Paul the tent maker

The apostle Paul may have made a living at one time making tents but this Paul would starve. The tent is coming along slowly. I have the floor, the side walls, the front and the back all sewn together. It is time to start on the roof and I expect that will be rather complicated. I stopped to work on my lessons for tonight and to blog for a moment. Janie has shown me several times how to rewind the bobin and I attempted it on my own and ran into a problem. I interupted her work to have her come show me one more time and so maybe now I've got it.

We are planning to go to Janie's parents to help out there and to see her mother for her birthday. Which reminds me that Janie's birthday draws nigh and I had better be thinking about getting her something.

A couple from the church came by and trimmed the trees in the yard. That was very nice of them. I was reading the Bible and kept hearing a chainsaw outside but thought that it was a neighbor. Turns out they were prunning the trees and they sure look nice.

Well I better get back to work. Soon it will be time to head for the chruch. God bless you.

Static IP address

I do not know much about networking computers. I help a company here in town with computer problems every now and then and today a problem came up that I was able to solve by assigning a static IP address. This means that this one particular computer will always have the same IP address no matter what. Janie's parents have had the same phone number for 45 years. They have lived at the same address all that time. No matter what they have always been there at that same place. I like an anchor. I like to stay in the same place and have the same address no matter what. My home is in heaven and that will never change. I may be a pilgram and a sojourner here but my home will never change. Where Jesus is that's were I will forever be.

It has been a busy morning and after lunch I will relax a little and then get ready for tonight's services. I teach 3 classes on Wednesday nights. The first and second graders will be first and I will talk to them about Elisha and his bald head. The Adults and teens will continue their journey through the Bible answering one question from each chapter. The 3rd - 5th graders will also learn about Elisha and the children who mocked him. You don't want to mess with God nor God's man.

Lunch is ready lets eat. God bless you.

Funny Story

We were at a Bible study tonight and a woman there told the funniest story I have heard this year. This couple were given a very large live turkey which they were going to kill and eat. They picked the turkey up in their car and did not want the turkey messing up the car so that tied the turkey's feet together and put him in a garbage bag with nothing but his head sticking out and the bag tied around his neck. They got him home and they set him down to go make a phone call and when they went back the turkey had gotten his legs free and outside of the bag. He was standing there with his head and legs out of the bag. The husband took the turkey out back to shoot him so that his wife could clean the bird. She could not bare to see him kill the turkey so she waited around front where she heard 2 gun shots. He return to her saying the bird was ready to clean and when she got her knife and returned to the bird and it was still alive. She went back to him and said could you come and kill that dead turkey again. God bless you.

Waiting

I have played the waiting game today and played it very well. I was waiting on a person to meet with me this morning and while I was waiting I made good use of my time and visited with our music and youth director. He is great guy, really loves the Lord and very wise for his years. He has a real "get it done" attitude and works very hard. I really praise the Lord for letting me work with such a good man of God. I noticed the time while I was talking with him that my appointment was late. The person was waiting patiently in the hall for me to finish what I was doing which was actually waiting. There was a problem with a computer at a company here in town and they asked me to come by and take look at it. I waited for the computer to reboot and then waited for it to reboot again and then waited for other computers in the network to reboot and the main problem was resolved. Had to turn one other problem over to the software tech to take care of and then I was through. While waiting I visited with the employees and the owner and enjoyed that visit. I learn something everytime I go there. I walked three miles and read 12 chapters while waiting for the services tonight with Faith MBC. Finished my part of the bulletin and got it emailed off. Finished answering the questions for Wednesday night and the time for the services is drawing closer. I will wait for Janie to return from curves and then help her with supper. Then the waiting will be over. While I wait I blog and when finished here will work on my tent a little. I think that I will start posting here my "From the Pastor" devotions for those who do not get our bulletin. Well gone sewing, God bless you.

Monday night

Well the day is drawing to a close. The state of the union address was good and I am wondering who the Lord has in mind for our next president. I enjoyed a joint conversation with my three children this afternoon. They were all on IM at the same time so I started a group discussion and it was fun. Called Dad and he was feeling better today and I hope that continues. Tomorrow night we will be going back down to Faith MBC for Bible study. I am glad that our car is getting 44 mpg. It makes traveling much more affordable. Helped clean the church house this afternoon and studied the SS lesson. Walked my three miles today and read 10 chapters, sang praises to God and encouraged others. It has truly been a blessed day. Think I will close the day with a little sewing on the tent and then a bedtime prayer. God bless you.

