Family Fun & Faith

Colorful Characters Abound!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

'I was asked to review Malcolm R. Campbell’s “Jock Stewart and the Missing Sea of Fire” before publication.”

Readers who enjoy hard-bitten, wisecracking characters will surely fall in love with Jock Stewart, the main character in the new Malcolm Campbell novel, Jock Stewart and the Missing Sea of Fire. The story of the book revolves around the disappearance of the race horse, Sea of Fire, but it features a wagon load of human “horsing around” by the many colorful characters Campbell created, including Coral Snake Smith, Parker House, a preacher named Cotton Mouth and the Krispy Kreme eating police chief Kruller.

While reading the story and gathering the clues, that frequently came to light as Stewart dialogued with his own intuition, readers may find themselves having great fun picking up the puns, word plays and hilarious cloaked references to cultural and historical items. Jock Stewart is an old time newspaperman, whose “blunt force sarcasm” keeps him in hot water with his bosses, co-workers and the police. But if not for his pressing the issue, the mystery would definitely not have been resolved.

Stewart, Malcolm Campbell’s self-acknowledged alter ego, is also the author’s vehicle to decry the effects of the digital age on the craft of writing and the elegance of language. I found the book entertaining, and it might even become profitable, if I can get permission from the author to use the sermon outline he provided in chapter 13!

God's Newest Letter!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-06T19:12:00.000-07:00

One day God decided he wanted to write a letter to all his children that were misbehaving and mistreating one another. He wanted to let them know they were jeopardizing their eternal home in heaven. So he asked one of his angels to go to earth and make a list of all those who needed to get the warning letter.

The angel was gone for a long time, and when he returned he was in very bad shape, bloodied and bruised and broken wings. He reported that the list was so long that perhaps it would be better to send a letter to those who were obedient and striving to love their neighbors. God agreed.

So he sent another angel to collect the names of those who should receive that letter. The angel was only gone for a short time and came back in good condition. He presented the list to God. God took it and wrote the letter, and do you know what it said?

Make a Joyful Noise!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

Singing is commanded in Scripture as a part of our worship, but it should be so much more than a duty-bound voicing of words. The Bible reveals many reasons why we should want to lift our voices in song.

We should sing of the strength and power of our God. We should sing of the victory that is possible through Him. We should sing songs of exaltation and songs of thanksgiving for our blessings, most especially the blessing of salvation. Our songs should pour forth from an overflow of the joy we have in the love of our Father.

While singing is to be "unto the Lord", it is also for our consecration and edification. As we sing, we draw nearer to God, as well as to one another. Understanding is to be a part of our singing, so let us be sure we are telling the truth when we sing words like, "Jesus Is All The World To Me."

Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Actions Speak Louder Than Words!!!!!!

2009-06-30T15:39:00.000-07:00

Actions speak louder than words. That adage is old but it is still true. What you do communicates your character much more vividly than what you say.

Are you one of those who claims to wear the name Christian, but who never shows it in your life? Do the pople you work with ever suspect your belief? Do the people in your neighborhood or at the local market realize that you are religious-minded? If Christianity were a crime, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

If the answer to these questions is no, you may be like the tree frog who carries a sign that says, "I am red." The fact he is green is not altered by his statement. Being a Christian is more than saying it, it is LIVING it. After all, the best sermon is a sermon in shoes!

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven"

Peeper, by Paul Chandler

2009-06-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

Through a mutual virtual friend, I was introduced to the author, Paul Chandler. He was kind enough to offer to send me a copy of his new book, Peeper, if I would promise to post a review of the novel. I readily agreed.

I am so glad I did, because I loved Peeper. I was engaged by the story from page one and found myself wondering how this suspense thriller would end right up to the climax on page 234! The book is well crafted and moves a good pace. The characters are developed in such a way as to have the reader pulling for them to succeed or fail, depending on their role in the story.

