Humor For God

Sometimes I wonder if God gets a good laugh from us? I have two stories to hit home why I wonder this. One day when I was out with my friend and her littler girl, my friend asked her little girl to say prayer over the meal. Well she didn't want too. So my friend ask me. I started thanking God for the day and I was almost finished when I realized that I didn't thank God for the meal. So I said, "Thank you God for the hands that performed, I mean performed, per... thanks for the food." After I was finished I said prepared and I wondered why I couldn't say it while praying.

Then one night I was praying, thanking God for his blessings on my family and I. I try never to fail to mention the roof over my head and the food and clothes and shoes on our feet. Well this night I was sorta tired and I thanked God for the clothes, shoes and food on our feet. LOL! I hope I made God laugh at least I know I did.

Our Hospital and Germs

I believe that we have the dumbest hospital in the world. That is one reason why I never go to the doctor. I don't want to go to the dumbest hospital for tests. The reason why I say this is the other night I was at the hospital and went to use the restroom. Well when I was finished I turned the hot water on. While I was waiting for the hot water to get hot I was reading the instructions how to wash your hands to reduce the spread of germs (I already know how to wash my hands but I needed something to do). Well the hot water never did get hot, so I washed my hands in cold water. Then I go out of the bathroom looking for a hand sanitizer dispenser and there is none. Needless to say I was pretty ticked off that there was no hot water.

When I got back to the room where my family was I decided to use the sink in the room. But to my dismay the water didn't get hot there either. And to add more to the situation when someone has a baby they are suppose to give you hand sanitizer to use on your hands before holding the baby and they didn't and I even ask yesterday about it but I don't know if they got any or not. Also another little thing about this hospital, back in 1995 my dad kept going over there and they kept telling him he had a virus. Well he finally gave up going to that hospital and went to the hospital that is 45 minutes away and they told him his gall bladder needed to be taken out and that he could have died if he hadn't come when he did.

Thomas

This is one of my favorite Wade Spencer's songs!

The Challenge

A couple of weeks ago my pastor made a challenge. The thing about this challenge is for the last four years he had been making this challenge off and on trying to get people to take him up on the offer. The challenge was to remember Romans 8 and stand in church and say it. Well that Sunday night when he said it I came home and started going over it. And I had it remembered that Wednesday but never stood. So last Sunday I came in and ask Pastor Paul if I could stand at my seat and say it and he said I could.

When I stood I was so nervous and I understand totally why some preachers have to move around because they might be nervous too. Paul brought back a mic. And I said all of Romans 8. I know when I was finished I felt like raising a fist into the air but didn't. Paul asked me to come to the front and he gave me a hundred dollar bill.

We had some guests from Michigan at church also that day. One of the men preached in the morning and the other preached that evening. After the evening service they stood in the back so we could shake hands and one of the men ask if I would remember it. I told him that I wanted to try and remember it. So everyday of this past week I have said it once or twice. I have to thank God for helping me and also to the ones that prayed that I could stand up and do it. Also thanks to a wonderful church that I was afraid might not think that I should have done it because I had only been attending for close to 3 months but after I said it they rejoiced with me. And people I didn't even know stopped me in Wal-mart to congratulate me. I thank God for filling in the pieces of the puzzle that I didn't know how they were going to fit or when it would come to pass. As I said God filled in the pieces and in his time brought me to a wonderful church. (And that is a story within it's self how God was leading me.)

Preach It Pharaoh!

There was this preacher preaching one night and he would preach a little then a lady in the crowd would shout, "Preach it Pharaoh!" The preacher thought why is she calling me Pharaoh? So he preached some more and she shouted, "Preach it Pharaoh!" And he thought again why is she calling me Pharaoh? He continued to preach and every once in awhile he would hear, "Preach it Pharaoh!" And every time he would think why is she calling me Pharaoh? After the service he marched over to the lady and said, "Why were you calling me Pharaoh?" The lady's reply was, "Pharaoh wouldn't let the people go and you wouldn't either."

This was told last night by Dr. Myron Guiler at the church I went to.

131

We just heard on the radio that kids now a days are going to live 40 years past their grandparents' age. Well I got to thinking about my grandma and how old she was when she passed away. But my mom reminded me how old my grandpa is and he is still living. He is 91 almost 92 years old. Forty years plus his age is a 131 years old. I DON'T WANT TO LIVE THAT LONG!!!!!!!!!

Peter do you love me?

I was thinking the other day about Peter and Jesus' conversation after Jesus arose from the dead. He ask if Peter loved him. Not only did he ask once or twice he ask three times. In the book of John the conversation went like this...

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. John 21:15

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:16

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:17

Why did he ask three different times? Well it wasn't to get on Peter's nerves. Jesus wanted to confirm that Peter loved him. He wanted to give him three chances to make up what he done to Jesus. What did he do? Well in Luke 22:55-60 it says this...

And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. Luke 22:55

But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire; and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him (Jesus). Luke 22:56

And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. Luke 22:57

And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. Luke 22:58

And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. Luke 22:59

And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. Luke 22:60

Three times Peter denied Jesus and Peter said he would never do it. But three times Jesus let him confirm his love for him.

Shooting from the Hip

I think it is really funny when someone can shoot off one liners like it is their job to be funny. Last Wednesday we went to Miller's Run Methodist Church (not so Methodist because I've always heard they are quiet but these people shout). Mike Blanton and Evidence was singing and Mike Blanton preached.

Anyways Mike and his wife and the other lady had sung a few songs. Then Mike talked about growing up in church and not having music he said it wasn't because they didn't like it they just couldn't afford to buy guitars and other instruments. Well a lady at the church said something about old regular baptists. Well like it was nothing Mike said, "I'm an old regular Baptist. I'm a Baptist and I attend church regularly." I had to laugh.

After church I told Mike that it was my first time hearing him live (or in person). He said, "do you like me better alive or dead?" LOL!

Put Your Name There

My friend Kenny has told before that some times when he reads the Bible he will put his name in verses. So the other night I was reading Romans 10:13...

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Something within me which I believe had to be the Holy Spirit because I don't think the devil would tell you to do something that would bless you so much. Anyways said to me to replace whosoever with your name. So I did and I read it this way...

For Starla shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

I know it doesn't read well but it was still a blessing. To think that I'm a nobody but because God loves me I'm a some body. And all over the world there are many people who maybe feel they are nobodies or others consider them nobodies but in God's eyes they are someone to Him.

