Fears

Fear is an interesting topic and I expect to read some very interesting posts this week. I believe almost all of us have fears in one measure or another, and are probably better off because we have those fears. A healthy fear of falling keeps us from taking dangerous steps. The healthy fear of pain helps us to decide wisely to avoid circumstances that are likely to bring pain for no beneficial reason. And a healthy fear of eternal damnation causes us to seek salvation.

I suppose it is those inordinate fears that many will write about this week. An inordinate fear of flying, an inordinate fear of the dark, an inordinate fear of spiders or snakes, any fear that causes us to be paralyzed and incapable of functioning properly can rob us of joy, comfort, & productive living.

I suppose the fear that holds me back most in some circumstances is also the fear that motivates me to give my utmost effort in other circumstances. It may be two fears, though I think they are so interrelated that I count them as one; the fear failure and the fear disappointing those I care about. There have been many times in my life that I thought I wanted to try something; to experience something. But because of the fear of not being able to accomplish it or that I would somehow be disappointing, I didn't even try. Those were more prevalent when I was younger than they are now, but I wonder if they will return in force as I get older. The few regrets I have in life relate in some ways to the fears.

On the other hand, some of the greatest joys and satisfactions of life have come because I worked so hard to avoid failure or to avoid disappointing someone and was thus able to accomplish or to achieve, sometimes even beyond my own expectations. The fact is I have had several times when I did fail and disappointment, but I can't remember ever regretting having given something my best.

(first posted a qassia)

Tough Times

In the economic climate we are now experiencing it seems to me that having clean credit is must. With money being so tight, if you have a bad credit report it will be very difficult to obtain loans for important purchases necessary.

For those who have been caught in a crunch, you may wonder if it is possible to repair credit reports in a relatively short period time. If so you will be pleased to learn it can take as little a ten minutes on an easy to use web site to fix credit to enable you to acquire that mortgage or car loan that you are seeking, even in difficult times.

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Almost True!

“Whatever is only almost true is quite false, and among the most dangerous of errors because being so near the truth, it is more likely to lead astray.”
Henry Ward Beecher

I used the quote above at the end of my sermon on Sunday night, and had a request about it, so I decided to use it as the basis of the article this week. Beecher’s point is obviously accurate. If we someone uses elements of truth in making an assertion or proclaiming a position, it is much more likely to be accepted. The little step away from the whole truth is not really a big deal; we can still see the truth from where we now stand.

There are at least two dangers from that kind of thinking. One is that the place we are now standing is not level and leaves us in jeopardy of slipping or stumbling further from the security of truth. Perhaps more to the point but less easily seen is that when you leave the truth, you are standing on a lie. We see it as a rationalization, or socially desirable, or expedient. But the fact is that the ends never justify improper means in God’s eyes.


Untruth permeates our society these days, and most of it has an element of truth in it. That is why our politicians are so mistrusted these days. That is why the world’s view of the church is so negative these days. Christians have not stood solidly on the truth of God’s Word. They have given messages and used means that are rationalizations, or that are thought to be expedient.

Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, and no one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) So, folks, when Christians take a step away from the Truth, they have stepped away from Jesus!

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Josh Turner at the Houston Rodeo

Last Saturday I got a call from a friend who offered me tickets to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The rodeo is a big deal around here, both as a charitable organization and as a provider of entertainment at a very reasonable price. The rodeo runs a full three weeks. Each performance of the rodeo has a nationally popular music act as well as the top professional cowboys. This is the 77th year for the Livestock Show and Rodeo in Houston and they have contributed $250 million to fund youth programs and scholarships. Over the years they have had some terrific acts on stage, including Elvis.

The star performer Saturday was Josh Turner. I am not a big country music fan, but I was impressed with his show. Turner has a very deep voice and his fans really went wild when he hit the low notes. I liked that fact that his songs were all upbeat instead of the “crying in your beer” type lyrics.
I was impressed with his three numbers that pointed to a relationship with God. He sang, “Me & God”, “The Long Black Train”, which I believe are his songs. But my favorite seems to be someone else’s’ song that he sings, “That's Just The Way He Was Raised.” That one gave me goose bumps.

