1-3)
The least of these... the least of these: So do we honor our Father God with acts of mercy. Acts of mercy should be every day. Acts of mercy should become our very nature; love our very being; serving where ever service is needed. Make habit the serving of the least of these... For we reflect God's love and glorify Him by loving the least of these... When we hug even the least of these... So do we hug Jesus... What joy to hug our King... Can you imagine his joy in hugging you...
Why are the least of these: the child, the poor, the wretched, the criminal, the sinner, you, me, the least of all society; why are even the least of these who are last; why do the least of these become first in the kingdom (Mt. 19:30). Why? Because the least of these, who is forgiven much, loves much (Luke 7:47). Because for the least of these, God's grace is sufficient and His strength made perfect in weakness (2nd Cor. 12:9). Because Jesus came not to call the righteous, but sinners, you and me, the least of these to repentance (Mt. 9:13). When even the least of these truly determine to love Jesus... the power of God fills them... God's purpose to fulfill... So are the least of these the love of God...
The most urgent problem many face is not knowing how much they are loved... Tell them... Hug them... Today... Be the arms of Jesus...
Sharon &Forrest love you. Please share...
Praise the Lord God! Prayers answered! Wife got better. Well enough to hold hands while treading the beautiful historic section of the hospital built in 1925. And there in the architecture of old we beheld 'the main supporting pillar'. And embedded in that marble pillar a bronze plaque, where it is written founder George H. Herman's driving inspiration... and my minds echo... Matthew chapter 25 verse 40: "And the King shall answer and say to them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of 'the least of these' my bretheren, ye have done it unto me."
On the main supporting pillar rests the whole building. God is love. So does God command us to be love... by loving even the least of these. Jesus tells us to #1 love God and #2 love our neighbor; and that these two commandments fulfill the ten commandments of the law of the prophets. On the main supporting pillar rests the whole building. Love God and love thy neighbor: the central pillar. The bronze plaque upon that pillar: love even the least of your neighbors and so do you love also the Son of Father God, the King Christ Jesus. (Matthew 22:37-40 & 5:17)
The least of these... Jesus speaks in Matthew 25:34-40, "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35)For I was an hungered and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36)Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37)Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38)When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39)Or saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40)And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my bretheren, ye have done it unto me." The least of these... (also in Isaiah 58:6-11)
The least of these... By the grace of God that is Christ Jesus, those who serve in love with no thought for self, inherit the kingdom of heaven. Jesus has prepared a mansion there for each and every one, who shares his love even unto... the least of these... (Mark 9:41; John 14:1-3)
The least of these... the least of these: So do we honor our Father God with acts of mercy. Acts of mercy should be every day. Acts of mercy should become our very nature; love our very being; serving where ever service is needed. Make habit the serving of the least of these... For we reflect God's love and glorify Him by loving the least of these... When we hug even the least of these... So do we hug Jesus... What joy to hug our King... Can you imagine his joy in hugging you...
Why are the least of these: the child, the poor, the wretched, the criminal, the sinner, you, me, the least of all society; why are even the least of these who are last; why do the least of these become first in the kingdom (Mt. 19:30). Why? Because the least of these, who is forgiven much, loves much (Luke 7:47). Because for the least of these, God's grace is sufficient and His strength made perfect in weakness (2nd Cor. 12:9). Because Jesus came not to call the righteous, but sinners, you and me, the least of these to repentance (Mt. 9:13). When even the least of these truly determine to love Jesus... the power of God fills them... God's purpose to fulfill... So are the least of these the love of God...
The most urgent problem many face is not knowing how much they are loved... Tell them... Hug them... Today... Be the arms of Jesus...
Sharon &Forrest love you. Please share...
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
THE BALLAD OF KATHY & BUBBA & ME
The voices of yesterday... The echoes of childhood...
Now Kathy and Bubba were sister and brother. Playmates they were of a certain none too bright young lad, we'll call 'Me'. Now Me's mom made a mother hen feel inadequate when it came to taking care of her one and only Me. Me, who loved to be free, climb a too tall tree, swat an angry bee. And Kathy and Bubba, oh Me, how they knew the real Me! How they relished to see Me indulge in danger forbidden by Me's Mom.