Another Lesson From The Dog

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Yesterday I posted how my dog will beg for food and we as Christians should beg for more of God. To be close to Him and experience more of Him. Last night I thought about how my Gizmo will only beg for food from certain people, because he is afraid of more then others. My brother is one that Gizmo will not beg for food. He may sit and watch him but he won't cry. My brother has put fear in Gizmo. Now don't get me wrong Gizmo loves him and will wag his tail but he is also afraid of him. We realized how much Gizmo was afraid of my brother when he picked him up one night to keep him from going outside. Well poor Gizmo hyperventilated on us and ended up getting sick.

There are some things that I think we shouldn't ask God for but wanting more of Him is one that he doesn't mind people asking for. As Gizmo is afraid of my brother we don't have to be afraid of asking God for a deeper experience. We can come boldly before Him in prayer.

Lesson From The Dog

My Gizmo begs worse then this. It is because he has a shrill whine. Last night I was eating homemade vegetable beef soup. Gizmo as always when I'm sitting at the table stands on his back legs and looks at the bowl. He'll start off crying and sometimes the crying will turn into barking (which is what happened last night). This thought ran across my mind when he was wanting more. Us as Christians should be this desperate to want more of God. That we would stand and look toward him and beg for more. (Below Gizmo begging for food.)

The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry

This movie is going to be in theaters on September 18th. A good movie for the whole family. Here is the trailer for the movie.

A True Statement

My daily Bible reading is in Ezekiel and I ran into something that isn't even talking about sin but is really a place called Sin. And what God said about Sin was a true statement. I had to laugh at the thought that the statement is made about a place but it is a true statement for us here in 2009.

...Sin shall have great pain... Ezekiel 30:16

One day on my Twitter I typed, "Sin is a ripple in the big water of life. It ruins life for everyone, whether they are the one committing the sin or a helpless bystander!" I have someone in my family, well more then one person that never thinks of others. And because of their sins others have to suffer. Sin truly does cause great pain. And usually the person who commits sin never thinks of others. Great pain for others. Sin may be enjoyable and great but the pain and misery holds an ever greater price then the enjoyment.

IDK Where This Came From

Last night I was looking at a notebook and ran across a quote. The only thing is I don't know where it came from. I didn't write down who said it or what book I copied it from. I want to share it though.

"The health, wealth, and prosperity "gospel" swallows up the beauty of Christ in the beauty of gifts and turns the gifts into idols."

I am not into the prosperity gospel it is so stupid (I don't say this word very often). If the prosperity gospel was true then why do people in other countries struggle? Also people here in America struggle but American people for some reason think everyone makes the same amount of money. I know many good Christians that don't have very much money and sometimes their income is what makes them good Christians. They have to rely more on God. It drives me insane when people says that everyone won't mind to give a certain price for something. I have actually felt like correcting them and saying that everyone doesn't make the amount of money you make.

OK I got on my soap box for today but it is something we as Christians should think about.

Multiply

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it... Genesis 1:28

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar is really fulfilling this statement God made to Adam and Eve. Yesterday I saw that one of my friends on Facebook posted that Michelle Duggar is expecting a baby. What's the big deal you ask. Well it is only going to make Jim Bob's and Michelle's 19th child. That's right folks she is having her 19th baby. Brave woman!

Double Minded People...

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:8

You know something that I can't stand, people that are double minded. Like people who say others shouldn't judge but then they judge others. And people who say others shouldn't worry but then they worry. Come on people we are human we are going to worry. Oh something else I don't agree with is when someone says that they would or wouldn't do something. Number one question I have is how do you know what you would or wouldn't do? Until you are faced with something major you don't know what you would or wouldn't do. I hope you are right about certain situations, but you don't know.

Bearing Fruit

I have been really busy this week going to church. That's the best busy that anyone could be into. We've been going to one of our smaller churches and enjoying some great preaching and singing.

My post today is about bearing fruit. I heard a statement a couple of weeks ago that I fully agreed with. I've even said it myself but I never associated it with a verse in the Bible. The statement was "that we can't save anyone only Jesus can do the saving." I've said this myself, maybe you have said it. But for some reason I always thought of bearing fruit (John 15:2) as getting people saved. John 15:2 says this...

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away...

After the statement was said my eyes were opened to a new world and I was like, "DUH!" So what does he mean by fruit. Well Galatians 5:22 and 23 says this...

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Galatians 5:22

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:23

These are some pretty big shoes to fill and I hate to say that I haven't filled them. I can of this moment say that I've let down. I'm praying that God will help me but I've been annoyed and frustrated and the person I would always share my problems with I feel that they don't care for me anyone. I know God is there for me but sometimes it is nice to have someone in the flesh to speak to. My cousin Marcy was with me about a month ago and I broke down and started to cry (which is something that I never do in front of people) and it was very nice to have her there with me.

I have also been trying to decide whether Solomon had some annoying person frustrating him because he stated in Proverbs 25:17...

Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbor's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee. Proverbs 25:17

This is a true statement too. I try not to hate anyone but people need to give others their space. I've thought about giving this verse to the person, but I don't know what I should do. My fruits are barren because I've grown weary.

How is your heart? OH BATMAN!

I know, funny title. For those of you who might have noticed my Twitter post (to the right) the other day, I will explain. I've been going to North Moreland CBC (Paul Hagen's church) with my friend. I really love it there but anyways back to the story. I've heard and read many stories about the bat/bats flying around at North Moreland. I myself have never been there when it happened until the other day.

Paul started preaching and the main point of his message was how we would describe our heart and how others would describe it. I was really into the message taking notes then I heard Paul say "there's a bat." But he kept going not even caring. Well of course after the bat is flying around for a little while people are not going to pay attention so he started to crack jokes about the bat. Saying the bat wasn't God's will and it was the devil and he was talking about treasure. And there is four things that makes a item a treasure and they are rarity, duration, utility, and appreciation.

He said the bat wasn't rare. He said the bat didn't have utility and if they caught it then it didn't have duration and we didn't appreciate it. Our Sunday school teacher Greg kept trying to catch it with a net but couldn't get it. Then Greg thought they maybe could guide it out the door. So he went and gave the net to Paul's son-in-law Jeremy and Greg went and opened the side door. Well Jeremy went on the stage where the bat was and ended up catching the bat in the net. So I survived my first time being in the church with a flying bat.

Now back to the heart. Paul asked if your heart was hardened, a forgiving heart, a pure heart and some others things your heart could be. So how is your heart? When I look at my own heart I find things I don't like and I can't mend my heart only God can!

