Here's one for my friend, Bill Crider, who has a gator fetish. I'm not including the explanation that came with it (reportedly from Florida). Just know that this gator got bit. 
Weekend A La Carte (August 29)
1 day ago
Disclaimer: The results below are from a quiz. The representatives of each category may or may not reflect the person using the quiz.
Quiz: What kind of Christian are you?
You scored 368, on a scale of 0 to 400. Here's how to interpret your score:
0 - 59
You are a Jesse Ventura Christian (a.k.a. a "Secularist" or non-Christian).
60 - 149
You are a Bishop Spong Christian (a.k.a. "Biblical Revisionist").
150 - 249
You are a Hillary Rodham Clinton Christian (a.k.a. "Left-Leaning Traditionalist").
250 - 329
You are a George Bush Sr. Christian (a.k.a. "Right-Leaning Traditionalist").
330 - 400
You are a Jerry Falwell Christian (a.k.a "Historicist").
You can access the quiz yourself at http://www.BeliefNet.com/section/quiz/index.asp?sectionID=&surveyID=83
I have a growing pile of books to read. I’m in the middle of two that are proving helpful as I work as the pastor of a Midwestern church in small-town America. The two on my desk are Stop Dating the Church: Fall in Love with the Family of God by Joshua Harris, and EKG: The Heartbeat of God by Ken Hemphill. Waiting on the shelf are Breakout Churches by Thom Rainer, The Kingdom Focused Church by Gene Mims, Confessions of a Pastor by Craig Groeschel, and The Missional Code by Ed Stetzer & David Putnam. Just when I think I’ll get around to doing some of this “light” reading, friends start dumping new titles and authors my way: from Paul—More Ready than You Realize by Brian McLaren and The Great Giveaway by David Fitch; from Andy—Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. So much reading so little time.
Have you read any of these? Can you give me another take? Recommended, not recommended?
I came back from North Carolina inspired. The missionary in me wept as story after story, image after image, bombarded my senses. I renewed old friendships, mended some personal fences, and healed my missionary heart.
The pastor in me began to think of all the ways that I and my church could meet needs that were presented during the summit. I began to make plans to invite a group of our church members to join me for the next summit in November. The purpose of attending another meeting of this nature is to allow them to firsthand catch the vision that God planted in me before I even knew of a place called Mulberry Grove.
The friend in me prayed and thrilled for the one who went with me as he began to wrestle with God's dealing in his heart.
Jesus said: (Luke 10:2) "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
The pastor in me began to think of all the ways that I and my church could meet needs that were presented during the summit. I began to make plans to invite a group of our church members to join me for the next summit in November. The purpose of attending another meeting of this nature is to allow them to firsthand catch the vision that God planted in me before I even knew of a place called Mulberry Grove.
The friend in me prayed and thrilled for the one who went with me as he began to wrestle with God's dealing in his heart.
Jesus said: (Luke 10:2) "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Today is the day that my blushing bride discovered the world. I am so glad that God made you, Hannah. You're beautiful.
Everybody say, "Happy Birthday," to my child bride.
I usually use Orbitz when making travel arrangements that require flying. But this time I found a better deal that fit my needs at Travelocity. The flight was great, but when we landed I discovered that my hotel was not the one I thought, but one 45 miles from where my meeting was to be held. Calling the "right" hotel, I discovered that they had a room for the first night we'd be in NC, but were fully booked the other two nights. I was able to get a room in another hotel--another chain--near the conference, so I canceled the first. All the money I saved, is probably gone and then some because of the change.
My gripe? I saw nothing on the paperwork from Travelocity that indicated they had booked me in a hotel 45 miles from my destination city. It will be a long time before I use them again.
I’m getting ready to go on a trip. One of my church members and I will be attending the IMB Volunteer Summit Central & Eastern Europe in Apex, North Carolina. Our hope is that this two-day event will help us determine some ways that our little Midwestern church can get involved in partnering with on-going mission work on the other side of the world. This is a double good trip for me because I’ll get to visit for a minute or two with some of my former colleagues from the mission field.
Ya’ll have a good time while I’m gone now, ya’ hear. (The summit will be at Salem Baptist Church--click on the logo to see their site.)
Ya’ll have a good time while I’m gone now, ya’ hear. (The summit will be at Salem Baptist Church--click on the logo to see their site.)
You may have received this photo via email explaining that it is one of the rarest natural occurrences known to man. The one I got was a forward claiming that the pic had been taken at a certain place and that the phenomena had lasted about an hour. Other info included says that the conditions have to be perfect--20,000 feet and exactly 58 degrees F. So, when I received the email I thought this would be great for a blog post.
Contrary to my normal procedure, I did a little research (I needed to nab a pic to include with the post). What I found was some question about the rarity of the occurrence. I also found a technical name for the event--circumhorizon arc. I've found people claiming it to be a hoax, others say it's real, still others say it simply isn't as rare as the email is reporting.
In any event, the result is still a beautiful sight. Here's another capture.
I've always been a "B" student, but this is ridiculous.
| You Are 82% American |
 You're as American as red meat and shooting ranges. Tough and independent, you think big. You love everything about the US, wrong or right. And anyone who criticizes your home better not do it in front of you! |
Ever since I came up with the idea of Loom & Wheel Publishing eight years ago, I thought, "Wouldn't it be nice to have a simple representation of Loom & Wheel." Several things have kept me from that goal:
- I don't have the kind of money to hire someone to conceptualize it for me.
- I'm not a graphic artist--so anything I'd develop would be campy-looking.
- I can't seem to get across the idea to friends. Most of them think in terms of a weaver's loom (good) and spinning wheel (not so good). The trouble is that both of these are part of the weaving industry when only one is supposed to be.
So, I'm starting to just try out some possibilities. Help me judge whether you think these might be marketable possibilities or not. This picture (and the one at the top of the righthand column) are the first jump out of the gate. What do you think? Any ideas?