The premise of the book is that a man who can “peep” into anyone’s thoughts of any with whom he had an encounter. He had been using his skills to make a lot of money from corporate raiders. When an unexpected consequence takes place, Andrew, the peeper, has to deal with his conscience and goes to great lengths to make restitution, even jeopardizing himself and his future.

The kind of conflicts that Andrew faces are not unique to him, we all have to wrestle with decisions and responsibilities that come with opportunities that present themselves. We have to decide what kind of citizens we will be. His dilemma helps us crystallize our own standards.

If you love a good page turner, I suggest you obtain a copy of Peeper, by Paul Chandler, published by iUniverse, inc. I can’t read your mind; but I don’t believe you will be sorry.

Daily Devotional Time

2009-06-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

The battle to remain faithful to God is difficult. Satan wants to utterly destroy each one of us, and his schemes are extremely crafty. The only way to gain strength and competency for the fight is in personal devotional time each day. A disciple is a learning follower, thus Bible study is imperative.

Scripture reading should be incorporated into our daily routine to allow God's word to equip us for all good works. Fervent prayer is also needed in our daily quiet time. There's nothing we cannot accomplish through diligent, faithful prayer.

Personal devotional time in the form of Bible study and prayer will strengthen our relationship with God and allow us to be victorious in our struggles with Prince of Darkness.

2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to show thyself approved of the God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Dream Vacation for Our Family

2009-06-19T21:40:00.000-07:00

My wife and two grandsons and I just returned from a vacation we have been anticipating for a year and a half. We live in South Texas, so it was long drive to Orlando, Florida. We spent six days taking in all the attractions of Disney World, concluding in Star Wars weekend at the Hollywood Studios park. It was a thrill for the 8 & 9 year olds to participate in the Jedi Training Academy and do battle against the villian Darth Maul.

The reason we chose to drive was that we wanted to use the money we would have spent on airline tickets toward the price of a cruise to the Bahamas. So when we left Disney, we went to Port Canaveral to catch the Carnival Sensation. You should have seen me para-sailing off Freeport! We got home today, thrilled by the great time and the great memories.

25 Years and Counting!

2009-05-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

We had a big reception this afternoon to celebrate the 25th wedding anniversary of my dad and my step-mother. My mom passed away 26 years ago, having been married to Dad for 36 years. Melba, my step-mom, had outlived 2 husbands. A few months ago, as their 25th approached, she remarked that in all she had now been married about 60 years and never had a 25th anniversary.

My brothers and sisters and our mates made plans to give them a party to remember, but we did not want to make it a surprise party, we wanted them to anticipate the day.

We rented a civic center in the county seat of the county in which Dad and Melba live. We decorated in an understated way, with the highlight being flowers from Dad’s garden. The food was nice, but not fancy. We had a very nice multimedia presentation that was produced by one of the grandchildren that was very poignant. The guests came from as far away as Michigan and New Mexico, which was very pleasing to Dad and Melba. They had a very good time. In fact, they almost always have a good time. I do not think I know anyone that is more happy in their marriage than these two. They have had a really good run!

Twenty-five years ago I had the privilege of leading Dad and Melba in their vows. Today, Dad wore the same suit he wore on that day. I did not!

Caught in the Act!

2009-05-25T06:09:00.000-07:00

When I was in seventh grade, I learned a life-changing lesson. In those days we left our gym clothes in a basket in the locker room all week. We took them home each Friday for washing. One Friday, for some reason, I forgot to pick up my gym clothes. When I got home my mom asked where my gym clothes were. We only lived three blocks or so from the gym, I could easily have gone back and gotten them and been home with no real impact on my weekend.

But for some reason I told my mom that I had gone by the gym and my clothes were gone. I told her someone must have stolen them. I was not in the habit of lying to my folks, but that one seemed to work. I did not have to go back to school that afternoon, problem over.