Aaron Iglesia Part 2

Last Saturday night was the other night that Bro. Aaron preached. He preached from Matthew 22:29...

Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. Matthew 22:29

He said that religion is so full of errors. That people are not being led by God. This world is going down because of their lack of knowledge of the Bible. There is also so much to give to God but all he wants is our heart. He talked about how the Bible will guide you and teach you how to live, he read Hebrews 4:12. When we are away from God we offend God. Whoever is in Christ is a new creature.

Samaritan Revival

Here is a short video of Samaritan Revival singing Amazing Grace in Spanish and English. I believe the guy standing on the stage to the right is Philip Tyson. Philip's dad started the mission work and after he passed away they started the group Samaritan Revival. Before we left my dad and I went and talked with Philip and ask him if he would interpret for us because I wanted to ask Aaron to sign my Bible. After Aaron signed my Bible, I had Philip to also sign my Bible. Aaron's favorite verse is Psalms 18:6 (Salms 18:6) and Philip's favorite verse is Romans 8:1.

Aaron Iglesia from Honduras Part 1

The church that my mom and dad goes to had a Spanish revival this past week. We went Thursday night and Saturday night. Thursday night through Saturday night they had a group sing called Samaritan Revival which is a Spanish speaking group from Honduras. Also Aaron Iglesia from Samaritan Revival preached Thursday and Saturday.

Thursday Aaron preached from Genesis 6:5 and 6...

And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Genesis 6:5

And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. Genesis 6:6

Aaron preached how man hath offended God. That man disobeyed and that is when sin came upon the earth. Sin still hurts the Lord. God still loves us though. God hates the sin but loves the sinner. God has the medicine for the sickness that the world has (I never had thought about it that way before. I have prayed that God will open people's eyes to their sin sickness, but I never thought about the medicine part.). That sickness is sin. The cure is through Jesus' blood.

He read Isaiah 1:5 and 6. He then stated that this society is still filled with men that has this illness (AMEN!). There is still hope for the man that is lost though (Isaiah 53:6 and 7). We don't have to put our hope in something else or someone else. We can put our hope in Jesus because His blood is what saves and cures our sin sickness. He also read Ephesians 2:1, John 14:6, and Romans 5:8.

Vanceburg's Sunday School Banner

Vanceburg had an AWESOME skit. I'm going to try and tell you about it but it would be better to see it. I wish I had a video for it. They had a girl in chains and the devil and demons were around her. They kept pulling her down and saying stuff to her. Then Jesus came on the stage and all the demons and the devil fell to the floor. Then Jesus released the girl from her chains. That's the skit in a nut shell, I wish I could have done better telling it. It was a very powerful skit.

Because it was so good they received 1st place for it. Also they received 2nd place in growth by percentage. The drawing on the banner was done by my friend who I told that we met up after church one night during camp meeting. He was saved at Vanceburg and it was so wonderful seeing him working for the Lord and also seeing him use the altar during camp meeting.

Well this is the last of the Sunday School Banners. I hope you enjoyed it. Now I'm going to get back to regular blogging. Next week I'm going to probably post about hearing Brother Aaron Iglesias from Honduras preach and after that I'm not really sure what I'll post. I guess it will be a wait and see game.

7th Street's Sunday School Banner

Lord you're holy was the theme that 7th Street did. The drama team called Remnant did sign language to "Lord You're Holy." The group's leader read Psalm 18:1-3...

I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. Psalm 18:1

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:2

I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. Psalm 18:3

Psalm 18:2 is the main verse that was on the banner. They received 3rd place for most in attendance. They also received 3rd place for most youth under 18 in attendance and 2nd place for their skit.

First Columbus' Sunday School Banner

First Columbus CBC had a wonderful skit. They had a lady and their pastor talking about God creating the world. Then they had a song called "God's Painting" and they showed people being saved then going to heaven. At the end they had these signs that they held up, but it didn't make anything. A lot of people felt bad for them because they were holding the signs wrong. But at the end of the song when it talked about the painting being finished they turned the signs and made one huge picture of Jesus' face. It was so awesome.

The pictures of the people are members of their church that has passed away. The picture that the hand is painting around is of a man that attended their church that had recently passed away. This was a great way to honor those people that had went on to be with the Lord.

Russell's Sunday School Banner

Russell's skit was about Paul and Silas. It was a really great skit. Also Nathan the guy who does sign language read almost the whole chapter. Most people I think was surprised because I don't think they knew who could talk. He did a wonderful job. And yet again I can't remember the song they used. This is definitely a sign that I'm getting OLD!

Hayport Road's Sunday School Banner

Hayport Road was another church that I really loved their skit. They had some church members sitting around having a Bible study. And they started to pray and this guy dressed like the devil or a demon (he was in a black robe and had a hood on) was walking around them. He started talking to people one at a time trying to get them to give up or not do things that God called them to do. After this the person would scream really loud, "I'm in the Lord's Army, pass the ammo." The ammo was a Bible. At the end of the skit a woman started to walk away but she ran back to the Bible study group and screamed, "I'm in the Lord's Army, pass the ammo." It was a really great skit.

Also a young man from their church was called to be a missionary. He said he didn't know where God wanted him to go but he would go where God told him. This was exciting news to me though because we have missionaries in other countries but they are people from that country that we support. So for us to have someone called to the mission field is really wonderful, it has been a while since we had someone from the States in our association called.

North Moreland's Sunday School Banner

On the Monday before the Sunday School Rally I actually knew whose banner this was and what their skit was about. I was told to keep it from everyone else. The person who told me, also said they would get me one of their t-shirts for the Sunday School Rally. The verse is from James 3:6...

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. James 3:6

The whole skit revolved around these people calling one another on the phone and telling that they saw their pastor in a certain part of town. Of course the story kept getting bigger and bigger, but the story wasn't true he was visiting a new family that lived their. They also had this guy from their church dress up like this giant monster tongue. At the end, their pastor had this giant Bible and chased the monster tongue from the church. It was so funny.

North Moreland ended up receiving 3rd place for their skit. They also received 1st in most in attendance, growth by percentage, and best theme. They received 2nd place for most under 18 in attendance and 2nd place in banner vote. Below is a photo of the monster tongue.