Having tested another site for a couple of weeks, and posting double (once here and once there), I've decided to keep Loom & Wheel here on blogspot. I am keeping the Loom & Wheel Words blog open, but will take a different direction with it. I haven't decided for sure what to do with it, but it will no longer be a mirror/shadow of this space. It will take more of a spiritual nature, reflecting my ministry and my spiritual journey. For those of you who love to read the deeper thoughts that occasionally ooze from my mind, you'll want to link there. I'll still be posting everyday wisdom and enjoyment here. Thanks for reading.
My father called yesterday to say that it was snowing in Palestine, Texas (in April). Bill Crider reported snow in central Texas with a proof-picture from his brother.
Today is a day of miracles. Easter is the day we celebrate the greatest of all miracles.
Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!
Christ is Risen!
He is Risen, Indeed!
Our hope now springs eternal because death and sin have been defeated!
While it is not a good idea to develop our whole theology from songs, it has long been the practice of Christians to express their beliefs and ideals in music. The difficulty with this is that when people latch onto the tunes and the words, they build their belief systems on the songs instead of the foundational scripture behind the songs. Often songs have to use a less than ideal wording to fit into a pattern that can be set to music. Because of this, theology that is based on music tends to be watered-down and shallow.
On the other hand, when musicians really want to develop a deep, meaningful song that truly expresses the ideas and ideals desired, the music becomes cumbersome and awkward. Still, we should give the song-writer credit for even attempting to express in a small way the faith that has grown so deep within them.
Having said this, one of the great hymn writers of Baptist life was B. B. McKinney. Here’s an example of one of his songs that addresses faith:
Have Faith in God
By B. B. McKinney
On the other hand, when musicians really want to develop a deep, meaningful song that truly expresses the ideas and ideals desired, the music becomes cumbersome and awkward. Still, we should give the song-writer credit for even attempting to express in a small way the faith that has grown so deep within them.
Having said this, one of the great hymn writers of Baptist life was B. B. McKinney. Here’s an example of one of his songs that addresses faith:Have Faith in God
By B. B. McKinney
Have faith in God when your pathway is lonely.
He sees and knows all the way you have trod;
Never alone are the least of His children;
Have faith in God, have faith in God.
Have faith in God when your prayers are unanswered,
Your earnest plea He will never forget;
Wait on the lord, trust His word and be patient,
Have faith in God. He'll answer yet.
Have faith in God in your pain and your sorrow,
His heart is touched with your grief and despair;
Cast all your cares and your burdens upon Him,
And leave them there, oh, leave them there.
Have faith in God though all else fall about you;
Have faith in God, He provides for His own:
He cannot fail though all kingdoms shall perish.
He rules. He reigns upon His throne.
Refrain:
Have faith in God, He's on His throne,
Have faith in God, He watches over His own;
He cannot fail, He must prevail,
Have faith in God, Have faith in God.
Š„ŃŠøŃŃŠ¾Ń Š²Š¾ŃŠŗŃŠµŃ! ŠŠ¾ŠøŃŃŠøŠ½Š¾ Š²Š¾ŃŠŗŃŠµŃ!
Š„ŃŠøŃŃŠ¾Ń Š²Š¾ŃŠŗŃŠµŃ! ŠŠ¾ŠøŃŃŠøŠ½Š¾ Š²Š¾ŃŠŗŃŠµŃ!
Š„ŃŠøŃŃŠ¾Ń Š²Š¾ŃŠŗŃŠµŃ! ŠŠ¾ŠøŃŃŠøŠ½Š¾ Š²Š¾ŃŠŗŃŠµŃ!
Three times they proclaim it. Three times they answer.
In celebration of Easter—the Resurrection of Christ—Russian speakers announce the proclamation of the season throughout their country. It matters not whether they are Orthodox or Evangelical, Baptist or Catholic, the greeting is the same. I recall climbing the stairs to my third-floor apartment during Easter week, and one of the old babushkas flashed her gold-toothed smile as she said, “Christ is Risen!” I had only just learned to respond, and did it wrong—instead of “He is risen, indeed!” I replied with, “Yes, Christ is risen!” The thought was right even if the words were not.
With all the trappings of the holiday, let us never forget:
Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!
Š„ŃŠøŃŃŠ¾Ń Š²Š¾ŃŠŗŃŠµŃ! ŠŠ¾ŠøŃŃŠøŠ½Š¾ Š²Š¾ŃŠŗŃŠµŃ!
Š„ŃŠøŃŃŠ¾Ń Š²Š¾ŃŠŗŃŠµŃ! ŠŠ¾ŠøŃŃŠøŠ½Š¾ Š²Š¾ŃŠŗŃŠµŃ!
Three times they proclaim it. Three times they answer.
In celebration of Easter—the Resurrection of Christ—Russian speakers announce the proclamation of the season throughout their country. It matters not whether they are Orthodox or Evangelical, Baptist or Catholic, the greeting is the same. I recall climbing the stairs to my third-floor apartment during Easter week, and one of the old babushkas flashed her gold-toothed smile as she said, “Christ is Risen!” I had only just learned to respond, and did it wrong—instead of “He is risen, indeed!” I replied with, “Yes, Christ is risen!” The thought was right even if the words were not.
With all the trappings of the holiday, let us never forget:
Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!
| You Are Cyclops |
 Dedicated and responsible, you will always remain loyal to your cause. You are a commanding leader - after all, you can kill someone just by looking at them. Power: force beams from your eyes |
As I introduced this series last week, I introduced my ultimate hero—Jesus Christ. As I prepare to close this Passion Week study of heroes, I’d like to introduce you to two gentlemen, two mentors, two friends, who were examples, colleagues, and friends all rolled into one.
