It was great having the whole family together working hard. It was really cool seeing everyone show up to give their time and hard work to make a difference for Jodene. Many also gave their money for food, paint, drinks, dinner, etc. I would like to list names but I don't want to offend anyone by leaving their name off. I was impressed with the quality of the work. The color of the paint was perfect. It was just great to see everyone being unselfish and showing their love for Jodene.
This reminded me of the Hines family. I remember when I had been spending the summer painting Grandma's house and it was going incredibly slow. The Ead's showed up and Dad organized the whole family and we painted the rest of the house in one day.
Saturday was a true family day. I love my family!
The coolest thing about the family is also the hardest thing about the family. It continues to evolve. We lose close ones and think that the whole family unit has stopped. Then we see that what those family members built lives on and on. Could you not see it with little Madion working hard and wanting to please? The next generation of families gives me great optimism. I encourage all of them to appreciate the family unit and honor those that gave their hard work and love to lay the foundation of this family. We honored Mom on Saturday and all of you made her proud.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Dad
I went to church last night. We sang an old hymn. I could see dad singing the song. Not a religious experience... just a real closeness to dad.
I have the song "this land is your land" on my ipod. I always tell dad I love him when it comes on.
I have the song "this land is your land" on my ipod. I always tell dad I love him when it comes on.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Favorite bible character
The apostle Paul defines a Christian and brings the whole bible together in a few letters to new christians in new churches. They are believing in God and Jesus Christ but are still trying to build a church and learn how to live a Christian life.
Paul used to believe that the Christians were leading people away from God. They were wrong and he was killing Christians. Paul was a man on a mission before God changed him and used him to be one of the most devoted apostles.
Now Paul is being thrown in jail for being a christian. Sitting in a dungeon, chained, not only does he rejoice in Christ but he also converts the guards and other prisoners. His letters are extremely encouraging to the new christians.
My favorite is Philippians and Hebrews (especially Hebrews). If you feel that life is sometimes extremely tough, it is nice to have his example and re-focus on the goals that he set.
Paul like most apostles were beheaded for being christians.
The following excerpt is taken from The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, First Edition, article "Paul the Apostle." :
"When Paul writes again to Timothy he has had a winter in prison, and has suffered greatly from the cold and does not wish to spend another winter in the Mamertine (probably) prison (2Timothy 4:13, 21). We do not know what the charges now are. They may have been connected with the burning of Rome. There were plenty of informers eager to win favor with Nero. Proof was not now necessary. Christianity is no longer a religion under the shelter of Judaism. It is now a crime to be a Christian. It is dangerous to be seen with Paul now, and he feels the desertion keenly (2Timothy 1:15ff; 4:10). Only Luke, the beloved physician, is with Paul (2Timothy 4:11), and such faithful ones as live in Rome still in hiding (2Timothy 4:21). "Paul hopes that Timothy may come and bring Mark also ( 2Timothy 4:11). Apparently Timothy did come and was put into prison (Hebrews 13:23). Paul is not afraid. He knows that he will die. He has escaped the mouth of the lion (2Timothy 4:17), but he will die (2Timothy 4:18). The Lord Jesus stood by him, perhaps in visible presence (2Timothy 4:17). The tradition is, for now Paul fails us, that Paul, as a Roman citizen, was beheaded on the Ostian Road just outside of Rome. Nero died June, 68 AD, so that Paul was executed before that date, perhaps in the late spring of that year (or 67). Perhaps Luke and Timothy were with him. It is fitting, as Findlay suggests, to let Paul's words in 2Timothy 4:6-8 serve for his own epitaph. He was ready to go to be with Jesus, as he had long wished to be (Philippians 1:23)"
Paul used to believe that the Christians were leading people away from God. They were wrong and he was killing Christians. Paul was a man on a mission before God changed him and used him to be one of the most devoted apostles.
Now Paul is being thrown in jail for being a christian. Sitting in a dungeon, chained, not only does he rejoice in Christ but he also converts the guards and other prisoners. His letters are extremely encouraging to the new christians.
My favorite is Philippians and Hebrews (especially Hebrews). If you feel that life is sometimes extremely tough, it is nice to have his example and re-focus on the goals that he set.
Paul like most apostles were beheaded for being christians.
The following excerpt is taken from The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, First Edition, article "Paul the Apostle." :
"When Paul writes again to Timothy he has had a winter in prison, and has suffered greatly from the cold and does not wish to spend another winter in the Mamertine (probably) prison (2Timothy 4:13, 21). We do not know what the charges now are. They may have been connected with the burning of Rome. There were plenty of informers eager to win favor with Nero. Proof was not now necessary. Christianity is no longer a religion under the shelter of Judaism. It is now a crime to be a Christian. It is dangerous to be seen with Paul now, and he feels the desertion keenly (2Timothy 1:15ff; 4:10). Only Luke, the beloved physician, is with Paul (2Timothy 4:11), and such faithful ones as live in Rome still in hiding (2Timothy 4:21). "Paul hopes that Timothy may come and bring Mark also ( 2Timothy 4:11). Apparently Timothy did come and was put into prison (Hebrews 13:23). Paul is not afraid. He knows that he will die. He has escaped the mouth of the lion (2Timothy 4:17), but he will die (2Timothy 4:18). The Lord Jesus stood by him, perhaps in visible presence (2Timothy 4:17). The tradition is, for now Paul fails us, that Paul, as a Roman citizen, was beheaded on the Ostian Road just outside of Rome. Nero died June, 68 AD, so that Paul was executed before that date, perhaps in the late spring of that year (or 67). Perhaps Luke and Timothy were with him. It is fitting, as Findlay suggests, to let Paul's words in 2Timothy 4:6-8 serve for his own epitaph. He was ready to go to be with Jesus, as he had long wished to be (Philippians 1:23)"
Saturday, March 21, 2009
A Teenager's view of Heaven
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. 'I wowed 'em,' he later told his father, Bruce. 'It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote..'It also was the last. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed, but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. 'I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it,' Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. 'I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.'
Brian's Essay: The Room.... In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have betrayed.'The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird, 'Books I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed at .' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've yelled at my brothers..' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never ceasedto be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewerthan I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I hadlived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each ofthese thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows, but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!' In insane frenzy I yanked the file out.. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it.. The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With.' The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt.They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him..No, please, not Him. Not here.. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally, He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me.I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end ofthe room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted, rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But, there it was, written in red, so rich, so dark, so alive. The nameof Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'-John 3:16. 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. '-Phil. 4:13
Brian's Essay: The Room.... In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have betrayed.'The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird, 'Books I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed at .' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've yelled at my brothers..' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never ceasedto be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewerthan I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I hadlived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each ofthese thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows, but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!' In insane frenzy I yanked the file out.. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it.. The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With.' The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt.They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him..No, please, not Him. Not here.. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally, He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me.I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end ofthe room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted, rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But, there it was, written in red, so rich, so dark, so alive. The nameof Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'-John 3:16. 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. '-Phil. 4:13
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Life
Random thoughts. What are some successes in life that you want to experience before you die? Or what are some things that you want your loved ones to look back at you and say?
I will start the list.....add your thoughts:
* treated people with respect
* loved God and wanted others to have the same relationship or better
* loved his family
* loyal Browns Fan
I will start the list.....add your thoughts:
* treated people with respect
* loved God and wanted others to have the same relationship or better
* loved his family
* loyal Browns Fan
Faith
"For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible."
Stuart Chase.
Stuart Chase.
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