Reedville's Sunday School Banner

For the life of me I can't remember the song that they used. I know they used their puppets to do their skit and they told the story of Zacchaeus. I remember that Jesus and others walked around the church and Jesus went to the stage and got the Zacchaeus puppet and walked around carrying the puppet, but as I said I can't remember the song. I should have wrote it down. I do remember it was a Bill Gaither song.

Highland Bend's Sunday School Banner

For only having a week or so to make this banner I think the lady who made it done a wonderful job. She quilted the whole thing. I love how Jesus' hands are in the middle. During their presentation they sung "Jesus Loves Me" and "Little Is Much." They also told a little about their church and the banner.

Logan's Sunday School Banner

Logan sung "Power in the Blood" they told that every church service the little children sings this. A lady from their church read Revelation 1:5...

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood. Revelation 1:5

Jeanettes Creek's Sunday School Banner

Jeanettes Creek for their part at the Sunday School Rally sung "Come and Dine." What I especially liked about their part was they told about the banner. The person who drew the hands of Jesus is a new Christian. It is so wonderful to hear when new Christians are working for their church and taking part.

Johns Run Sunday School Banner

I really loved Johns Run's skit. They had two boys walking on the stage and they came to a door. The one boy asked where it came from and the other said he didn't know. The first boy said it's shiny and makes me want to touch it (I thought this was really funny). Then they tried to open the door but it wouldn't open. A girl came along and she went through the door, so then they tried again but couldn't open it. Then another person went through. Someone else came along and ask what they were doing and they told him they were trying to get the door open. They tried to use money, keys, and physical strength but they couldn't get it open. The man that came along said that it wouldn't open with those things, they had to have special keys. The special keys were prayer, studying the Bible, and worship.

Another part I liked about their skit is there pastor (Delmar Rogers) went through the door. And the one boy said he was going to open the door with his strength but couldn't. The man said that strength wouldn't work and the other boy said that they found that out when Delmar went through. We all thought that was funny. Johns Run received 2nd place for their skit.

Bonser Run's Sunday School Banner

Bonser Run CBC banner theme was their Vacation Bible School theme. I really loved their skit. They had two adults, a teenage boy, and two teenage girls holding signs waiting for this singer (which was a made up character). They were talking about how excited they were to get to meet him and one girl said if he shook her hand she would never wash it again (LOL!). Then this guy come along and ask what they were doing and they told him that they were waiting for this guy. The other guy had never heard of him before and the others could not believe it. The guy then went on to say that the singer was just a regular guy like them and that they shouldn't worship him but they should worship God because he made everyone. When they were leaving they said they were going to church and this part I really loved, one of the teenage girl said, "I'm so over him!" It was a really good skit.

The verse on the banner says...

Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Psalm 95:1

Sandhill's Sunday School Banner

Sandhill had a very unique banner. They used little photos of their church members to make this huge photo of Jesus, the lion, and the lamb. My mom really liked this banner. For their presentation they had their stick ministry group perform a song. Sandhill was awarded 2nd place for most in attendance. They received 1st place for most under 18 in attendance, 1st place for banner vote, and 3rd place for best theme.

Camp Bennett's Sunday School Banner

Camp Bennett CBC's banner was pieced together by the youth of their church. And they decided since it was a quilt that they would take secret bids and give the money to the missions fund. I believe I heard them say they received $75 for the quilt. For their presentation they sung a song and their church members held signs up that said things like single mom and I look different, but the whole theme was God uses broken pieces and lives to help others.

Also we were thrilled that Camp Bennett was awarded two awards. They received a plaque for 3rd place in Sunday School growth by percentage. Then all during the week of camp meeting each person is allowed to vote one time on their favorite banner. Camp Bennett received 3rd place in banner vote. They had a good number from their church come this year to the rally and we were so excited seeing so many from their church.

Camp Meeting Day 6 and Sunday School Rally

Friday night was the last night of camp meeting 2009 and God moved upon hearts again that night. People were going to the altar during the singing and when it was time for Brian to preach, he said he was going to sing. He sung "God's Been Good." Brian said that he has always wanted to described God's goodness but he never has been able too. So he said he would sing the song to tell people how good God's been to him and his family. He sung it once then he sung it again. The altars were lined. After the altar call they had some different people sing and they ended with all the groups from each service (10am, 2pm, and 7pm) to come to the stage and sing together. We are so blessed to have had an AWESOME camp meeting and I believe this is the first year that we have only had preaching for three nights in the evening and three nights we didn't have preaching. The holy spirit just simply moved upon people.

Saturday we had our Sunday School Rally they ended up having 14 churches that had banners. Each church will usually have a skit or song. It is so wonderful seeing what each church does. As promised here is photos of each banner and the name of each church that made the banner. For next couple of weeks I'll tell about each banner and post a bigger photo.

Camp Bennett CBC

Sandhill CBC

Bonser Run CBC

John's Run

Jeanettes Creek CBC

Logan CBC

Highland Bend CBC

Reedville CBC

North Moreland CBC

Hayport Road CBC

Russell CBC

Columbus First CBC

7th Street CBC

Vanceburg CBC

Camp Meeting Day 5

Last night we had our "Red, White, and Blue Night!" We had all the veterans to come and we sung God Bless America and we also said the pledge of allegiance. I'm not sure which preacher said this (I think it was Paul Hagen), but he said that we needed to thank those men that we still had the freedom to gather. We gave them a standing ovation.

Also last night Paul Hagen wrote a note and had Nathan to come and get it. I saw Nathan reading it then I saw Paul give a thumbs up and I knew something good was going to happen. So Paul said that he ask Nathan if he had a song to sign. Nathan signed "Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone." Nathan did a very outstanding job and we all gave him a standing ovation and when he came off the stage he pointed up. It was so wonderful that Nathan didn't want any of the glory he wanted it to go to God.

Delmar Rogers preached last night and he talked about every time he sees the flag he gets chills up and down his spine. He said he didn't worship the symbol but it was a reminded of what people had to go through for freedom. He also stated every time he sees a cross no matter where it is at, he gets chills thinking about the cross. The title of his message was, why I love the cross.

He read from Galatians 6:14 and he said the word glory in the verse was a verb because it is an action word. He stated that glory was to rejoice. He said Paul didn't want people to look at him but to the cross.

Then he went on to ask the question, what's so special about the cross? He said every time he sees a cross he is reminded that the love of God is made known to us because of the cross (John 3:16). He read Romans 6:23...