C. T. Perkins was a retired preacher when I met him. He came to Mount Pleasant Baptist Church as Interim Pastor shortly after I became the music director there. C.T. was one of those old-time preachers who believed that the Bible was the place to find the answers to all our questions. He believed in education—as evident in the fact that he met his wife, Mary, when they were both students at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He loved the church—evident in his active participation in his own local church whenever he was not serving as a supply preacher, revivalist, or interim pastor during his 30-something years of retirement (following a lengthy career as a local church pastor). He loved people—exemplified in his down-home humor that found its way into sermons and conversations alike. He loved Jesus. I recall the last visit I had with C.T. before he died. He wore a belt around his chest keeping one arm tied to his side. He told me that it helped keep him from raising that arm and causing problems with the pacemaker that kept his heart going. Then he said, “You know, I did something the other day that I’ve never done before.” In answer when I asked what that was, C.T. replied, “I preached on my 84th birthday!”
W.A. “Bill” Solesbee was the pastor with whom I worked during my seminary days. I have often lamented that Bill was not the finest of orators. His sermon delivery style was more of a stroll down the garden path with many stops and side trips along the way. At the same time, he was one of the most Christian believer I think I have ever had the privilege of encountering—and I got to work closely with him for two years. Bill loved people, he loved the Bible, he loved the Lord, and he loved being the pastor of Edgemont Park Baptist Church. Bro. Bill (as he was affectionately known) had spent many years on the mission field in the Philippines, and then returned to the USA where he spent 20 years in the pulpit of EPBC. Of all the witnesses I know, none has been so natural at sharing Jesus and the Gospel message in a simple conversation as Bill. He saw the world through the eyes of Jesus. He constantly, genuinely opened his faith to a world that needed Jesus in a way that could never be described as pushy or preachy, but presented in sincere love.
These are heroes that I would love to emulate. Who are yours? Share your story.
Today, I would like to honor actually two groups—the temporal and the spiritual.
A heartfelt salute goes out to those men and women who have dedicated their lives to the cause of patriotism. We have military stationed at home and abroad that work daily to protect those “certain unalienable Rights” which were endowed by our Creator. We gladly live in a nation that bases its freedoms on the ideology that men can disagree with governmental decisions and make that disagreement known—broadcasting it venomously to all who will listen. I believe, however, that we ought to offer our heartfelt support to our military personnel wherever they may serve. They are heroes with a capital HEART. We should be thankful to God and to these people that they are on the job protecting our American ideals whenever they serve.
On the other side of the coin, serving around the world are people who take their relationship with Christ so seriously, that they have surrendered their lives, their careers, even their families, to the spread of the gospel. These people are known as missionaries. They carry the message of Jesus Christ to the world around them, whether it is at the corner store in Backwater, North Carolina, or at an outpost in the Zambizi desert. We as a church have romanticized missionary work to the point of placing missionary personnel on a pedestal picturing them as demigods. The reality is that missionaries are simply heroes—ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The difference between missionaries and ordinary believers is that they live to advance the Kingdom of God.
One group protects our Constitutional freedom.
The other advances our freedom in Christ.
| You Are Adventurous... Sometimes |
 You like an adrenaline rush as much as the next person. You like your thrills in small doses. You're generally pretty calm and level headed. But sometimes you have to go wild and have a crazy adventure. |
When emergencies happen there are those who rise to the occasion. Many are from the medical profession—doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians. A recent incident at our church pointed to another group that often goes unnoticed, unrewarded for professionalism and efficiency. These are the members of the volunteer fire departments that service many of the smaller and more rural communities in our country. Among these brave members of the community are the first responders. Those trained in emergency first aid and beyond to lower the event of death at accidents, fires, and medical emergencies. I salute those who volunteer their time and obtain the training to bridge the gap between 9-1-1 call and ambulance arrival.
Have you been on the receiving end of the expertise and professionalism of one of these stand-out groups? Say thanks here with a comment.
Years ago, when little boys were asked who their heroes were, at the top of their list was the name of a president. Interestingly enough, many of the men who have occupied the oval office have been prime candidates for heroship—Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Others, who shall remain nameless here, brought more shame than honor to the office.
What makes a president worthy of the honor of hero consideration? I believe it has to do with character traits that are worthy of emulation—traits such as honesty, integrity, and statesmanship. With this in mind, I reach back to our country’s origins for a hero. George Washington, also known as the Father of our Country, is one I
esteem as a hero. His leadership ability, his idealism, his strength of character, all contribute to this selection. I especially like some of the legend that follows his memory. Honesty even in the face of punishment is something that I try to lead my children to. The ability to coax from desperate men their best in dire circumstances is something that I try to apply in my own life.
As a hero, Washington commanded the loyalty of a nation, at her birth and her early growth. He is a hero in my book.
Do you have a presidential hero? Who is it? Why do you choose them?
What makes a president worthy of the honor of hero consideration? I believe it has to do with character traits that are worthy of emulation—traits such as honesty, integrity, and statesmanship. With this in mind, I reach back to our country’s origins for a hero. George Washington, also known as the Father of our Country, is one I
esteem as a hero. His leadership ability, his idealism, his strength of character, all contribute to this selection. I especially like some of the legend that follows his memory. Honesty even in the face of punishment is something that I try to lead my children to. The ability to coax from desperate men their best in dire circumstances is something that I try to apply in my own life.As a hero, Washington commanded the loyalty of a nation, at her birth and her early growth. He is a hero in my book.
Do you have a presidential hero? Who is it? Why do you choose them?
Note: This week is known as Passion Week. It is the week we pause to focus specifically on the last days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. It culminates in the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It seems appropriate that we should look at heroes this week. I introduced the topic in my last post, and hope that you will be able to find some heroes of your own or think of those who have inspired you in the past. Š„ŃŠøŃŃŠ¾Ń Š²Š¾ŃŠŗŃŠµŃ! ŠŠ¾ŠøŃŃŠøŠ½Š¾ Š²Š¾ŃŠŗŃŠµŃ!
With the ever-growing number of comic book heroes around us, and the modern practice of turning them into more human than hero, it is difficult to find a good comic book hero to fill the shoes of “my hero.” At one point I go back to the definition of a hero – someone who goes beyond the ordinary. In that case you can’t choose Superman who is in reality an alien, nor Spider-man or the Hulk who received their powers as the result of a 
radioactive accident. The only hero who fills the bill is the Batman. Turning to vigilante justice to clean up the crime in Gotham City, the Batman gets his superpowers as a result of the estate to which he is heir. He develops himself and takes advantage of gizmos and technology, all carried around on his trusty utility belt. If I return to my childhood, I find there men like Aquaman and Green Lantern. I think I enjoyed Green Lantern most because he had the cool ring which held his power.