On that faithful backyard day, when the ball went too far into the reeds and inky bayou water, Me stood starring down at that ball in that dangerous place forbidden. And borne upon the breeze the sultry southern drawl of fair haired Kathy breathed, "Go get it for me, Me."
And her goofy brother Bubba burbled, "Git it."
'Its right there, Me," Kathy urged.
"Right there." Bubba parroted.
"Your mom won't care," Kathy pleaded.
"Won't care!" Bubba nodded.
"She really didn't mean it, when she said don't go in there," Kathy's full lips smiled as she knew Me weakened.
"Didn't mean it," Bubba shook his head of dirty plastered down hair.
"She's in the house, Me. She can't see you, Me. She won't know... Me..." came Kathy's whisper floating on air.
Only a giggle, only a snicker or two escaped the buck toothed grin of Bubba, as he stood, as if perched on leafless limb, wringing coarse hands and squinting through dark eyes at Me.
Down to the edge of the bayou went Me. Over the shoulder Me made sure there was no Mom of Me. From the reeds and inky waters the ball Me did free.
"O' happiness, O' joy, I've got the ball," rejoiced Me, as he climbed the rise of that bayou ditch. And as Me's head met the grassy horizon of backyard, Me saw first the feet of an angry Me's Mom. And so stood Me. Only a dirty filthy ball filled Me's hands. And Me began to understand... Even more than Me's Mom saw... God sees it all...
The whipping was brief... the tears and hugs many... Me was sorry... Me was forgiven...
And after God's own heart... Me even forgave Kathy & Bubba... Even the Me in you...
...For after all there's a little Me in all of us...
(Jeremiah 23:23-24; Matthew 6:9-15)
If "The Ballad of Kathy & Bubba & Me" will touch the lives of any you know, please share.
Now Kathy and Bubba were sister and brother. Playmates they were of a certain none too bright young lad, we'll call 'Me'. Now Me's mom made a mother hen feel inadequate when it came to taking care of her one and only Me. Me, who loved to be free, climb a too tall tree, swat an angry bee. And Kathy and Bubba, oh Me, how they knew the real Me! How they relished to see Me indulge in danger forbidden by Me's Mom.
On that faithful backyard day, when the ball went too far into the reeds and inky bayou water, Me stood starring down at that ball in that dangerous place forbidden. And borne upon the breeze the sultry southern drawl of fair haired Kathy breathed, "Go get it for me, Me."
And her goofy brother Bubba burbled, "Git it."
'Its right there, Me," Kathy urged.
"Right there." Bubba parroted.
"Your mom won't care," Kathy pleaded.
"Won't care!" Bubba nodded.
"She really didn't mean it, when she said don't go in there," Kathy's full lips smiled as she knew Me weakened.
"Didn't mean it," Bubba shook his head of dirty plastered down hair.
"She's in the house, Me. She can't see you, Me. She won't know... Me..." came Kathy's whisper floating on air.
Only a giggle, only a snicker or two escaped the buck toothed grin of Bubba, as he stood, as if perched on leafless limb, wringing coarse hands and squinting through dark eyes at Me.
Down to the edge of the bayou went Me. Over the shoulder Me made sure there was no Mom of Me. From the reeds and inky waters the ball Me did free.
"O' happiness, O' joy, I've got the ball," rejoiced Me, as he climbed the rise of that bayou ditch. And as Me's head met the grassy horizon of backyard, Me saw first the feet of an angry Me's Mom. And so stood Me. Only a dirty filthy ball filled Me's hands. And Me began to understand... Even more than Me's Mom saw... God sees it all...
The whipping was brief... the tears and hugs many... Me was sorry... Me was forgiven...
And after God's own heart... Me even forgave Kathy & Bubba... Even the Me in you...
...For after all there's a little Me in all of us...
(Jeremiah 23:23-24; Matthew 6:9-15)
If "The Ballad of Kathy & Bubba & Me" will touch the lives of any you know, please share.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
BACK PORCH NOSTALGIA
With bowlful of reheated leftovers in hand, Skip escaped into the night air of the back porch and called, "Nostalgia! Here Girl! Here Nostalgia!" No rustle of familiar paws came running. Nostalgia was being stubborn. Skip settled back to wait in that old back porch rocking chair. He sat the cooling leftovers down on weathered porch planks. In a cloud of wist Skip wondered, "Where can Nostalgia be?" Then with tear in eye, he remembered, whispered, "Nostalgia is gone. Been gone a long time. Too long to call her back. And even if it wasn't, she'd just run away again."