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

The wages of sin is death but the gift is manifested because of the cross and the cross reminds us that God loves us and Jesus loves us. Also we are reconciled by the cross or protected by the cross (Romans 5:8 and 9). By the cross we are separated from the world. There is power through the cross. It is the cross that reminds us that God will supply our every need (Romans 8:31). God gave us His best (His son) and he can freely give us our needs. Their is no other remedy for sin but the cross (Acts 4:12 and Isaiah 53:4 and 5). The good news is that it didn't end at the cross because three days later Jesus Christ arose again.

During altar call there was again many that came. Tonight Brian Baer will be preaching. Paul asked if people would pray extra hard for the service tonight. There has been people coming every night that needs either to be saved or helped. I thought I would go ahead and mention this, I don't know when I'll be able to post about tonight. Tomorrow we have our Sunday School Rally and tomorrow night I'm going to stay with a friend. It may be Monday when I make my post. I'm looking forward to posting because I have pictures of all the Sunday School banners and I can't wait to share them.

Camp Meeting Day 4

All week I have went without mentioning the camp meeting choir that has been singing every night. They have been doing an awesome job. Last night The Libby Family sung a song with the choir, "Long As I Got King Jesus." I love the song. Camp meeting last night started with shouting. Then it sort of mellowed out but it was because the holy spirit was talking to people's hearts and people were going to the altar.

After most of the people that went to the altar was finished praying, they had a man come to the stage and he told the exciting news that his mother was saved. He said that he has been praying for years for his parents. He was also excited telling how his girls love coming to camp meeting. It was so wonderful to hear the good news. Paul was suppose to preach but he said the preaching didn't need to be done if people were coming and getting saved and receiving help. Usually every year we have a camp meeting service that they don't know what to do and last night was one of them. Paul said, "I don't know what to do, some body sing. When in doubt sing!" So they sung and that is how the night was finished and it ended with more shouting.

Tonight if the Lord permits, Delmar Rogers will be preaching. Looking for another exciting night. Also I have been meaning to mention this all week, but to the right on my side bar you can see my Twitter updates. I try to post a new update after service each night.

Camp Meeting Day 3

Last night was another wonderful night at camp meeting. I haven't talked any this week about the young man by the name of Nathan that has been coming, I believe he was saved in February of this year. He is deaf and we've been to his church and watched him sign songs. Anyways each night when we sing along with the songs he signs them and they will usually have him come up on the stage and sign them. It is so awesome watching him and it is a blessing. Dave Libby had Nathan to come on the stage while he and his family sung. I love watching Nathan sign the song that they sung but don't ask the name of the song it is a newer song and I don't know the name.

Also besides The Libby Family singing we had the girls from Kentucky Mountain Bible College sing. Their group is called New Hope. They did a great job singing and the one girl had a great testimony of being down and frustrated here lately and she said she had a peace come over her and at that time is when her future husband said he had a urge to pray for her. Isn't it wonderful that God uses others.

Last night Brian Baer preached and he preached from Psalm 84 (the whole chapter). His main verse was verse 1. The theme is, "I love the church" and the scripture doesn't mean the church body (which we should love) but it means the tabernacle (or building). Brian said he wanted to go on the record and say that he loved the church. He said there is a place of security in the church and the security is found in verse 2 where it says "the living God." Praise the Lord we serve a living God. The church is a shelter for your family, a protecting shelter. There is pools of strength in the church (5-7). You have problems but there is strength for the problems. There is potential for service in the church (v. 10), your either living in the house of God or your living in the tents of wickedness. In verse 10 it says that they would rather be a doorkeeper and the meaning of doorkeeper is like a greeter at Wal-mart. There is perpetual supplication in the church (v. 11) and there is perfect solutions in the church (v. 12).

The message really wasn't for the lost but it was a call to the Christians. I know there were preachers that went and others who needed help. Tonight Paul Hagen will be preaching, The Libby Family will sing, and Remnant drama team will also be preforming. Looking for good things to happen.

Camp Meeting Day 2

Last night Paul Hagen informed us there would be no more offerings to be taken during the week. The debt for camp meeting which was $8,795 was taken care of with an offering that was received Monday night of $8,900 and some dollars. Praise the Lord!

The Libby Family is singing every night of camp this year and last night was wonderful. They sung beautiful songs and many was praising the Lord. Delmar Rogers was suppose to preach but the holy spirit showed up and Paul Hagen had an altar call and people went. I went myself because I have been really frustrated lately and all I knew is I wanted to be able to enjoy camp meeting. I didn't know exactly where my friend Dawn was sitting but I turned around and there she was. She waved and I pointed to the altar and she went with me. There was also a young man that was saved.

After church we went to find a lady that goes to our church to give her some salmon patties that my mom made. My dad went to put our stuff in the car and my mom and I started going the other way. When I walked away from my dad I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned and there was this guy standing there and he said do you remember me. I am terrible because I don't remember people very good especially if they change their looks. He told me his name and I got so excited that I hugged him. We had went to school together and he told me that he was saved at a church that my dad's cousin is the pastor of. It was so wonderful to see him and find out that he had gave his heart to the Lord.

Tonight Brian Baer will be preaching. I am so excited to hear Brian. It has been a couple of months since I've heard Brian preach and I'm looking forward to what Brian has up his sleeve. He always does something out of the ordinary. Some girls from Kentucky Mountain Bible College will also be there tonight to sing, this makes the third year they have been with us.

Camp Meeting Day 1

Last night started the beginning of another year of camp meeting. They had their ordination service and ordained one deacon (Phil Sanders from my church) and one preacher. After we had our singing and prayer, Paul Hagen stood and kept quoting something that Cal Ray Evans said last year. Then Paul told that the debt for camp meeting was 8,700 and some dollars he then told of some people that remained nameless that donated money here and there and that donated money equaled $3,500. Then he told some men to go get money. We haven't heard yet but they took the offering and tonight we will find out how much the offering was.

Paul Hagen preached last night and he had Opal Plumber to come sit up on the stage. He said that he was going to call Opal Grace and that later during his message Opal was going to help him preach. He said that Grace looks and calls for people to be saved. He read from Ephesians 2:8...

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

He kept making these statements, when grace met faith and grace is watching. He said that grace is found 170 times through the Bible from the Old Testament through the New Testament. Grace means favor, goodwill, and kindness. He said others might define grace as...

