Well, it is indeed a blessing to blog once again to all of my faithful readers. Apologies for not keeping up with the blog, but I either could not think of anything worthy to post or was otherwise prevented from doing so.
Over the past few months I have been able to reflect on the amazing amount of activity the Lord has blessed me to undertake. Where once I had little extracurricular activity outside of work while in Oregon, it is has been amazing to attend a church every Sunday that feeds my soul, attend high school basketball games, be invited to various fellowship events at church, even play softball again, and traveling by car to GA. Some of these activities may seem trivial, but compared to the semi-isolated portions of Oregon, I am indeed thankful.
I did not use the time in Oregon to just sit somewhere, but earnestly tried to study the Bible much more than I had ever done.
I greatly appreciate those that have taken the opportunity to encourage, support, and even invite dialogue/fellowship while in Oregon and after returning from Oregon.
I pray that I may redeem the time I have, sufficiently, in some way to glorify His name and not my own. May God bless you all to do justly and to love mercy...
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
A March account
The first inklings of spring complete with pollination of the region and more severe weather have begun. The earlier time change to daylight time (as a result of another worthless Energy Policy Act) has resulted in more daylight in the evening.
This time of year is definitely one I enjoy the most as not only can I observe thunderstorms on the radar scope, but its warmer weather is definitely welcome. I have not lived in a southeast humid climate (which I would include College Station as southeast...Lubbock doesn't count) in about 5 years...but not thinking it will take much to adjust.
Well, besides my random thoughts above, I do not have much else to relate other than Camp Moriah is closer (~2 months, 2 weeks) along with just the summer season in general.
I will leave one thought for my loyal readers (all 3 of them)...
The Bible is replete with examples of those who strived to live for Him. However, our actions in our lives not only reflect on His name as Christians, but also on our own name. Solomon knew this very well and in instructing his children (and us) told them that...
"A Good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." (Proverbs 22:1)
Some people do not think about this very much, but the mention of your name to people that know you does bring thoughts into their mind about your walk (or God forbid non-walk) with Christ. Now I am not saying that the only reason to pursue a lifestyle in His grace, is to seek the admiration of men, but what I am saying is that your choices do reflect your motivations and ethics to others (Christians and non-Christians). Think carefully about the following questions: How is your "walk" today? Are you striving for His glory and not your own? Are you walking humbly in Him? How is your battle for your tongue (inserting the book of James here), thoughts, and actions?
May God continue to shower His grace upon you...
What would a "tornadogenesis" blog be like without a short video. One from Victor B.,
This time of year is definitely one I enjoy the most as not only can I observe thunderstorms on the radar scope, but its warmer weather is definitely welcome. I have not lived in a southeast humid climate (which I would include College Station as southeast...Lubbock doesn't count) in about 5 years...but not thinking it will take much to adjust.
Well, besides my random thoughts above, I do not have much else to relate other than Camp Moriah is closer (~2 months, 2 weeks) along with just the summer season in general.
I will leave one thought for my loyal readers (all 3 of them)...
The Bible is replete with examples of those who strived to live for Him. However, our actions in our lives not only reflect on His name as Christians, but also on our own name. Solomon knew this very well and in instructing his children (and us) told them that...
"A Good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." (Proverbs 22:1)
Some people do not think about this very much, but the mention of your name to people that know you does bring thoughts into their mind about your walk (or God forbid non-walk) with Christ. Now I am not saying that the only reason to pursue a lifestyle in His grace, is to seek the admiration of men, but what I am saying is that your choices do reflect your motivations and ethics to others (Christians and non-Christians). Think carefully about the following questions: How is your "walk" today? Are you striving for His glory and not your own? Are you walking humbly in Him? How is your battle for your tongue (inserting the book of James here), thoughts, and actions?
May God continue to shower His grace upon you...
What would a "tornadogenesis" blog be like without a short video. One from Victor B.,
Monday, February 25, 2008
An Observation
Howdy to all (3?) of my faithful readers, and one in particular (you know who you are)...
Thought I would at least give you an update on something that has been on my mind of late. After living in the Pacific Northwest for a short time (it wasn't short at the time), I found a rather disheartening situation. I related some of this on previous blogs.