Truth be, a lot of things had run away from Skip. His job, reputation, possibly his sanity, and for sure the one he loved, all slipped away. Gone for a lot of reasons. But most of all because Skip held on too tight. Squeezed the life right out of all close. Till none but that old empty house was left... with its back porch... and rocking chair... in the night air... and now even nostalgia was ebbing away... Why? Why did Skip hold on so tight to the point of squeezing the life out of all about him? Without the Lord as the center of life, Skip not only looked for love in all the wrong places; he was separated from love.
Anything or anyone placed above the Lord, is eventually lost. For so is mercy: to lose the idol and gain life. When the lost lose an obstacle in the path of salvation, the path that is Christ Jesus, opens. God chastens those He loves that they become His children; and if already His children, stay His children. (Hebrews 12:6)
But, into what do we walk, when we step out on that back porch of the mind? Seems like once upon a time, I ought to remember something about nostalgia. Nostalgia? Is it some kinda' itchy skin disease or some sorta' fruity ambrosia? Is nostalgia the effervescent antacid to calm the the up-setting present? Or is nostalgia the insidious seduction of the past, the seed of escape, the mirage of hope, the fog of sweet secret, the touch of that gone by, the caress of that lost? Nostalgia: won't let go; won't come back. What name slips not away... Beware of whispers in the night calling... Nostalgia... the breeze of sweet nothings, the breath of seducing sighs, the whirl wind of fading passions. Turn deaf ear to her beckoning cries, "Come back to me," the mist of lies.
A trick of the mind called nostalgia. Now, not all nostalgia is sad or bad. Some might even be glad. But when nostalgia blinds spiritual reality, when she morphs to the wistful waste of semi-mental sentiment; then she's gotta go. When the seductress named Nostalgia whispers in the night; take a good look at where you are going. Some memories are best prayed about... not relived. Others are warm fuzzies, gentle breezes, gems of better times, even precious moments of love. So, where to draw the line of nostalgia?
The wife of Lot looked back on sin, longed to return to the city of Sodom; so turned her flesh into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:17, 24-26). It all depends on what you look back on. It all depends on what you allow the heart to desire. The heart needs guidance. So did God the Father send The Light, His only begotten Son, to shine the way (John 3:16; 8:12). If we remember anything, dwell upon all our Savior has done for us. For on judgment day a people with Bibles in every home and churches on ever corner have no excuse, if they do not repent and believe. The sins of our nation are worse than that of Sodom and Gomorrah because... we know better (Matthew 11:21-24). Humble self! Repent! Pray! Turn to Jesus!!! And God the Father will turn to you (James 4:5-10; 2nd Chronicles 7:14). Remember salvation; look not back to sin; avoid that pillar of salt.
At one time or another, all varmints get caught in that old trap, that snare called nostalgia. But is all nostalgia bad? Is Nostalgia not what we make of her? Is the longing for a simpler time, when God was still in our prayers at school, wrong? Is remembering the Bible stories of youth not comforting? Is cherishing the childhood hugs of Mom not blessed? So should we dwell on the remembrance of the LORD's gifts. Hold dear especially His grace made possible on the cross by Jesus. Dwell in all hope, because Jesus loves us. Jesus is our greatest gift; blessed proof God loves us. Press forward for Jesus. Be doers; not dreamers only. Share the love of Jesus with all about you. Love God!!! Love one another!!! Bless His Holy Name!!!
Please share "Back Porch Nostalgia," to encourage folks to think about what really matters, his name is JESUS.
Truth be, a lot of things had run away from Skip. His job, reputation, possibly his sanity, and for sure the one he loved, all slipped away. Gone for a lot of reasons. But most of all because Skip held on too tight. Squeezed the life right out of all close. Till none but that old empty house was left... with its back porch... and rocking chair... in the night air... and now even nostalgia was ebbing away... Why? Why did Skip hold on so tight to the point of squeezing the life out of all about him? Without the Lord as the center of life, Skip not only looked for love in all the wrong places; he was separated from love.