G = God's

R = Riches

A = At

C = Christ's

E = Expense

Also he said faith is found 200 times in the Bible and he read Romans 12:1-3. Grace is extended to everyone. Maze Jackson said that there is five ways that God speaks to man. The first way is the preaching of the word of God. The second way is the power of a guilty conscience. The third way is through the precious holy spirit. The fourth way is through praying for lost loved ones and the fifth way is through divine providence. Paul made this powerful statement that God uses grace to keep you out of hell. Then he went and got Opal and they walked around and Opal told of God's grace and how she has been saved for 74 years! It was really great to hear someone that has been on the way for a long time and that has lived through some terrible times but Opal praised God for everything and said that He had been so good to her.

During alter call there was a young man saved and many more lined the altar for help. Tonight brother Delmar (pronounced Delmer) Rogers will be preaching. I'm still praying that people will be blessed, helped, and that people will be saved at camp meeting.

Where have I been?!?!

Well first I have to say it is good to be back even if I don't know what to blog about today. I haven't been on here for a month and it has been one crazy month. Not really a good crazy but more of a bad crazy with a mixture of good. I know, sort of confusing. I will say that God is good we had a really bad storm in the area and we didn't get hit hard like everyone else around us did.

Here is some of the things that have happened in the last month. On the 27th of June our church association had a parade called "Salute to God and Country" and my grandpa was one of the grand marshals. Really he did end up being the only grand marshal because the lady that was suppose to be the other grand marshal didn't show up. In the picture below is my grandpa testifying or preaching which ever you want to call it, but I say more preaching then testifying.

Also besides that parade our church has a 4th of July parade on the first Wednesday of July and they have hot dogs (YUCK!) afterwards for everyone who comes out. So the photos below are of the float that my church made. Two of the photos are from the "Salute to God and Country" parade and the other one is from the night that our church had their parade.

This might be my only post for this week but don't worry because our camp meeting is next week. I'll post every day telling how each night turns out. I'm praying that we have a wonderful time.

A week or so....

I just wanted to post a quick blog to say I might not be on here for a week or so. My cousin is coming and staying with me for a week. Sometimes my posting blogs take hours to post, because of editing and studying to get all the facts for my blog post. If I post any blogs they will be short or they will be videos. I probably won't be reading very many blogs this coming week. Nothing against anyone, I just want to spend time with my cousin. I do hope he won't be offended if I want to check my Myspace or Facebook account (that is something I have to do everyday, lol). So I'll miss you all, hope you people out there in blog land have a fun week. God Bless!

Book Review

I really love to read. Anyone who has ever been in my bedroom can tell you, I have a lot of books. Last night I came across a book that I have read many times and then it hit me post a review of the book on your blog. Personally I think this book can be enjoyed by men and women. The book can be read at least under an hour depending on how fast you read (which my cousin Marcy could read it in 10 to 15 minutes, lol).

The book starts with a king having a big party. In this book you have a straying husband and a wife who stands up for herself. There is a beauty pageant. There is also hate, pride, and deception. This book is a book of heroes and villains. It also has a love story and there is evil people that are killed and hanged and the good guys prevail. In the end there is celebration, feasting, and giving gifts, a book for everyone. What is this book? Where can you get this book you ask? Well if you have a Bible then this book I'm talking about is the book of Esther located in the Old Testament. I give it a 5 star rating.

Goodbye World Goodbye!!!

This is another one of my all time favorite songs!

Graduation!!!!

Yesterday we went to my adopted niece Olivia's Kindergarten graduation. It was so cute. The only part I didn't like was it was a graduation at a public school and there were over 150 kids which was 9 to 10 different Kindergarten classes. If I was the school I would have a couple of classes at different times during the day to keep it from being so chaotic. Of course Olivia was as cute as ever. We are very proud of her and glad she is part of our family.

Singing in the Shower

This is so true what Bill Gaither says about singing in the shower. If you don't believe me then try it. It sounds so awesome and makes you sound better. I really love the second song they sing, "Great Gettin' Up Morning." Also I got a good laugh from Bill Gaither. It looks like he pulled something while singing. I think it is so funny some of the faces singers make.

The Light and The Shadow

The other day when I was waiting for the church bus to pick me up for Spring Jubilee I was looking through one of my Bibles and ran into a beautiful quote. The quote was made by D. L. Moody. The quote said this...

"The valley of the shadow of death holds no darkness for the child of God. There must be light, else there could be no shadow. Jesus is the light; he has overcome death." D. L. Moody

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;... Psalm 23:4

...I am the light of the world. John 9:5 (This was Jesus speaking.)

If I had never read that quote the other day, I would never thought about it. This is so beautiful because when it comes down to the end of someones life then we don't have to fear. We have someone there even when we feel like it may be dark. In order for there to be a shadow there has to be some source of light and that source of light is Jesus. This is evidence that we always have someone with us.

Spring Jubilee Day 5

Last night was the last night for Spring Jubilee (sighing). The choir sung "Won't It Be Wonderful There" and "Heaven's Jubilee." I really enjoyed the choir a lot last night. I love both songs. Mike Upright & Standing Tall sung. There were three songs that I really enjoyed, "Adam, Eve, and Me," "Gone," and "Winning Either Way."

Last night they done a special presentation of Show & Tell (cardboard testimonies). Calvin Ray Evans said that he was going to have 30 to 50 people help preach his message. He read from Luke 5:12-15 and said that God has no limitations! He said that he didn't like when people said they don't believe in prayer or miracles because getting saved is one of the biggest miracles in any one's life. Then they started the presentation. There were so many signs and I can't mention them all but I will mention a few.

One family came to the stage and the lady was in a wheelchair. They held her sign up and it said, "Sitting here in my wheelchair waiting on my change." They turned the sign over and it said, "What a change that will be." Jacob Berry's sign said, "People said I'd never be able to talk." His mom helped him turn his sign over and it said, "God said he would be my mouthpiece." A man and woman came on the stage and their sign said, "Prayed years for children." Then a boy came out and his sign said, "Mom and Dad adopted me in 1990." He turned his sign over and it said, "Jesus adopted me in 1997."

After the presentation they had altar call. Some people went to the altar for healing and some went to get saved. After the service they told that all together 11 souls were saved. So that means they had 3 saved last night. I can't believe it is over, but that's OK because this coming Monday they are starting a revival at the church here in the community. I'm really looking forward to it.

Spring Jubilee Day 4

Last night the Spring Jubilee choir sung "Meeting in the Air" (one of my favorite songs from the hymnal) and "Looking for a City." The veterans were honored and we also sung The Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America. The offering last night was taken up for Veterans Helping Veterans. This is a group that helps needy veterans. Beside the offering we took canned food to give to the group. The offering was counted and Brian Baer said that there was a total of $4500. God is good! Ricky Atkinson & Compassion sung last night and they also sung one of my favorite songs "Inside the Gate, Inside the Portal."