I met some very faithful Primitive Baptists who met twice a month near my abode at the time. Without any initial contact, they enjoyed having me visit the church as much as possible. However, I found myself the only one of my generation in attendance. After asking of the pastor about this situation, he related that through the failure of the generation before his, active efforts to evangelize to his generation did not exist. Thus, now a whole generation (and the one below) is in large part missing in those churches.
The pastor of that church does live over 3 hours away and pretty much continues to come to support the last remaining member and two of her family members.
My point in broaching this subject is not to lambaste the church or the members, but to exhort us to avoid apathy in the churches we attend (or maybe not attend).
The Bible is replete with examples of the failures of one generation resulting in the next generation wandering away from the church. Albeit, I understand the movements of the Holy Spirit in regeneration and God's merciful election. However, I see in places where PB churches are numerous in a particular area or where a vibrant church exists, members that become so encumbered with worldly pursuits that they cease to attend or only attend near holidays or when church discipline is needed. I will not claim myself to be perfect as I am not able to be at every service due to my rotational shift duties with the Federal Gov't (i.e. the bad weather does not just come on Monday through Friday from 8-5). I dislike this feature of my service, but desire to work towards a goal of higher positions that would allow a more normal schedule.
How deplorable that even the freedoms we enjoy to attend church are diminished because we do not exercise those freedoms? Would those Christians from China, Vietnam, or Russia agree?
The book of Revelations mentions various churches that had spiritual problems. Two in particular...Laodicea was lukewarm...Ephesus had left the First Love. The Lord commanded them to repent or have the candlestick removed. The same thing could happen (and is happening) today.
So, you might ask...What is the solution(s)?
First, I would say submit your life completely to God, search out the scriptures with fear and trembling, and pray without ceasing for the church members and pastor (especially for unity and revival). Attend every Sunday, Wednesday, etc. service that you can.
Second, exhort other members of the church that may not be as faithful to continue coming and perhaps try to discuss what they have been studying lately. You might even stop by and visit with those that have not attended in a while. Older members that cannot attend church due to infirmity sure would like to come to church...visit with them we you can.
Third, remember that the generation(s) below (and above) you is (are) watching your actions. Be a Godly example to them.
Fourth, ask others around you whether in school or work to come with you to church. Yeah you may receive rejection on that one, but you never know until you ask.
Well, this is quite a daunting task and I did not even list some other "solutions". My apologizes if I seem like I am just reflecting on things others may already know or worse yet, have painted a picture of myself as the perfect Christian. I struggle with all of these things myself, but would exhort you to continue to fight the good fight and remember what Christ has done for us (I Peter 2:20-24). May He be our example.
And to continue with my new tradition on posts...Hope you like this video from the Muppet Show of long ago.
Thought I would at least give you an update on something that has been on my mind of late. After living in the Pacific Northwest for a short time (it wasn't short at the time), I found a rather disheartening situation. I related some of this on previous blogs.
I met some very faithful Primitive Baptists who met twice a month near my abode at the time. Without any initial contact, they enjoyed having me visit the church as much as possible. However, I found myself the only one of my generation in attendance. After asking of the pastor about this situation, he related that through the failure of the generation before his, active efforts to evangelize to his generation did not exist. Thus, now a whole generation (and the one below) is in large part missing in those churches.
The pastor of that church does live over 3 hours away and pretty much continues to come to support the last remaining member and two of her family members.
My point in broaching this subject is not to lambaste the church or the members, but to exhort us to avoid apathy in the churches we attend (or maybe not attend).
The Bible is replete with examples of the failures of one generation resulting in the next generation wandering away from the church. Albeit, I understand the movements of the Holy Spirit in regeneration and God's merciful election. However, I see in places where PB churches are numerous in a particular area or where a vibrant church exists, members that become so encumbered with worldly pursuits that they cease to attend or only attend near holidays or when church discipline is needed. I will not claim myself to be perfect as I am not able to be at every service due to my rotational shift duties with the Federal Gov't (i.e. the bad weather does not just come on Monday through Friday from 8-5). I dislike this feature of my service, but desire to work towards a goal of higher positions that would allow a more normal schedule.
How deplorable that even the freedoms we enjoy to attend church are diminished because we do not exercise those freedoms? Would those Christians from China, Vietnam, or Russia agree?
The book of Revelations mentions various churches that had spiritual problems. Two in particular...Laodicea was lukewarm...Ephesus had left the First Love. The Lord commanded them to repent or have the candlestick removed. The same thing could happen (and is happening) today.
So, you might ask...What is the solution(s)?