Monday morning

"And their off" the man who calls the horse race shouts. Each week seems like a race. It starts on Sunday with worship and fellowship which is the best way to start a week. Today is visitation day for me. It starts with a visit at the nursing home which is enjoyable indeed. They seem so glad to see me. Then a visit to the hospital and to at least one of our shut-in's. Then the post office and back to the office to sort the mail. Then the time I love the most, study. Monday is the day for working on the through the Bible questions for Wednesday night. I answer the questions for this week and compose the ones for future use. The picture is of me preaching at the nursing home. I get to do this at least once a month sometimes twice. Janie normally goes with me but she has worked late into the wee hours of this morning and needs to rest so I will go alone. God bless you.

Janie helping me make a tent

Janie helping me make the tent. She made this part look so easy.

Crampons

When I use a term you do not understand I would normally have you google it but since my spelling is so bad you would probably never be able to find it. Crampons are spikes that you strap to the bottom of your shoe to help you walk on mountain trails that are slick with snow and ice. With all the snow they are having in the mountains of California we will probably need them.

PS

Just another note to those interested. I am very favorably impressed with the young man that is dating my youngest daughter. He was saved at the age of 12 and was raised under the preaching of bro. Mcbride. A fine christian man, He is definintly a keeper!
God bless you.

Jan 26, 2008 PM

Went to the district ladies auxiliary meeting today and had a great time. It was about 80 miles away and we made the trip twice due to the fact I lost my cell phone in the parking lot and had to go back for it. I enjoyed my daughters blog, www.asmile4ever.blogspot.com , Looks like they are trying to make some progress on their house building project. They are building on a site where I had started a house back in the early 80's. I trust they will have better success than I did. I got laid off from my job just 2 months after I started the house and took that as a sign that the Lord was not in it. Back to the Ladies Aux. meeting, the skit was really good. 2 kids did a skit on joy and happiness that was superb. I ran over my phone when I backed out of the parking lot and yet it still works. The outside display does not look so good but the everything else is functional. I am glad my car is small and light.
I have in mind to finish my tent this week and get it set up in the backyard for pictures. The next thing will be food. Get the meals planned and bought and try them out here so there will be no surprises on the trail. I have few other items to buy before April but I have plenty of time and they are not expensive. I am going to walk my three miles now and then relax a little before bed. The sermon Sunday is from John 15:1-7 "Dealing with the Hatred of the World". We will be baptizing a couple Sunday night so will preach on discipleship in the evening services. Janie is in there playing the piano getting ready for Sunday it sounds real good. Makes we want to go in there and sing. God bless you.

Jan 25, 2008 AM

Well I had a fairly good night sleep and am ready for the day. Will be headed for the doctor's office in a little with my father-in-law. My brother called me and enjoyed talking with him. He was in the parking lot waiting to go to work. We talked about the hiking trail and then he had to go. They are getting a lot of snow on the trail were we will be hiking. May have to take some crampons. Janie got to bed about 3 this morning and was up before me this morning. I don't know how she can get by on such little sleep. It is 35 degrees and raining here so will be a cold winter's day. Gone to breakfast, God bless you.

Jan 24, 2008 PM

Just finished off a home made banana split at my inlaws. It sure was good. Just about finished my sermon for Sunday this morning. Should have it finished tomorrow some time. Went to the doctor's with Janie and my mother-in-law and everything went fine there. Went by and visited with my parents a little while and it was good to see them. They are doing well and God is blessing them. Mother and Dad both were crocheting. They had a fire going and were warm and cozy. Janie brought three of our grandchildren over and they enjoyed them. Janie walked back to my daughters house and I drove the car with the 2 oldest grandkids with me. They tried to wear out the sun roof window but it survived. Went to Walmart and picked up a few hiking items. I got a fleece jacket and some mylar blankets. I was going to see if I could make a sleeping bag that was lighter than my down bag but the difference in weight was not worth it. It would only save me 6 oz and I think the down bag is worth that much.
It is sleeting here right now and is suppose to be 28 tonight with a high of 38 tomorrow. I am looking forward to tomorrow I get to spend some quality time with my father-in-law while he sees the doctor and gets his treatment. Janie and I will also get to visit with our youngest daughter and her boy friend. Looking forward to that visit. We will be getting back home late Friday night and have to rise early to head for the district ladies aux. meeting. I have read the Bible today, Sung praises to God, encouraged others, and studied God's Holy word. I have not walked my three miles but maybe tomorrow. God bless you.