Anything or anyone placed above the Lord, is eventually lost. For so is mercy: to lose the idol and gain life. When the lost lose an obstacle in the path of salvation, the path that is Christ Jesus, opens. God chastens those He loves that they become His children; and if already His children, stay His children. (Hebrews 12:6)
But, into what do we walk, when we step out on that back porch of the mind? Seems like once upon a time, I ought to remember something about nostalgia. Nostalgia? Is it some kinda' itchy skin disease or some sorta' fruity ambrosia? Is nostalgia the effervescent antacid to calm the the up-setting present? Or is nostalgia the insidious seduction of the past, the seed of escape, the mirage of hope, the fog of sweet secret, the touch of that gone by, the caress of that lost? Nostalgia: won't let go; won't come back. What name slips not away... Beware of whispers in the night calling... Nostalgia... the breeze of sweet nothings, the breath of seducing sighs, the whirl wind of fading passions. Turn deaf ear to her beckoning cries, "Come back to me," the mist of lies.
A trick of the mind called nostalgia. Now, not all nostalgia is sad or bad. Some might even be glad. But when nostalgia blinds spiritual reality, when she morphs to the wistful waste of semi-mental sentiment; then she's gotta go. When the seductress named Nostalgia whispers in the night; take a good look at where you are going. Some memories are best prayed about... not relived. Others are warm fuzzies, gentle breezes, gems of better times, even precious moments of love. So, where to draw the line of nostalgia?
The wife of Lot looked back on sin, longed to return to the city of Sodom; so turned her flesh into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:17, 24-26). It all depends on what you look back on. It all depends on what you allow the heart to desire. The heart needs guidance. So did God the Father send The Light, His only begotten Son, to shine the way (John 3:16; 8:12). If we remember anything, dwell upon all our Savior has done for us. For on judgment day a people with Bibles in every home and churches on ever corner have no excuse, if they do not repent and believe. The sins of our nation are worse than that of Sodom and Gomorrah because... we know better (Matthew 11:21-24). Humble self! Repent! Pray! Turn to Jesus!!! And God the Father will turn to you (James 4:5-10; 2nd Chronicles 7:14). Remember salvation; look not back to sin; avoid that pillar of salt.
At one time or another, all varmints get caught in that old trap, that snare called nostalgia. But is all nostalgia bad? Is Nostalgia not what we make of her? Is the longing for a simpler time, when God was still in our prayers at school, wrong? Is remembering the Bible stories of youth not comforting? Is cherishing the childhood hugs of Mom not blessed? So should we dwell on the remembrance of the LORD's gifts. Hold dear especially His grace made possible on the cross by Jesus. Dwell in all hope, because Jesus loves us. Jesus is our greatest gift; blessed proof God loves us. Press forward for Jesus. Be doers; not dreamers only. Share the love of Jesus with all about you. Love God!!! Love one another!!! Bless His Holy Name!!!
Please share "Back Porch Nostalgia," to encourage folks to think about what really matters, his name is JESUS.
Friday, May 3, 2013
THE LIFE OF R. E. GRETT
"Being sorry is just not good enough, little man! You must pay for what you did! Rules are rules! Hold that hand out! Palm down! For dropping a pencil on the floor the punishment is the edge of the ruler, not one, but two whacks to the back of the hand!" My how did old lady Scarakid's eyes burn excitement at the tears of her students.
So was the introduction of first grade education to one Reginald Eugene Grett. So did the life of R. E. Grett, Ruey, as fellow classmates called him, so did his life, if you call it living, become a life tainted, a life sealed, a life over and over again pierced by poisonous arrows of error. Error then arrow, error then arrow, too many arrows for error, till the life of Ruey became one of stagnant regret, one of increasing stiffness; afraid to move; afraid to make a mistake. In the darkness of such a life, Ruey, as many often do, could have turned to retribution, to revenge, to crime and evil; but Ruey was a good kid, who turned blame inward. So was the life of R. E. Grett, poor Ruey, swallowed up in the gaping pit of regret, the perdition of paralysis.