So many heroes, no way to choose. So I decided to speak about what makes comic book heroes really heroes. With the help of Stan Lee, I learned that a hero is a hero because of their desire to save lives, right wrongs, and live uprightly. A true superhero is honest, trustworthy, determined, and caring. He looks for ways to right wrongs without even harming the enemy (the super villain) if it can be helped. As the old Superman television program put it, he stands for “truth, justice, and the American way!” What do we learn from comic book heroes?
- To stand up for what is right—no matter what.
- To always take the best road.
- To use our strengths for the betterment of our world.
- To always leave the world a better place than we found it.
I like to think that the heroes of my childhood don’t belong in the darkside comic books that have developed since the 1980s. Instead, the search for truth and goodness wins out always—and so I give you Green Lantern.
Now, whose your comic book hero? And why?
Next week I plan on doing some posts on heroes. So, in the way of introduction I want to give the Sunday school answer. The old joke is that the teacher asked the children, “What animal is small and gray with a bushy tail, lives in trees, and likes to eat nuts?” After several moments one of the young Sunday school attenders raised his hand and said, “Teacher, I know the answer is supposed to be Jesus, but it sure sounds like a squirrel to me.”
Since no hero, living or dead, real or fictitious, can compare with my biggest hero, I decided to introduce the series with Him.
My biggest hero is Jesus. Why? Again the Sunday school answer: because He saved me. But it goes beyond
that. Jesus Christ is the kind of hero that has been shaking up the world simply because of His existence. Forget the miracles—turning water into wine, healing the sick, calming the storm with a word, raising the dead—and look at who He really is. He disturbed the religious leaders by pointing out the inconsistencies in their practices, He baffled the intellectuals by asking simple questions, He turned the world upside down, and is still doing it today.
Jesus is my pick as the greatest of all heroes because He is God in person, love in action, righteousness in practice, grace in reality, and mercy in fact.
Start thinking now—who are your heroes? Why? Sound off now and log in next week to see mine.
Since no hero, living or dead, real or fictitious, can compare with my biggest hero, I decided to introduce the series with Him.
My biggest hero is Jesus. Why? Again the Sunday school answer: because He saved me. But it goes beyond
that. Jesus Christ is the kind of hero that has been shaking up the world simply because of His existence. Forget the miracles—turning water into wine, healing the sick, calming the storm with a word, raising the dead—and look at who He really is. He disturbed the religious leaders by pointing out the inconsistencies in their practices, He baffled the intellectuals by asking simple questions, He turned the world upside down, and is still doing it today.Jesus is my pick as the greatest of all heroes because He is God in person, love in action, righteousness in practice, grace in reality, and mercy in fact.
Start thinking now—who are your heroes? Why? Sound off now and log in next week to see mine.
bit·ter (bÄt'Ér) adj. bit·ter·er, bit·ter·est
- Having or being a taste that is sharp, acrid, and unpleasant.
Any way you slice it, bitterness is something that we don’t really want. The funny thing is: we continually allow ourselves to be bitter. The longer we stew in our bitter state, the bitterer we become. The bitterer we become, the less we realize that we are bitter. First our hearts, then our minds, and finally our entire beings shrivel up into a bitter little pill that is oh most difficult to swallow.
While we seem to be immune to our own bitterness, we quickly can identify those around us who are bitter. So, think about that bitter person you know. Really, think about them. Ask yourself, is that me? If it is, take steps. Identify that about which you are bitter, remove it from your life. If you cannot remove it the re-evaluate, “Is this really something (someone) to be bitter about?” More often than not the answer is no. So, stop it, drop it, refocus on that which makes you better, not bitter.
I have mirrored this blog on WordPress. It is a test. I've noticed several other bloggers switching over to WordPress for their blogs, I thought I'd give it a try. Take a look and give me some feedback (here and/or there) to let me know what you think. Which site looks better? Which one do you prefer? The site is called Loom & Wheel Words. Click on the link and tell me what you think. For now, Book 'em Benj-O will stay where it is.
As a result of an emergency in our services (God is working always), I was only able to complete one point of my sermon. The topic was “Second Chances” reminding us all that we have opportunity after opportunity to say Yes to Jesus. He makes it clear that those second chances are His determination and not ours. We are never to stop sharing until our mortality wins out. At the same time, it is when mortality wins out that the second chances cease altogether.
For those who simply must complete all the blanks I am including the completed worksheet for you:
Take Advantage of Second Chances
Jonah 3:1-10
I. God desires for believers to serve him.
1. Who is a believer?
2. How do we serve him?
3. When do we serve him?
4. Why do we serve him?
II. God desires for people to hear the message.
1. The content of the message.
2. The complexity of the message.
3. The core of the message.
III. God desires for people to know him.
1. The reprobate.
2. The good old boy.
3. The saint.
If you want to fill in the spaces, come see me, I’d be glad to finish the sermon.
Some years ago, I was introduced to clowning ministry. I was told as I developed my alter ego that he should have a name. By the end of the session, everyone had a name but me. My response: “I’m not sure yet.” And it stuck. It also became a part of my work as a clown — I can’t be sure about anything, but people can be sure of something. Jesus loves you!
It works, and works well with children (when they’re not afraid of clowns).
How about you? Are there creative ways that you’ve used to be awitness for Christ?
I love the game of golf. The rule I love best is not really a rule, but a practice. Namely, the practice of being allowed to replay one shot per hole without penalty. The practice is called a Mulligan. It’s a do-over, a second chance to repair damage done by a bad swing. Of course in golf, the Mulligan rule would only be helpful to me if I were allowed to replay one shot per shot without penalty.