I was the oldest of 4 and dad worked hard to provide for us. We lived from paycheck to paycheck, so the next day when he took me to town to replace my gym clothes and tennis shoes, I knew it was not an expected expense. I felt really bad, but I did not own up to the lie.

I was a good student and it was not uncommon for me to be called to the office to get some recognition or opportunity. The principal was a good friend of ours, and an elder in the church where we went to worship. So when I was called to the office on Monday morning, I was not prepared for what was awaiting me. My mom and dad were sitting in Mr. Rasco's office! I swallowed hard and entered. I had to come clean and answer for my lie. I determined that day I never wanted to have that feeling again.

Honesty is the best policy!

Happy Days, The Stage Show!!!

2009-05-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

My nine-year-old grandson and I went to see the touring stage production of Happy Days this afternoon in Houston at the Hobby Center. The play is based on the popular television series and is produced by Garry Marshall, the producer of the tv show.

If you were a fan of the series, you would probably like the production because all the old characters are brought to life again. The Cunningham family, Fonzie, Ralph and Potsie, Arnold, Chachi, and even Pinkie Tuscadero and the Malachi Brothers all have roles in the story. The plot has Arnold’s, the hang out for the gang, facing the possibility of being bought and torn down to make a parking lot.

Everyone pitches in and comes to the rescue. In the process Richie and Lori Beth get engaged and Fonzie and Pinkie make a commitment to each other.

Paul Williams did the new music for the show, but the theme song for the television series was woven into the entire production, including the big finale. The actors were more than adequate. The best, in my opinion, were John Massey who played Howard Cunningham, Chris Fore who played Chachi Arcola, and Joey Sorge, who played The Fonz. He had a lot of the movements and mannerisms of Henry Winkler, who immortalized the character on tv. But my favorite performer today was Matt Walker, who played two parts, the Leopard Club Member Leonard Gates and the younger Malachi Brother. The latter role drew the most laughs and the biggest applause at the end of the play. He was really terrific.

The More You Get...

2009-05-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

Material goods and physical possessions are THE focal point of human thought. Our carnal minds tend to see only the superficial. Men are measured by their physical abilities and success is judged by material assets. There is seldom a day that passes without us wishing we had this or that, usually in abundance. We even misunderstand those things we count as necessities.

The Lord has promised to provide for our needs, even more than He does for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field Matthew (6:26-33). Our priority needs to be seeking God and His righteousness. But even here, we will respond to the physical. Too often our prayers are filled with words of thanks for things. "Thank You for our home, our food, our clothing, and all the many blessings You have given us."

These are good words, as are the words, "Thank You, most of all for Jesus, who died on the cross for us." But are we seeing the true picture? Are we improperly regarding the gifts of Him, who loves us, and failing to properly recognize the Love of Him Who Gives?

Lord, may we not be guilty of placing more value and esteem on the gifts than on the Giver!

Celebrating 42 Years Together!

2009-05-05T19:22:00.000-07:00

My wife and I recently celebrated our 42nd anniversary. We have done some very special things to celebrate special anniversaries in the past, cruises twice, a weekend in New York City to see Beauty and the Beast on Broadway, to mention a few.

Forty two is not a number we usually associate with a special anniversary, but it seemed special to me, but I had trouble thinking of the appropriate gift. I finally decided on creating a card to tell her how much I appreciate some trait or characteristic of her, one each day for six weeks.

I used the Print Artist software on my computer, and created the card I wanted, and then only changed the wording on each day’s card. I did not tell her of my plan, but on the fifth day of receiving a card, she quietly asked, “How long do you plan to keep this up?” I told her “42 days.” She did not say anything in reply.

On about the tenth day, she said, “You know, I am really looking forward to going to the mailbox each day.” I just smiled.

We are nearing the end of the experiment; I will complete it early next week. But I think this gift will be remembered as long as some of the more exotic measures we have used in our previous celebrations.

(first posted at qassia)

BAAAA!!!!!