Jan 22, 2008 PM

It has been a busy day. It began with a shower and then breakfast. Cold cereal and a glass of water. A quick picking up of a few things getting ready for the ladies to come over for their Bible study and then I was off to the post office. There was a ton of mail and on my way there my hiking partner, my brother Steve, called to chat. We talked for a long time, mostly about our up coming hike. Our conversation had to end when I took a call from my song of songs. She need me to bring some copies of the questions I prepared for SS and Wednesday night classes. I went to my office at the church and worked on my part of the bulletin and got that emailed off. I chated with my youngest daughter a bit then carried the copies to the house. I went back to the Office and worked on opening and sorting the mail. There was much work to be done for the France mission fund. I emailed a list of the offerings that had come in to Jason, JR, and Janie. I took the deposit to the bank and it sure had turned cold outside. It was 41 when I left the house and was 33 when I left the bank. Made some homemade chicken vegtable soup for lunch and it was good on this cold day. Walked my three miles and did some studying for tonights Bible Study with Faith MBC. I will have to rise early tomorrow and head into down town Dallas for a surgery there. It will take up my whole day but I should be back in time for Church at least I had better be I have three classes waiting on me. Better get my questions ready now for my adult class because I may not have time tomorrow.
I have prayed, sung praises, read and studied the Bible, and encouraged someone today. I hope you have done the same. God bless you.

Jan 21, 2008 PM

It has been another good day. I finished the handout for next Sunday School class and have begun to work on Sunday's sermon. I plan to go back to the book of John again this Sunday. I am going to take a few minutes to work on my tent this evening. Going to go to the office tomorrow and finish up the sermon and work on the Wednesday night questions. The new church we sponsored has not found a pastor yet and have invited me down for a Bible study at one of their homes. I am looking forward to meeting with them. The kitchen needs to be cleaned up and so that will come before tent making tonight. Better get to it. I will leave the map up a day or two more. God bless you.

Jan 21, 2008 AM

I have just come from the nursing home where I preached for a crowd of about 50. I always enjoy preaching there. I love to visit and encourage the folks there. Above I have put a map of the section of the PCT that my brother and I are planing to hike. My father was interested in seeing where we would be. We will start about 40 miles north of the border with Mexico and walk north to Big Bear. This is a little over 200 miles. I have several more things to get done today so better get busy. I try to get as much done on Mondays and Tuesdays as I can for I never know what the rest of the week may bring. I have prayed today and sung praises to God, I have encouraged others and will read my Bible this afternoon and walk my 3 miles. God bless you.

Jan 20, 2008 AM

Actually this is PM but It concerns this morning's events. We had a good church service. What makes a good service is not the number of people present for where 2 or 3 are gathered in the name of Jesus He is in their midst. If you have just 1 person in a Sunday School Class that is earger to learn and God's Word is explained and taught correctly then you have had a good Sunday School Class. If there is even just 1 person in the worship service that praises God with all their heart and who listens to the Word of God being preached and is blessed by it then you have had a good service. If I have done my part in the worship services then that is a good service. We had a good service today for we met and perhaps exceeded these minimum requirements.
I broke out in hives yesterday during my walk. It was not a serious case so I took some medicine and went to bed. I am better today and will stay on the medicine for a day or two.
I look forward to the services tonight. Some one else will be preaching and I will moderate the business meeting as usual. I expect good things to come of the business meeting that will beneifit the Lord's work here. Going to eat my Pizza for lunch now. God Bless you.

Jan 19, 2008 PM

I just got back from the church and where I helped our treasurer with a report. I enjoyed visiting with him afterward. There is an exciting thing happening in my youngest daughters life and I stand amazed at how God answers prayer. I have not read the Bible yet today and so will do that now. I have prayed and sung praises; I have encouraged and helped others including a visit to one of our neighbors 3 doors down. I must walk my three miles also before I call it a day. Looking forward to the services tomorrow. God bless you.

Jan 19, 2008 AM

Talked to my son this morning who is in Massy France. We talked for an hour and forty minutes and it was good to see him and the grandkids. Skype makes their being so far away much more bareable. Janie and I are headed to the hospital for a visit. I will review my sermon and ss lesson this afternoon and help Janie prepare the france mission finanial report. I am so grateful that she has taken charge of that while JR our missions treasurer is out. I have my tent on the table spread out waiting for me to work on and may find a few minutes to work on it this evening. I have prayed today am on my way to encourage some one. I will read the Bible later on and will sing praises to God on my way to the hosptal visit. I am trying to stay focused on these activities so as not to neglect them. Life is about serving the Lord and I want to do that today. God Bless you.