Brian Baer preached which I had already heard the message before but it was even better the second time around. He told the story from the Civil War days that a flag bearer was called a standard bearer. One day during one of the battles the standard bearer was shot and the flag fell to the ground. Another man picked the flag up and someone yelled from the back, "move the standard back here!" Then the man said, "no you move up to the standard." He also told the story about how the flag stood at Fort McHenry because of brave men who held it up and after the attack on Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key wrote The Star Spangled Banner.

Brian read from Hebrews 2:1...

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. Hebrews 2:1

A standard is something fixed and cannot change. It is a rallying point. He had three main points. The first point was the standard of the scriptures. The second point was the standard of salvation. He stated that there is only one way to heaven and read Hebrews 1:3 and John 14:1-6. To be saved you must admit you are a sinner. Be willing to repent. Believe that Jesus died and rose again. Ask through prayer and faith believing for forgiveness of sins. Then his third point was the standard of separation. He read 1 Peter 1:15 & 16 and Romans 12:1 & 2. It is God's perfect will for you (as Christians) to live a separated life (Colossians 3:5, 8 & 9).

Tonight Mike Upright & Standing Tall is singing. I have never heard them before. All I know is "The Winner Either Way" song. Also a special presentation of "Show and Tell" which really is cardboard testimonies will be done tonight.

Where is Kristi? I need my Thimble Thoughts!!!

Spring Jubilee Day 3

Last night started with pouring down rain. We arrived a little after six and my dad and I went to visit with our friend Bud Mefford. I had a gift I wanted to give to him (Twizzlers Black Licorice). When I handed it to him he screamed out, "my favorite." His wife doesn't like them and doesn't really like for him to eat them so I told him to hide them, lol. After this we (my mom, Pat, MaryAnn, and myself) went to the building next door to look at the different tables set up. While we were there we talked with Jacob Berry's dad and sometime during this time period it started to pour the rain. I elected myself to go out in the rain to get umbrellas.

The Spring Jubilee choir sung again last night. We know one song they sung was "He Set Me Free" but we can't remember the other song and Brian Baer didn't send out a e-mail about the service. There was 1575 people in attendance and 2 souls were saved last night. The Primitives sung and after they sung Calvin Ray Evans stood and ask everyone if we trusted him and he said he was going to do something different. He had a group called The Joyful Three to come and sing a song for The Primitives. I was so proud of them, I've know them for a while. They are not a big name group but they really sing for the Lord. I think the whole crowd enjoyed it. The people in front of us were asking us who they were. Also I almost forgot that The Primitives let Brian Baer play guitar with them when they played while the ushers took the offering up.

Calvin Ray Evans preached last night from Hebrews 6:13-20. He preached that God has not changed his mind, it still takes the blood to be saved! Salvation is based off a covenant, but not a covenant on you. We are the beneficiaries. We benefit from the covenant and we didn't even have to be there when Jesus died.

Tonight Brian Baer will preach, unless the Holy Spirit moves and that will be fine with all of us. Ricky Atkinson & Compassion will sing. Tonight they we be honoring the veterans and taking up canned food for needy veterans.

Spring Jubilee Day 2

Last night was youth night at Jubilee. The Spring Jubilee choir sung first and they sung "I Know My Name Is There" and "Wonderful Grace Of Jesus." These are two songs I had never heard before. The Browders sung last night. This is really the first time I had heard them in person. I'd seen them on TV before. The one son sounded like Adam Crabb of the Crabb Family (before The Crabb Family started to blur the lines of Southern Gospel music). They sung "Waiting on my Change" at least two or three times and Jacob Berry took a rolling spell. They also sung a song I really like called "My Heart Will Never Break Again."

After The Browders finished singing Jacob had Mike and Teresa Blanton and Brian Baer to sing "One Step." Mike Blanton had wrote "One Step" in memory of the late Calvin Evans (Calvin Ray Evans' dad). Then instead of Jacob quoting his scripture they played a video of the late Calvin Evans reading 1 Samuel 20:3...

...there is but a step between me and death. 1 Samuel 20:3

Jacob used the late Calvin Evans sermon and made it his own. The title of his message was "The Step of Death or The Step of Life." Jacob preached about how Calvin Evans preached this message called The Step of Death and eight hours later he passed away and really he didn't take the step of death he took a step of life. He quoted many scriptures and I tried to write them all down, Hebrews 9:27, John 5:24-26, John 11:25-26, and John 3:16.

He preached that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Jesus took the step of death so we could take the step of life. Also for the Christian the step of death is a sweet step. He said that there is only one way to God and that is through Jesus (John 14:6). He told that for the Christian there is a step of life, but there is a step of death for the sinner and he quoted Romans 6:23 and Revelation 21:8. And when you've taken the step of death you can't step back! He finished his message telling a story of a teenage boy who was walking on the railroad tracks listening to his Ipod with the volume up loud. He didn't think he would be hit and as he took his last steps into eternity he couldn't hear his last warning (the train whistle). Satan has sinners that they can't hear the warning.

After the service 3 souls were saved and it being youth night they had pizza for the youth. Also I was very happy to be able to go to Jubilee with my friend Trish last night. On Sunday Trish went to the altar, she is one person I've been praying for a long time. Tonight The Primitives will be singing. I'm not really sure who will be preaching. If I had to guess I would say Brian Baer might preach tonight.

Spring Jubilee Day 1

Spring Jubilee started off real good last night. The Spring Jubilee choir sung two songs, "He's My King" and "Make Me A Blessing." This year the choir decided to sing songs from the hymnal. The McKameys also sung and they did a wonderful job and it was so spirit fulled. Peg shouted and kicked her shoes off, it was great. Even Jacob Berry took a running spell (well a strolling spell in his wheelchair).

Calvin Ray Evans preached last night from 1 Chronicles 4:1...

The sons of Judah; Pharez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal. 1 Chronicles 4:1

I'm not kidding that was his scripture. He talked about how Judah's name meant praise. Then he said all the names in this scripture means something. The title of the message was, "This is what comes from praise!" Pharez means breaking forth and this shows power in praise. Hezron means surrounded by walls. There is protection in praise. Carmi means a gardener or vine dresser this shows praise is productive. Hur means purity there is purity in praise. It's hard to sin while praising and praying to God. Shobal means overflowing. There is something about it spilling over on others.