2009-04-22T13:09:00.000-07:00

I was just reminded of a story about my dad that I laugh about every time I think about it. Dad went to school in a very small community; the population was 303, according to the sign at the city limits. And it was in the early 1940’s.

One of Dad’s teachers presented the idea that nurture is more important that nature in the development of men. She told the students that if a baby was raised by sheep that it would eat grass, walk on all fours, and bleat. My dad did not believe that. He believed that at some point a human child would stand upright and use his hands to an advantage. The teacher and he had an argument. My dad would not concede on the matter.

When the time for testing on the subject a few days later, there was only one question on the test. It was “What would be the outcome if a human were raised by sheep?” Dad wrote the answer she wanted to see on his paper. But when he handed in his paper, he looked the teacher in the eye and said, “Baa!”

After Mom Died!

2009-04-14T12:02:00.000-07:00

When Mom died, Dad wandered around aimlessly--figuratively speaking. My brothers and sister all did all we could to include him in what we were doing. I remember the Friday after Thanksgiving, in my front yard, he and I were watching the girls play. Mom had been gone for 3 months. I made some remark about wishing I knew what to do to help him feel better. His reply, "Ralph, you can not be my buddy. You are my son and you are exactly what I want in a son. But you cannot replace what I had with Betty!"

I was caught off guard, and though I did not want to admit it, I knew it was true. I was thinking like a 35 year old who wanted to protect and defend. It was that day I realized that there is a different perspective in every relationship. It was that day that made it acceptable in my mind when, a few months later, Dad said he and Melba were going to get married. It was that day that made me seriously consider what I would really do if my precious wife were to precede in death.

I can not imagine making the adjustments of a new mate. But I hate to be alone. I would be as lost and aimless as my dad was if I had no companion to help me see things clearly and support me in the endeavors of life. I would not settle for just any wife, but I am relatively sure I would want to find a friend with whom to spend the last of my life.

I have a younger sister who was not happy that Dad was remarrying. She felt he was being unfaithful to Mom. The day before the wedding, she came to my house to tell me she had just come from meeting with Dad. She had told him that she did not want him to get married. He had said, “Yes you do, because you want me to be happy and this is going to make me happy.”

She said a few more things in anger and left to come to my house. She asked me what else she could have said. I told her she had already said too much. Dad has now been married again for nearly 25 years and we all love Melba, including my sister. We are all very glad Dad has a partner to share his life and fill his heart.

Unfair To An Angel!!

2009-04-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

I spent Monday visiting a friend of mine in a detention center run by a corporation, in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security. His name is Angel, and I met him through an outreach program in our congregation that we call, Friend Speak. In the program we use simple texts from Scripture to help folks that want to improve their English speaking capabilities.

I met Angel seven or eight years ago. He is from La Paz, Bolivia. He was already fairly proficient in his English, so most of what I help him with was diction and working on his accent. We became close enough friends that he spent holidays in our home. And one night a couple of years ago when he awaked very ill in the middle of the night, he knocked on my door and asked me to take into the emergency room, which I did.

Angel has been trying to obtain asylum in the United States, ever since he arrived here more than 19 years ago. His lawyer only sought the path of asylum even though there are two or three other options that were available. Some people who apply for multiple paths find one works better than the other for them. I do not know all the details of the process, but I do know that a few months ago Angel was told that he had been denied asylum. His lawyer told him that there was an appeal that he could make, and Angel believed that the appeal had been initiated. But last week INS officials came to his workplace and took him into custody. They denied to let him even make a phone call to his lawyer before he was arrested and taken to the detention center.

His lawyer came to the place that Angel was being held and asked him for $2200 that would be used for a bond to allow him out of jail, pending his appeal. But early the next morning he was taken to the Bolivian consulate and was told that there was no appeal filed on his behalf. Apparently the lawyer was only trying to secure $2200 before Angel was taken back to Bolivia.