We love do-overs, don’t we? Students enter the classroom asking the teacher, “When’s the re-test going to be?” before the original test is even distributed. We are a society that thrives on second chances. So much so, that when we have made an utter mess of things, we proclaim, “Third time’s the charm” and prepare to go again.
God understands this about us, and is patient even beyond our own capacity to be patient. He disciplines His children (whom He loves), then offers another opportunity to get it right. He did it with Jonah, He can do it for us as well. What a great God!
Happy St. Patrick's Day to all. Today is a day when children who don't wear green get pinched, and adults (at least in America) generally tend to make fools of themselves (I suppose that this is in practice for April 1). Are we really paying homage to the patron saint of Ireland when we do this? If you want to see an authentic explanation of the day check out this article.
Enjoy the day, but remember that it's about faith, not green beer.
Certainly we are being rather local, but our hope is that the thoughts that develop and find their way to the new blog will be inspiring to everyone. I'm speaking of a new project developed by the ministers of our small town. The major project is to be a devotional booklet that will be available to any who want it. Plans are in the work to publish the booklet for distribution in November. It will be entitled 30 Days of Thanksgiving. The desire is to gather short devotional thoughts that will be inspirational and Christian in nature and focus on the local flavor of our community. My hope is that beyond the local appeal there might be others who will be inspired by the selections in the book.
The outcropping of that idea is to have an on-going devotional blog. The blog has an address -- Mulberry Moments. We will officially be accepting submissions from our congregants starting Easter, and collecting submissions for the booklet through the end of May. Other submissions will come to the local pastors of Mulberry Grove who will have opportunity to post them on the weblog. I hope in the next few weeks to have examples of what we are looking for posted on the blog.
If you live in and around Mulberry Grove, IL, I would invite you to begin preparing a submission to give to one of the local pastors. If you live outside our area, I invite you to check out the blog and/or the upcoming devotional, offer critique that would be helpful in our endeavor, and pray with us as we see where this project leads us.
It was truly a blessing to have missionary Darrel Hathcock in our church last Sunday. His words about the on-going work in Belarus as well as his challenge to each of us to be missionaries where we are was inspiring.
In respect to that, we learn the same kinds of lessons from Jonah. Perhaps they are not always the lessons that we desire to learn, nor do they come in the way we desire them. Sometimes it is required for us to find ourselves in the darkness of despair before we are ready to serve God in the capacity that He has envisioned. I would venture to admit that usually it is because we are too busy trying to serve Him in the way WE have envisioned.
Let’s take time before we reach bottom to adjust our vision from ourselves to God that we may serve Him more fully today.
Today is the Ides of March. Superstitious people believe that bad things will happen on this day. Why? Because Julius Caesar was assassinated on this day in ancient Rome, and according to Shakespeare's version of the event, the Caesar had been warned by a fortune-teller that something evil would happen on this day. So "Beware the Ides of March!"
Have a nice day.
| Your Brain is Purple |
 Of all the brain types, yours is the most idealistic. You tend to think wild, amazing thoughts. Your dreams and fantasies are intense. Your thoughts are creative, inventive, and without boundaries. You tend to spend a lot of time thinking of fictional people and places - or a very different life for yourself. |
So, here's another fun quiz to tantalize those cells. What color is your brain?
Below are some lyrics to a song that has been a favorite of mine for years. As I prepare sermons on the book of Jonah, I'm reminded that sometimes we forget that God's purpose is not to trip us up, nor to flabbergast us, but instead it is to bring us to Him, and as He does so, to bring others to Him as well.
He Didn't Bring Us This Far to Leave Us
Words and music: Phil Johnson © 1978 BMG MusicLead: Dale Underwood
Chorus 1:
He didn't bring us this far to leave us
He didn't teach us to swim to let us drown
He didn't build His home in us to move away
He didn't lift us up to let us down
There are some promises in a letter
Written a long, long time ago
They're not getting older, they're getting better
Because He still wants us to know
Chorus 2:
He didn't bring us this far to leave us
He didn't teach us to swim to let us drown
He didn't build His home in us to move away
He didn't lift us up to let us down (to let us down, let us down)
He didn't lift us up to let us down
I read those promises in His letter
And now I claim them for my own
Filling my heart and making life better
And I just wanted you to know
Repeat Chorus 2
Never use the word defeat
Claim His promises, every one of them
And every spoken word He'll hear
Because we're everything to Him
Repeat Chorus 2
He didn't lift us up to let us down
What do you think? Are you familiar with this old CCM standby? Is it new to you? Tell me what you think.
It's here -- and I'm so proud to be saving daylight. I don't understand (of course, I wasn't around to ask) how we are really saving any time. The sun will shine longer during the spring and summer whether I change my clock or not. But here I go changing my clocks again.
I think that it wouldn't be so bad if I weren't the pastor of a church and Congress hadn't decided to make the move over a Saturday night. This throws people off a little and they miss church because of it.
I guess I'll adjust again. I just wish that, since we're saving daylight, we could earn a little interest to apply to the winter months. Isn't that how savings is supposed to work?
What about you? DST, love it, hate it, wouldn't want to be it? Share your thoughts.
If you're a blogger, you want your thoughts to get noticed. One of the great ways to do this is to link up to a blog list. This can sometimes be cumbersome, but I've found the way to get my blog "out there" and it was as easy as pie.
The site is called A Links Blog, and all you have to do to get listed is to request it in a comment. They'd love for you to link them to your blog, too. Another plus -- besides getting your name out there is that it's a way to find other blogs that you might be interested in reading.
Give them a try, just click here or on the link to the side.
According to the radio call in contest on the Christian radio station, the one food that most people say they couldn't live without if they were stranded on a desert island is --- PIZZA!!!
It seems to make sense. Pizza includes all the food groups. I'd just want a cold Dr Pepper to wash it down with.
So, what about it? If you were stranded on a desert island, what food could you not live without?
The old saying goes, "In like a lion, out like a lamb." March is living up to its reputation so far. We had heavy, heavy winds to bring the month to bear on us. Now we will wait to see how the months walks out. While we wait, I thought I'd ponder the lion.