There were 2 souls saved last night during the invitation and 1 soul saved after the service. Tonight The Browders will be singing and Jacob Berry will be preaching. Also to let all you know out there, I will be posting everyday about the meeting if nothing else happens. I'm also going to try every night to make a Twitter update after the service and you can read my Twitter updates on my sidebar on this page.

Book Review: Aristotle Owl and The Beckoning Bottoms

Last week I had stated in a post that I started to read this book called "Aristotle Owl and The Beckoning Bottoms." On Thursday I finished reading the book. This book was wrote by R. A. Arthur (Rick Arthur) and is a fiction/fantasy story and is 300 pages long. The book is about a boy genius Allen Nella II a.k.a. Aristotle Owl and his Christian family. (If you notice Allen Nella is a palindrome.) The book starts out with the introduction of the family and the family getting ready for a big adventure of sailing the seas. As the book goes on the family face tragic events, adventures, meeting new friends, and facing enemies. Some people that I have read reviews from have compared this book to the Harry Potter series, but instead of magic Aristotle Owl solves problems with inventions, common sense, and Christian values.

I really enjoyed this book. It is very adventurous and exciting. Sometimes I found myself wanting to cry and other times I wanted to shout and jump for joy. In the book young Aristotle Owl will think upon lessons that his dad taught him from the Bible to overcome situations. Another thing besides the good Christian values that I really enjoyed in the book was it didn't have bad language. I also like how the author made you feel like you were part of the book. Another good thing is you will learn many different words. Trust me, you might want to have a dictionary on hand. This book would be good for children 9 years old through 16 years old and for adults who enjoy a good fiction story also. You can buy this book on Amazon.

The only thing I didn't like about the book was some of the errors, but that is a given for any book out there. (Trust me the worse book I've read that had bad editing was Jeff Gordon's biography.) The author is thinking about writing at least four or five books in this series. So I'm really looking forward to reading more books about The Quin Frins (this is what Aristotle Owl and his friends call their group).

Give Me Jesus

Last night made only three times that I had heard this song, but I really enjoy it. Today I have listened to it two times. So now I've heard the song a number of 5 times. The first time I heard this song, my family and I were at our friend Mike Simpson's church and a little girl sung this song. Paul Hagen was preaching there and a teenage boy went to the altar to pray. Paul then had the girl to sing the song again. Then last night we were at my papaw's church and a middle age couple was singing and they sung this song. It is so beautiful. Even if it is a simple song it is so powerful, hope you enjoy!!

My God is Real

This is one of my favorite songs. I hope you all enjoy it.

Hope

"Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life." Proverbs 13:12

defer: postpone
desire: wish or long for; want

Our world as we know it is looking bleaker every day. In fact I won't lie I thought today my heart might faint within me. As I type this out I'm still unsteady, but my heart of renewed some after reading something in the book "Aristotle Owl and the Beckoning Bottoms." I told you that the man who wrote the book is a preacher, well he quoted a verse from Proverbs (the verse above) and as I said it renewed me.

If you listen to the news then you might feel like your hope is being postponed, but don't lose hope because our desire which is Jesus is coming. And the verse states that when desire cometh, it is a tree of life. We still have life because of Jesus and no one can take that away if we don't let them.

I feel the need to tell everyone out there if you are reading this and you are not a Christian and you feel the need to be saved then pray. Well how do I do that you may ask? Admit that you have sinned and believe in Jesus. You don't have to name every sin in your life just ask to be forgiven of them. Then find yourself a Bible and I would suggest you start reading the gospel of John. Also you should find a good church to go to, also the Bible says this...

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." 1 Peter 2:9

When I think of peculiar I think of the word weird. We are a weird people (I'm laughing because I know I'm strange and weird). We are different. Some Christians might not like me saying this but the Christians who have morals are consider weird people to the world and other Christians who are different. So when you get saved try not to cuss people out or party it up. Love every one and be kind. Try to live the best you can live while we still have time to live here in this world.

LOL!!! (One of my favorite commercials.)

Well this may sound a little strange, but I wanted to thank God for not letting me catch myself on fire or my house on fire the other night. I was washing dishes and I was drying a cookie sheet, well sometimes cookie sheets still feel damp after you have dried all the water off of it. So I lay them on the burners of the stove and turn a really low fire on to dry them faster. Well I laid down the pan and turned the knob and fire shot out from under the pan. I mean it touched me and everything, but I wasn't burned any where on my body. It happened so fast I don't know if I would even thought about stop, drop, and roll.

Other news happening in my life. I went to the eye doctor in Columbus, Ohio on Monday to have the glaucoma pressure in my eyes checked. The doctor was pleased with the numbers. Also that day I finished reading "The Shack" which I was so glad to finish because that book is really out there. I'm use to reading strange Christian fiction books because I read Ted Dekker books, but that guy was totally different. After I finished that book I started reading "Aristotle Owl and the Beckoning Bottoms" (fiction/fantasy) this book is wrote by a local man here in our area. He is a preacher and he is a school teacher and the book came about because he was teaching writing skills and he came up with the character. Then after he wrote one chapter his class wanted him to write another and he ended up writing a book. I will write a review after I read it all. Also I will say one thing about the book, I've read words I've never heard of before and I've had to look them up to know what the meaning is. So I guess I'm learning.

Upcoming Event: Spring Jubilee

Every year in May they always have the annual Spring Jubilee (scroll down to the May section) with wonderful preaching and singing. This year won't be any different. Spring Jubilee starts May 11-15. On Monday night they will have The McKameys singing. Tuesday night will be The Browders singing with Jacob Berry preaching, also this night is set aside for the youth and they have pizza after the service. I have never heard The Browders sing in person but I've seen them on TV the father (Tommy) of the group battled polio and now he is confined to a wheelchair. He sings that when he gets to heaven, "I'll be strollin' instead of rollin." Brother Jacob and Brother Tommy I know will probably have a good time together. Instead of running they might be wheeling around praising the Lord.

Wednesday, The Primitive Quartet will be there. Thursday, Ricky Atkinson & Compassion will sing. Friday night Mike Upright and Standing Tall will have a reunion and sing, they will also have a special presentation called "Show and Tell." The guide they sent out telling about Spring Jubilee says that Mike Upright and Standing Tall will only be making 10 appearances together this year, so this is really a special time to see them together. Below is some videos of some of the groups.