No Malls for Me!

I have never enjoyed shopping at the malls or department stores. So I have truly appreciated the opportunity to avoid those places by doing my shopping online. As a minister, we are expected at all the baby showers, so we can find unique baby gifts for lower prices than at specialty shops in our area.

And of course Christmas and birthday shopping for the grandkids is much simpler online than fighting the crowds and finding something that has not been picked over. I like to get gifts that will last a long time, even though the kids prefer toys & games. One of my favorite things to give is books, especially titles that I loved as a kid. Fortunately my grandkids have a love of books, too!

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Color My Childhood

This post is the result of a tag by a blogging friend on another site. The challenge is to Color My Childhood. If you have not been tagged and have read this far, consider yourself tagged.
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Blue: Always my favorite color, maybe it had something to do with my first baseball uniform being blue. I was on the Dodgers for my three years of Little League, so our colors were royal blue and white. I loved putting that thing on!

Green: My dad has the greenest thumb of anyone I have ever seen! We always had a garden, as did all the neighbors, but Dad could out produce any of them. And it did not matter what he tried, it always grew. He still gardens now, and he is 81. For the past few years, in the winter he has planted carrots along the walkway from his house to the mailbox. The tops make a very bright border. A couple of weeks ago he harvested them and took a big batch to the MHMR facility in his neighborhood. He brought me about 2 bushels worth, which I have shared with those close to me. And you should see his yard when the day lilies burst into bloom.

Gray: My dad’s dad had very hairy arms, and all I ever knew them to be was gray. I think of him often now as the hair on my hands have begun to turn that color.

Brown: This brings to mind the rich deep brown that the leather of my ball glove became when I oiled it up each spring. I remember being so excited when my dad brought it home. I was eight and it replace the “little kid” glove I had had. It was an Eddie Mathews model Spalding brand. I used it all the way through high school and the first year of college. ( And just in case you think I misspelled the Hall of Famer’s name, it only has one t in it!)

Yellow: When I got to choose the color of my own bedroom (we had just expanded the house so I did not have to share with my little brothers any more), I painted it a bright yellow. I kept it that way for several years. I changed to Periwinkle blue when I was in high school, but I liked the yellow better.

Black: The only suit I had was black, because it could be used for any occasion. When I would outgrow one, it would be replaced with another black one. I still have a black suit, but I prefer other colors most of the time.

Red: In 4th grade I got my first new bicycle. It was a Schwinn, 26”. I was the envy of the neighborhood!

Orange: In my childhood, one of the best things we got in our stockings at Christmas time was oranges. I still love oranges and I don’t have to wait till Christmas to have the treat!

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Too old to Spring Forward!

This setting the clock forward an hour in the spring time usually has not bothered me, so that makes me think that the reason I don't like it this year is that I am getting old. This weekend I was the speaker at a men's retreat at a camp about three hours drive north of here. I spoke once Friday night and three times on Saturday. I got home last night in time to set the clocks forward. This morning I went to the office at 6:15, as I usually do on Sunday. I taught a Bible class, preached, then conducted a class for our 4th through the 6th graders. My wife and I do this program every third year for 12 weeks. We eat lunch then work and play together till 2:30. I have a meeting with our elders a 4 then preached again at 6. I got home a few minutes before 8. I am tired.

I think I am too old to "Spring forward."

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Any John Wayne Fans Here? (100/10 Writing Challenge)

Do you like a good writing challenge? This one calls for the post to be exactly 100 words, but the words must be from only 10 letters of the alphabet. Here is my entry:
When I was in Junior High, I watched Western movies most weekends. John Wayne was a favorite in any role he would play. Any film with Wayne would work for me. He was a hero of huge proportions, whipping lawbreakers and making peace with Indians when war was a major possibility. In my judgment, John Wayne was wonderful performer, and he was a major presence in my world. He was a proud American who projected justice as well as making life fun for audiences around the world! I hope his many films play forever!

Anyone here a John Wayne fan?

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