There is a very thin hope that an appeal can be filed and Angel allowed to stay in this country. But it is more likely that he will return to La Paz within the next day or two. He has a positive attitude, though he is saddened at the prospect of having to leave. He says he believes God has a plan and he wants to accept it like a man of faith.

God go with you Angel.

(first published on qassia)

Fears

2009-03-27T12:44:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

(first posted a qassia)

Tough Times

2009-03-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

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

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

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Almost True!

2009-03-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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Josh Turner at the Houston Rodeo

2009-03-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

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

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

No Malls for Me!

2009-03-16T18:43:00.000-07:00

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

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

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Color My Childhood

2009-03-11T09:39:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Too old to Spring Forward!

2009-03-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

2009-03-02T21:24:00.000-08:00

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

Anyone here a John Wayne fan?

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Providence

2009-02-24T13:55:00.000-08:00

This week's topic for the Myspace GBE group is, "Why am I here?" here is my entry:

The short answer to this week's topic is found in the book of Acts, chapter 17 verse 26. I'm here because this is where God put me and when he thought I should be here. When faced with a life-and-death dilemma, Queen Esther was admonished by her cousin Mordecai, "and who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14). In the last chapter of the book of Genesis, Joseph, who had been sold by his brothers into slavery in Egypt, had risen to the second most powerful position in that land. His brothers were afraid of reprisal, but Joseph assured them, "as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive."

The providence of God is an interesting topic, but one that is very hard to see at any given moment. It is much easier to recognize in the rearview mirror. For example, as a young man I hopped from job to job in the first 10 years of our marriage. The only thing I was consistent in was coaching teenagers in baseball. When I decided to go back to school to get my degree so I could coach at the high school level, I thought my destiny was set. I intended to go to night school where we lived, but through a series of events and a couple of hard decisions, we ended up moving to a college town three hours away.

During my time in school I made good grades and was very active in the church where we worshiped, teaching teen Bible classes. There was a lot of growth in the group through that period of time. As I was approaching graduation and fielding job offers to coach, the elders of the congregation came and offered me a position as youth minister. I accepted it and begin my work in the ministry.

To make the story short enough for one blog, I prayed that God would use me in whatever way he chose. The next thing we knew we were living in Dallas, though we hated the big city. But while we were there we became first foster and then adoptive parents who are youngest daughter, Bethany.

As our older girls neared their teens we began praying that we would find a congregation in South Texas in a small town that had lots of kids for her girls mix with and ultimately date. Within six months we were in a small town in South Texas. We had a good ministry there for quite a few years, but we believe one reason we were there was to find Mike, who's now my son-in-law.

After nine years there, I was approached about the job that I now hold, though I was not looking for a new job. There were lots of changes in my life after I accepted this job, but I could never figure out why I was here. But in recent years have come to believe that the predominant reason I am here, by choice, was because the congregation has been supporting my daughter in a mission field for more than 16 years. Not many places would send a young single woman overseas, but our congregation did with very little reservation. So I have come to believe that being HERE is not about me, or even really about my daughters, or Mike, but about Him.

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The Jester, by James Patterson

2009-02-23T06:31:00.000-08:00

Listening to audio books in the car while commuting is a good way to break the monotony and expand the mind. One enjoyable author is James Patterson, who generally writes suspense thrillers based in the modern-day. But a really enjoyable title by Patterson, The Jester, takes the reader/listener back to the 11th century.

A small-town innkeeper in France is persuaded by rhetoric from a priest leading an army on a crusade to the Holy Lands to enlist. On his journeys he unknowingly becomes the possessor of a very valuable relic, which he takes back to France. The story depicts the struggles the innkeeper faces because of the greed of Lords in the land that are seeking that relic. His courage and his wit lead him to overcome great persecution and to rise to a place of freedom and prosperity.

Those who like action and a graphic description of battles and struggles will find this book satisfies their preferences. Those who like historical fiction and human drama will also be satisfied. The book uses language that some would consider vile, so you would not want to play this book in the presence of young children.

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