Jan 18, 2008 PM

Had a great 2 days of work (Thursday and Friday). I have been able to help others and enjoy 4 of my grandchildren. I worked on my daughters house and enjoyed every minute of it. I got to see my youngest daughter's boy friend and I am looking forward to next week when we plan to visit and get to know him. He will be asked the standard 20 questions which will be fun. Going to spend most of my day tomorrow in the office studying which I really enjoy. I also enjoy walking with the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Every day is a battle for me. It is so easy to ignore the Holy Spirit and follow the ways of the flesh. I make a check list in my mind and at the end of the day I should have prayed, sung praises to God, read the Bible, encouraged and helped others, and when ever the Holy Spirit brings to my mind some one or some thing I take action.
I strive to keep this blog site free of names and references to private situations. As a pastor I guard my ministry and do not want any one to ever fear that I will reveal to the world things they want to keep private. If your looking for gossip you have come to the wrong place. No one need fear my blog. My private thoughts will not be aired here. I do not want to be a stumbling block to young believers. God bless you.

Jan 16 2008 pm

Talked to Jason and his family today and it was good to see and hear them. I love skype and the web cam. I finished outlining my sermon for Sunday and got the following Sunday's SS lesson finished. I have to stay ahead by one ss lesson so I can hand out the work sheet for the following Sunday. I was asked about hiking the Grand Canyon and no I will not be re-applying for a permit. I have given up on that project for now. I have been sewing on my tent and making preparations for the 214 mile hike in April. I have walked my 3 miles for the day and have done my Bible readings. I have prayed and sung praises to God this day. I am looking forward to the lessons tonight. I plan to tell the kids about the importance of respecting their elders. I will not be able to blog for the next few days for I will not have convient access to a computer. Gone to church now. God bless you.

jan 15 2008 pm

Been a long day, left the house at 8:50 am and got home from the hospital at 7:10 pm. All went well. Home now and having hot dogs for supper mmmmm. I plan to work on my tent some more tonight. Today I have prayed, sung praises to God, read the Bible, encouraged others and hope to do the the same tomorrow. My bro. called and we talked about the hike in April. Well I am headed for the sewing machine after I down those dogs. Probably blog again tomorrow.

Jan 15 2008 AM

Well I had a good night sleep, a good talk with God and am off to the hospital. My Jetta averaged 60.1 mpg going to the hospital yesterday. At $3.21 a gallon it needs to get good mileage. It has averaged 44 mpg over the last 7 months.
I will take along my Bible for the surgery will be long and I will be able to get some reading done. I worked on my tent last night and it is looking good. I will try to sew on it some more this evening. I shall blog some more this afternoon God willing.

jan 14, 2008 pm

The second half of my day has gone well. I visited at the hospital and will return there tomorrow for his surgery. Janie will have to stay home on this trip for she has her weekly Bible study with the ladies. I read 14 chapters in the Bible and have walked my 3 miles. I am considering taking these sandals on the hike in stead of my flip flops. They are heavier but I might want to try wearing them while I hike to give my feet a rest from my running shoes. I am going to go and sew on my tent now and clean up the mess I have on the dinning room table. The tent is coming along well and I am anxious to finish it. I plan to go hiking 2 days in the Davy Crockett national forest when I get it done if the Lord is willing. I got another week and a half of questions done for my through the Bible series on Wednesday night. I visited with 4 different people today and enjoyed it. I will post again when I get back from the hospital tomorrow Lord willing.
Lets see, I have prayed, sung praises, read the Bible, encouraged others, studied the Bible so I am ready to close out this day and do the same tomorrow. Until then God bless you.

Jan 14th AM

The day has gone well so far. It is a joy to be forgiven and to be doing what God has called me to do. I have, so far today, followed the leadership of the Holy Spirit and have been doing what God wants. I can not speak for this afternoon but I plan to continue this all day. I will head to the hospital to visit there and then 2 more of our shutins this afternoon. I have prayed today, sung prasies to God aloud, but have not read the Bible yet. I will read here in just a few minutes and then will head out. I plan to walk my 3 miles today as well and may close the day with a little time with my hands on the distaff.

Blog off to a start

This does not seem to be so hard. I think I can do this. I do not expect many people to come here but it is a good learning experience and I need the exercise for my brain.