King of the jungle is one of the respects that we know him. Why? It's not that he is the largest cat -- that distinction goes to the tiger. I think it's because he's regal in his bearing and fearsome in his demeanor. Look at the references we have to lions to choose from.
Aslan. C.S. Lewis chose a lion to be the central figure in his collections of books about a fantastical land. He is dangerous, and makes us nervous to think about. Mr. Beaver had it right in his assessment, "Safe? . . . Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good." And this leads me to the one that Aslan represents.
The Lion of Judah. Jesus is the King, the Lion of Judah. He's the one who roars and then lays down with the lamb.
In my study recently I learned something that caused me to understand why lions are so big in our minds in representing an awsome king.
"Does a lion roar in the thicket when he has no prey? Does he growl in his den when he has caught nothing?" (Amos 3:4)
The lion's habit is to roar in order to frighten, paralyze, and pounce on his prey. He does so to let the prey know that he is there, and that he should be feard. After he has dragged the victim back to the den to provide for the cubs, after all have feasted on the kill, the lion growls with satisfaction.
Is he safe? Of course he isn't, but he's king.
In the past I've been known to tout a book now and again. Why? Because I like books. I like books for my work--reading to help me study for my sermons and such. I like books for recreation--I'm partial to mysteries and westerns (especially those set in Texas). I've set up a new blog to review books as I read them. Some of the books I'll review will be those I read for ministry, some will be those I read to relax, and I may even review some of those I read to my children--you never can tell. If you're interested in reading the book reviews and maybe commenting on the books or the reviews check it out at Book 'em Benj-O another blog brought to you by blogger and google.
Before you cry that I'm getting all mushy on you (and it's not even Valentine's Day), it isn't those three words. We'll start with the easy word:
- Mission -- In this day and age, people, organizations, even families are encouraged to develop a mission statement, define what it is you will do--in your personal as well as professional life. A mission is that which gives you direction. It is an assignment or goal. It is the mission of the church to grow closer to God while introducing others to Him in the process.
- Missionary -- A person with a special assignment, who is "on mission" is known as a missionary. In the life of my church, missionaries have long been placed high on a pedestal as something special. When I served our denomination as a missionary, I discovered that missionaries were typical people with typical feelings and flaws. What I learned though was that along with the special assignment to reach people with the Gospel message came an acute awarness of the task before us. Even as a pastor, I was not nearly as aware of the great need around me until I had seen the world through missionary eyes. Now I strive to remember that since I have a mission to bring people closer to God, I am a missionary whether I move across the national borders into a foreign country or not.
- Missional -- Ah, here is a new word. It has developed over the last several years to combat a complacency that has plagued many Southern Baptist Churches. (I talk about SBC churches because that's where I am. You may want to examine your own church to see if the comments apply.) Over the years, because missions and missionary work were at the core of being of the Southern Baptist Convention and churches cooperating with her, the idea of being "Mission-Minded" became rather popular. What grew out of this desire was the practice of being mission-minded by giving generously to special offerings designed to raise funds for mission activity at home and abroad. It included the active participation of the ladies of the church in missions education (for all ages). These things are good, but often keep churches from moving out of mission-mindedness into becoming missional. So what is this, "missional," about which I am speaking? It is the deliberate application of the mission to the life of the missionary (locally as well as abroad) in the arena of the church with the express purpose of moving closer to completing the mission. Do we give to the special offerings? Yes! Do we learn about missions? Yes! Do we pray for the missionaries? By all means! But the missional church moves beyond this, the missional believer makes the mission his life, not his hobby.
It's been three months, but the fine folks at Kaskaskia Baptist Association (who host our church website) have finally (please, please, please) worked out the kinks that have been knocking our church website off-line. Give us a couple of days and we should have all the Christmas advertising updated. I'm told that when our webmaster gets the updating finished you will be able to enjoy a dial-up or high-speed version (with lots of flash). We'd love to have you visit, just click here, or on the banner.
Harmony Baptist Church is located outside Palestine, Texas. My father, Thomas Potter is the pastor, and now they are located on the worldwide web. Check them out here.
Today is the anniversary of Texas (my home state) independence. On this date (March 2) in 1836, Texas became an independent republic. History records the battles that started, inflamed and finished the road to independence and the subsequent politics that moved her to statehood. Happy Birthday, Texas!
I finally got to read the latest in the Sheriff Dan Rhodes murder mystery series. This is novel number 14 in the series for veteran award-winner Bill Crider. I've lost count of all the short stories Rhodes has a part in. Again, Crider does not disappoint. Strolling (or driving) through Blacklin County is a hoot in this new tale of murder and deceit.
Helen Harris' cat shows up on Rhodes' doorstep leading up to the discovery of Mrs. Harris' body. The apparent accidental death turns out to be murder and leads our hero all over the county chasing friends, relatives, and rumors as he discovers who killed this active retired teacher who is a member, among other clubs, of the local OWLS (Old Women's Literary Society).
Filled with his normal cast of colorful characters and dry wit, mystery lovers will want to check this book out. Crider is on mark again with this latest edition in the Dan Rhodes saga.
In a conversation the other day, the discussion led to those who are born on Leap-Day. That special segment of the population who won't get to celebrate their birthday this year because we don't have a Leap-Day this year. I think there are some benefits, though:
- Taking advantage of minor pricing when the rest of us have to stop early.
- Being able to live with your parents without worries (you can say, "I'm only 9 years old").
- Not having to grow up.
- Sharing your birthday with Superman.
Happy birthday to those of you who don't have a day to yourselves.
People have often run. We run away from bullies. We run away from danger. We run away from responsibility. Some have even been known to run from commitment. What is it that we are running for? Our lives? Our sanity? Even more importantly, what are we running to? Freedom? Justice? A hiding place?
In the Bible, men like Adam, Jonah, and even Peter discovered that you cannot find a hiding place good enough to hide you from God. So why are we running? The challenge for today is to stop running and start turning to God. What is it that He has for you to do today? Commit to a new ministry? Work on a relationship that seems to have gone south? Serve Him on some mission?