And lo, one faithful birthday R. E. Grett sat in the seat of celebration before a colorfully adorned frosted cake with seven candles ablaze. Festive ribbons and balloons of red and blue hung draped from the ceiling. Presents wrapped in gold and in stripes and in cartoon characters lay near. Shiny party hats sat on kids heads. Noise makers blew and cranked. But Ruey had lost the ability to see color. To him the light was dim gray, the sight dark sterile objects. Not even a noisy party horn in his ear stirred stiffness. And the joyful noise faded away; and one by one the kids smiles faded too. So it was said by anguished adults that a quiet party is no party at all. Till a little girl, younger yet wiser than them all, stepped up to R. E. Grett and placed a kiss on the cheek of Ruey, then whispered in his ear, "Jesus loves you."
And the bright of light flickered in the eyes of Ruey and he said, "I love Jesus too." And he hugged the little girl, younger yet wiser than them all... (Romans 16:16 & 1st Peter 5:14)
Continually walking on thorns decreases the ability to walk; births stiffness; leads to paralysis. Why live such a life of regret? Why let the poisonous arrows of the past paralyze you, when forgiveness and healing are only a breath away? ...His name is Jesus... Call upon His name and be saved... (Romans 10:13)
Friends refresh friends (Acts 27:3). Friends recognize need, both physical and spiritual, and determinedly act upon it. Friends will even tear the roof off a building to get you to Jesus (Mark 2:2-12). Just remember the physically damaged, the emotionally stunted and the dreadfully sinful all need love to heal. ...Let your love lead them to the love of Jesus... And thus like the little girl, who stepped up to R. E. Grett, be younger yet wiser than them all...
Life requires both sunshine and rain, the light and living water to grow... Jesus...
If "The Life of R.E. Grett," will limber up the legs of any suffering the arrows of past errors and get them walking with Jesus, please share. Jesus loves You.
. .
So was the introduction of first grade education to one Reginald Eugene Grett. So did the life of R. E. Grett, Ruey, as fellow classmates called him, so did his life, if you call it living, become a life tainted, a life sealed, a life over and over again pierced by poisonous arrows of error. Error then arrow, error then arrow, too many arrows for error, till the life of Ruey became one of stagnant regret, one of increasing stiffness; afraid to move; afraid to make a mistake. In the darkness of such a life, Ruey, as many often do, could have turned to retribution, to revenge, to crime and evil; but Ruey was a good kid, who turned blame inward. So was the life of R. E. Grett, poor Ruey, swallowed up in the gaping pit of regret, the perdition of paralysis.
And lo, one faithful birthday R. E. Grett sat in the seat of celebration before a colorfully adorned frosted cake with seven candles ablaze. Festive ribbons and balloons of red and blue hung draped from the ceiling. Presents wrapped in gold and in stripes and in cartoon characters lay near. Shiny party hats sat on kids heads. Noise makers blew and cranked. But Ruey had lost the ability to see color. To him the light was dim gray, the sight dark sterile objects. Not even a noisy party horn in his ear stirred stiffness. And the joyful noise faded away; and one by one the kids smiles faded too. So it was said by anguished adults that a quiet party is no party at all. Till a little girl, younger yet wiser than them all, stepped up to R. E. Grett and placed a kiss on the cheek of Ruey, then whispered in his ear, "Jesus loves you."
And the bright of light flickered in the eyes of Ruey and he said, "I love Jesus too." And he hugged the little girl, younger yet wiser than them all... (Romans 16:16 & 1st Peter 5:14)
Continually walking on thorns decreases the ability to walk; births stiffness; leads to paralysis. Why live such a life of regret? Why let the poisonous arrows of the past paralyze you, when forgiveness and healing are only a breath away? ...His name is Jesus... Call upon His name and be saved... (Romans 10:13)
Friends refresh friends (Acts 27:3). Friends recognize need, both physical and spiritual, and determinedly act upon it. Friends will even tear the roof off a building to get you to Jesus (Mark 2:2-12). Just remember the physically damaged, the emotionally stunted and the dreadfully sinful all need love to heal. ...Let your love lead them to the love of Jesus... And thus like the little girl, who stepped up to R. E. Grett, be younger yet wiser than them all...
Life requires both sunshine and rain, the light and living water to grow... Jesus...
If "The Life of R.E. Grett," will limber up the legs of any suffering the arrows of past errors and get them walking with Jesus, please share. Jesus loves You.
. .
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