First, I would say submit your life completely to God, search out the scriptures with fear and trembling, and pray without ceasing for the church members and pastor (especially for unity and revival). Attend every Sunday, Wednesday, etc. service that you can.
Second, exhort other members of the church that may not be as faithful to continue coming and perhaps try to discuss what they have been studying lately. You might even stop by and visit with those that have not attended in a while. Older members that cannot attend church due to infirmity sure would like to come to church...visit with them we you can.
Third, remember that the generation(s) below (and above) you is (are) watching your actions. Be a Godly example to them.
Fourth, ask others around you whether in school or work to come with you to church. Yeah you may receive rejection on that one, but you never know until you ask.
Well, this is quite a daunting task and I did not even list some other "solutions". My apologizes if I seem like I am just reflecting on things others may already know or worse yet, have painted a picture of myself as the perfect Christian. I struggle with all of these things myself, but would exhort you to continue to fight the good fight and remember what Christ has done for us (I Peter 2:20-24). May He be our example.
And to continue with my new tradition on posts...Hope you like this video from the Muppet Show of long ago.
Friday, January 4, 2008
The new town
Well, after a few complaints from a non-blogger who wished for an update to the blog... I decided I would at least say I am glad to have some readers that may not be able to comment.
H-town is indeed a blessing... The church situation and everything else is indeed greatly improved. I can actually go to church every Sunday regardless of my work rotation. The Lord has blessed me with a nice rental house. Also, I am able to visit family in GA much more often. The Lord is indeed faithful.
I was able to travel to Memphis for the New Years meeting and the Cincinnati church for the first time. The New Years meeting was blessed by the Lord. Though the occasion in Cincinnati was a solemn one (a funeral), it was a blessing to see all that were able to come. The Holy Spirit blessed the funeral immensely. Lord willing, I will be able to visit the .
I hope the Lord will bless and keep you all. I will leave you with a wonderful reminiscent scene from Sesame Street of old.
H-town is indeed a blessing... The church situation and everything else is indeed greatly improved. I can actually go to church every Sunday regardless of my work rotation. The Lord has blessed me with a nice rental house. Also, I am able to visit family in GA much more often. The Lord is indeed faithful.
I was able to travel to Memphis for the New Years meeting and the Cincinnati church for the first time. The New Years meeting was blessed by the Lord. Though the occasion in Cincinnati was a solemn one (a funeral), it was a blessing to see all that were able to come. The Holy Spirit blessed the funeral immensely. Lord willing, I will be able to visit the .
I hope the Lord will bless and keep you all. I will leave you with a wonderful reminiscent scene from Sesame Street of old.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
The move
Well... My apologies to those who read this blog and believe it to be stale (I-man...:-)). It looks as though I will be moving very soon (as previously blogged). Lord willing, the movers will be taking most of my personal belongings to Alabama while I am left to drive the distance over the course of ~ 4.5 days. I am unsure of the final destination (domicile) yet. With the Lord's guidance, I will find one soon. I will be in Temporary Quarters for a while as I search for a new abode.
Lord willing, I will be attending the Pacific Northwest Fellowship meeting at the Yakima River Primitive Baptist Church (Milton-Freewater, OR) on the 28th-30th of September before I leave the following week. Elder Mark Green (AR) is the invited minister. Please be in prayer for the services and those attending.
It will indeed be in some ways, sad to leave the people I have grown to love, respect, and/or admire in both the church and community, but I know the Lord has provided an avenue to enjoy the rich blessings of a PB church that meets every Sunday with a multitude of church and natural family members within a very short driving distance (comparatively speaking). This is something I have not enjoyed in.... too long a time period (but not too long to Him). What a joy to be in His kingdom!!
In closing for this post...since many of us have to endure some high pressure interviews during our lives for various positions, I thought you might like the following Monty Python classic of a job interview. Take care and may He richly bless you.
Lord willing, I will be attending the Pacific Northwest Fellowship meeting at the Yakima River Primitive Baptist Church (Milton-Freewater, OR) on the 28th-30th of September before I leave the following week. Elder Mark Green (AR) is the invited minister. Please be in prayer for the services and those attending.
It will indeed be in some ways, sad to leave the people I have grown to love, respect, and/or admire in both the church and community, but I know the Lord has provided an avenue to enjoy the rich blessings of a PB church that meets every Sunday with a multitude of church and natural family members within a very short driving distance (comparatively speaking). This is something I have not enjoyed in.... too long a time period (but not too long to Him). What a joy to be in His kingdom!!