The words to this old hymn came to me today [The words were attributed to A.C. Palmer and Americans have sung them to a tune by Charles D. Tillman for over a century]:
Ready to suffer grief or pain,
Ready to stand the test;
Ready to stay at home and send
Others, if he sees best.
Ready to go, ready to bear,
Ready to watch and pray;
Ready to stand aside and give,
'Til he shall clear the way.
Ready to speak, ready to think,
Ready with heart and brain;
Ready to stand where he sees fit,
Ready to stand the strain.
Ready to speak, ready to warn,
Ready o'er souls to yearn;
Ready in life, ready in death,
Ready for his return.
(chorus)
Ready to go, ready to stay,
Ready my place to fill;
Ready for service, lowly or great,
Ready to do his will.
Thinking about being hot or cold and not lukewarm in service for the Kingdom, I wonder how much I am ready to do great tasks and how willing I am to do menial ones. How about you? Are you ready?
Those of you who are big Crichton fans will surely wnat to read this book. The writing is readable and the chapters are short helping the narrative to flow.
There are so many story lines that it is hard to keep them separated. Then, you want to know how they all fit together. The one unifying theme in the book is genetics. It is interesting to follow the lives of two or three transgenic characters like Dave the "Monkeyboy" and Gerard the talking bird.
Readers will find everything from courtroom drama to conspiracy to action-filled chase scenes. The loose connection between all of the stories can get in the way, especially when you find yourself getting into one of the story lines only to have it disappear for thirty or forty pages. New characters and story lines are still being introduced two-thirds of the way into the book.
Next is engaging enough to keep your attention, but scattered enough to frustrate you as you read. Like the human genome, it is complicated and intricate, and at times fascinating.
Or is that "Wondering"? At any rate, there's a new site to check out. It's listed at the right, but if you're too lazy to look there click any of the links in this post. They'll take you to Potterama the Benjamin Potter family website. You'll want to bookmark it because it's a work in progress and the progress will be r e a l l y s l o w because I don't know nuthin' 'bout buildin' no website.
Hannah wants you to ignore the family picture until I can find something better to replace it with.
I'm up for ideas--what do you think should be included in a family website? So far there's a home page and links. What do I need to add?
Valentine's Day was two days ago, and while I did post some, I forgot all about the holiday.
First for the excuses,
- We were enjoying the fruits of our first real snow since moving to Illinois. The kids and I made a snowman (actually, since the snow wouldn't stick together we made a snow mound and stuck sticks in it for arms and a nose, put a hat on it and called it snowman), snow angels, and had a snow fight. No time for warm and fuzzy holidays.
- I had to spend some time in a nearby town--one of the kids' vitamin drops had run out and I had to get it refilled. Plus, while I was out it was a good time to pick up Hannah's gift. Before lambasting me, you'll need to know that I'd been looking for two weeks for the right gift (using her suggestions as my guide) and found nothing. I did find something I liked--a beautifully decorated tea service (teapot, cream pitcher, sugar bowl, and serving tray). I waited to buy it hoping to find something from the list. When all else fails, go with your instinct, buy the tea set, and enjoy the happy sounds coming from the wife. Besides, the lady at the store offered to wrap it for me so that it looked beautiful before and after she opened the package.
- I struggled with whether or not to call off midweek services at the church because of the weather (some of us have to work even if it is a holiday). We finally decided that because the service would be after the sun went down allowing for the melted snow to turn to slick, hard ice, it would be best not to endanger people on their way back home from the church.
I must admit that I was surprised by my gift, but also that my wife knows me. She got me volume one of the Ultimate Edition of James Bond. Five classic Bond films on DVD. Haven't viewed it yet, but I'm looking forward.
So, after putting the kids to bed, Hannah and I celebrated by eating up the last of the leftover snow ice cream (made the day before when the snow was fresh).
For Dr. Who fans -- Here's what I found out about me . . .
 | You scored as david tennet. you are david tennet
which dr who are you created with QuizFarm.com |
And then Another
 | You scored as The doctor.
which dr who character are you? created with QuizFarm.com |
And here's my Super Hero identity. (Thanks to Gabbatha for the Superhero/Villain links)
Your results:
You are Superman
| You are mild-mannered, good, strong and you love to help others.  |
I took the Super Villain Test -- this is what I found,
Your results:
You are The Joker
| The Clown Prince of Crime. You are a brilliant mastermind but are criminally insane. You love to joke around while accomplishing the task at hand. |
Click here to take the Super Villain Personality Test
Years ago I was introduced to the idea of word pictures by noted Christian authors Gary Smalley and John Trent. I was participating in a marriage conference even though I wasn't married at the time (the church paid my way so that I could drive the bus for them). Until I was married, I really didn't grasp the concept of word pictures. We were told that, if we really wanted to be heard, we should find a way to say what we wanted to say that would build a picture in the mind of the listener.
After I met my sweet wife, I learned that this was something that I did naturally. Sometimes the pictures the words built were not as appealing as I hoped, but they were there. I also learned that when I tried to create a word picture, the painting wasn't worth the number of words used to paint it (let alone a thousand).
I have also discovered that word pictures come in handy whenever you want to get a point across or guide understanding, not just in romance. For instance, today we are experiencing a steady increase in winter weather. It started with rain early this morning and has now moved into what is known as "winter mix". For the uninitiated, that means freezing rain or sleet. Surface temperatures have lowered themselves to the point of freezing or below, so when the ice hits it clings to and builds up on the ground and roads. This is supposed to progress into accumulating snow in a matter of hours. My point? How do I communicate to my wife, or anyone else that might be interested, the driving conditions? I could say, "It's icy out there," or "Driving is a really dangerous activity when the roads are this icy," but to make sure that my listener can really grasp what I'm saying, I want to bring to mind a picture that will indellibly mark the road conditions on the mind of my companion. Here's what dropped out of my mouth when I got back from retrieving our son from the sitter's: "It's slicker than snot on a hot doorknob."
What about you? Have you encountered some word pictures that really spoke to your heart? How do you get your meaning across?