In closing for this post...since many of us have to endure some high pressure interviews during our lives for various positions, I thought you might like the following Monty Python classic of a job interview. Take care and may He richly bless you.
Monday, July 23, 2007
New Horizons
Well... According to the rich, bountiful, prodigious blessings of His omnipotent and faithful Sovereign grace, the Lord is delivering me from the "wilderness" and sending me southeast (what some say is the "Promised Land") in September. I have been placing applications to vacancies in strategically located National Weather Service offices across the south and southeast over the past few months. I was interviewed on Friday the 13th for this position and received word last Friday that I had been selected. My effective date at the new office is September 30th/October 1st.
Throughout my stay here in Oregon, I have prayed for His deliverance never knowing exactly where I might be sent. Despite my intense longings to be located close to a strong church and family, I endeavored to be an example to those around me in Pendleton; placing my trust in the One who is Faithful and just to deliver His people (Psalm 5:1-11; Heb. 13:5; Rev. 19:5). I am thankful to God for sending me here. Without a doubt, the Lord blessed me with a spiritual life changing experience-molding me stronger in the faith (I Peter 1:7, 3:15).
I can only pray I will never become complacent or nonchalant when it comes to church services or any other church-related activity (within close proximity), because He could choose to send me again where these precious gifts are rare.
Finally, to those in and around the Huntsville, Alabama area, I will, Lord willing, see you in a few months. God bless "y'all" and thank you for your prayers...
Friday, June 29, 2007
The end of June
Yes.... June is almost finished, but not without its glories and defeats...
Camp Moriah was indeed a blessed event and it was only by God's direct intervention that I made it to Memphis on time as problems with flight delays could have precluded me from my last connection.
I visited Collierville PB church for the first time (before Camp Moriah) and enjoyed the service (Elder Tim G. preached) and meeting the brethren there. I was also able to visit the impressive early 1900s vintage home of an elderly widow of the first pastor of that church who still remembers certain hymns (every word), though her mind is failing. It was amazing to watch... Though she cannot converse, she started singing the words to her favorite songs that we sang to her. I can only hope and pray that my life can end singing praises to God.
Well, now that June is almost done.... May each of you have a blessed July (unless the Lord chooses to come back). Enjoy the 4th of July (I will be working the evening shift) events. I will leave you with one of the pictures I took at camp of "The Right Reverend Dr." Elder Z-man; and two pictures of the headmaster(s): I-man and J-man (long before they were dumped in the lake)...
The Right Reverend Dr. Elder Z-man (walking Biblical encyclopedia)
Elder I-man (the B-ball defensive shirt ripper; judge for the "volunteer" bathroom janitors) with A-man the treasurer in the background ready to pounce on any offenders (HEHE). Little did I-man know a plot was forming for a Friday snafu via A-man and M-man.
J-man (the Superman headmaster; jury for the "volunteer" bathroom janitors).
Camp Moriah was indeed a blessed event and it was only by God's direct intervention that I made it to Memphis on time as problems with flight delays could have precluded me from my last connection.
I visited Collierville PB church for the first time (before Camp Moriah) and enjoyed the service (Elder Tim G. preached) and meeting the brethren there. I was also able to visit the impressive early 1900s vintage home of an elderly widow of the first pastor of that church who still remembers certain hymns (every word), though her mind is failing. It was amazing to watch... Though she cannot converse, she started singing the words to her favorite songs that we sang to her. I can only hope and pray that my life can end singing praises to God.
Well, now that June is almost done.... May each of you have a blessed July (unless the Lord chooses to come back). Enjoy the 4th of July (I will be working the evening shift) events. I will leave you with one of the pictures I took at camp of "The Right Reverend Dr." Elder Z-man; and two pictures of the headmaster(s): I-man and J-man (long before they were dumped in the lake)...
The Right Reverend Dr. Elder Z-man (walking Biblical encyclopedia)
Elder I-man (the B-ball defensive shirt ripper; judge for the "volunteer" bathroom janitors) with A-man the treasurer in the background ready to pounce on any offenders (HEHE). Little did I-man know a plot was forming for a Friday snafu via A-man and M-man.
J-man (the Superman headmaster; jury for the "volunteer" bathroom janitors).
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