“If you are truly in the center of God's will, where you are in five years is none of your business."
This quote from Veggie Tales creator Phil Visher bears some thought. In a world where we have one-year, five-year, ten-year, and even thirty-year plans for our lives, we are challenged to look more at the big picture than ever. Who is it that is in control of my life?
Sunday school answer: "God."
Truthfully, if we dug deeper into the ins and outs of our lives we'd find that someone else altogether is in control of what we are doing?
The child's response: "Those big people that make me go where I don't really want to go."
The real answer: "I'm the master of my own destiny."
As much as I like to be in control of all that goes on around me, when I am running the show, I often don't know where I'm going or what the outcome will be until we've arrived and the dead-end is in sight.
If I truly want to be a follower of Christ, then I must begin to live and walk in God's will. To do that, I can't make any positive statements about what I will be doing next year, in five years, or even in five minutes.
When I stood before a crowded auditorium in Alabama in January 2000, I became a missionary for our denomination. My intention was to travel across the world and plant my life as I planted churches among a people who knew not Christ. In the midst of the process, I met my precious wife. We took the time to marry, and before returning to my assignment, we had a baby and the wife was processed to become a career missionary, appointed in Alabama in January 2002. We began our ministry, making plans for a long and fruitful career.
So here I sit in the big middle of America. What of my plans? What of my goals? What matters is that I follow the leading of God. He prepares me for His work, His glory. Where will I be in five years? I leave that to the Master. What I do between now and then is to be faithful to His call for me to be here, now. In five years, perhaps I'll be here, perhaps I'll be elsewhere, perhaps I'll be nowhere on earth--what matters is that God knows, and that is all that is important.
Growing up we played a game that at a variety of times went by different names. The two most common of the names for this game were: play-like, and pretend. We made ourselves out to be the real thing and pretended all the things we knew about the situation of that person, or those people.
One of my favorites was to play cowboys and Indians. Some of us would put on our paper cowboy hats and grab our trusty bent stick that allowed for a good grip when pointing at the bad guys. With a “bang” and a “pop” we would have a real live pretend shoot ‘em up in our back yard. Others would take a long stick, tie a string on it, and aiming another stick, pull on the string until “twang” the arrow flew so that we could rid the land of the dreaded cowboys who had invaded our land. We loved to tie a band around our head and insert a feather into it to show how brave we were. It mattered not that it was a crow feather, we were real live pretend Indians . . . straight out of the wild west.
These days I’ve noticed that there are a lot of people still playing pretend. They put up the front of knowing Christ, doing and saying all the right things. We are so good at the game of play-like that we pretend our way to church, convincing ourselves that we are doing God a favor simply by calling ourselves by His name. We have become so adept at playing pretend that we have developed entire churches and church societies that bear only the slightest resemblance to the real thing. We make ourselves out to be the real thing and pretend all the things we know about the kingdom that is church.
We are not really serious about being church or even being Christlike. Instead we settle for being pretend believers in a pretend church pretending our way right into the broad way that leads to destruction and Hell. Sadly, because we are so busy pretending to be real that we never become real and those around us never know reality but only pretend.
It is time to stop pretending and become real.
Indulgence often gets us in trouble. Usually it is because the things we indulge in are those things which are not good for us. In the middle ages, the Church began to offer “Indulgences” which allowed someone to be released from purgatory. Indulgences were given for special deeds or special offerings given to the Church. One industrious priest came up with a fund-raising idea to help build up the Church’s coffers—sell indulgences. He even began the practice of selling indulgences to people for their loved ones who had already died. If you offered an indulgence in the name of a loved one, they would spend less time in Purgatory and make it into heaven sooner. It is reported that he roamed the streets of Germany proclaiming, "When a coin in the coffer rings, a soul from Purgatory springs!"
Today we indulge ourselves in many things, and often they are things which we should be denying ourselves. Let’s get off of the indulgence bandwagon and submit ourselves to Kingdom work.
Today is the day--Groundhog Day. If I have my notes straight on this Punxsutawney Phil (the official Groundhog Day Groundhog) sticks his head out of his burrow to forecast the weather on February 2. If he sees his shadow, he is frightened back into his hole for another long six weeks of winter. If, on the other hand, he sees no shadow, he comes out to play--Spring is only six weeks away!
Now here is my question: With all the people milling around just outside his hole and making lots of noise, wouldn't that frighten Phil back into his burrow? And besides that, with all the media around with their lights and cameras, I don't understand how he would ever not see his shadow.
Big news in St. Louis January 27 (click the link for the full story). Is this good evangelism?
Beer and the Bible
In a back room at Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood, about 50 people gathered on a recent Wednesday night to talk rock 'n' roll.
Why are Bob Marley and Kurt Cobain considered by some to be messiahs? When did rock music lose its edge and become another product manufactured and marketed by huge conglomerates such as Viacom?
It was a conversation perfectly suited to the setting. Beer-stained wooden tables and the smell of hops complemented a free-flowing, spirited debate among hip young people in scruffy beards and T-shirts.
About Me
- Benjie
- . . . is a former English teacher, a former youth minister, a former missionary, and a current pastor. He is married with three children.
My Blog List
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Crowns Christians Can Receive4 days ago
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Trinity Sunday Bible Study3 years ago
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The Difference a Year Makes6 years ago
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A Response to “5 Myths About Calvinism”7 years ago
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Blog Hiatus8 years ago
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The Cost of Heart Repair11 years ago
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Moving To A New Site12 years ago
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Your Pain Isn't About You12 years ago
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Holding the Key13 years ago
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Steffanie's Shoes13 years ago
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Fall in Wisconsin13 years ago
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The First Date (I)14 years ago
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Happy Valentine's Day Charley!!!15 years ago
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New Blog15 years ago
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Section 10.Mileena16 years ago
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Publishing Topics17 years ago
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Books17 years ago
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Compassion and Comfort17 years ago
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Snippets of Life From Thanksgiving Till Now17 years ago
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Welcome!18 years ago
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