Good enough for the church bullentins - good enough for my blog

From my daughter Stephanie:

Thank God for church ladies with typewriters.

These sentences appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services

(Summer, 2007 Release).



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The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

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The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'

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Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King.

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Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

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The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.

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Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.

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Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

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Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I Will Not Pass This Way Again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

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For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

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Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

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The Rector will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing: 'Break Forth Into Joy.'

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Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24th in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

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At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.

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Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

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Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

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Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.

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The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.

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Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - Prayer and medication to follow.

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The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

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This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

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Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.

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The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

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Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.

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The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

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Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use the large double doors at the side entrance.

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The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday : 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours'

Love the Lord Your God

Last evening at NRN we conducted our first Membership Orientation class for the new year. This was the largest attendance yet for this class. As I shared the doctrine of the Church of the Nazarene I presented a short teaching on salvation. At the close of this portion of teaching I asked for everyone to bow their heads and close their eyes to prayerfully consider the words I had said. I then gave an invitation to receive Christ as Savior and Lord. Several people made decisions. We will be planning a baptism service soon to baptize at leas 6 people who have recently received Christ!

As we reviewed the applications for membership I was great moved when I read the response on one application to the questions: Have you accepted Christ as your Savior? If so when? One applicant answered: Yes - January 28, 2009!

Last Sunday at NRN we introduced a new song as part of our worship experience. We are going to sing it again this coming Sunday. Here is it with words in order for you to begin now to prepare yourself to be in the Lord's presence this coming Sunday. Plan NOW to be at church this Sunday.



Love the Lord your God - by Lincoln Brewster.

These are trustworthy sayings...

You try walking in my shoes

Today was a great day in the Lord. Some days are filled with laughter and other days are heavy upon the heart. Today was like the latter. Several important decisions were struggled through. Some "heavy" moments in talking to hurting people today.

I decided to share another clip on this posting. My wife says I am suffering from clipitis - the need to post clips - but when you watch it I think you will agree it was worth the time to watch. You may be compelled to watch it several times for full effect. This is only in fun - no one was injured ( as far as I know) in the filming of this clip.



You try walking in my shoes.....

I laugh at this because I remember living in the Washington DC area and watching the news on Channel 4. You may recognize George Michael from his syndicated sports show -The George Michael Sports Machine which aired from 1984 - 2007

Over Achiever?

I was sooo encouraged by several remarks about last Sunday's message about God's Financial Bailout Plan. One of the main principles I shared was about the importance of presenting the tithe (the first 10%) of your income back to God. Last January there were 8 families who made the decision to become tithers. I believe they have been blessed by their decision.

It is always helpful to hear others share their testimony about becoming tithers. Here is a great example:

Have you experienced the blessing of tithing?

I would love to hear your story.

Over Achiever - or - Under Achiever ?

Blessed be your name

The first song of worship tomorrow at NRN.

Come prepared for worship!

Enter to worship - Exit to serve!

God never breaks His Word

Is it really true that I am going to preach about tithing

when our economy is so unstable?

Here is an excerpt of a booklet in my files:

What is a tithe? The word “tithe” is simply old English word meaning “tenth.” It refers to the giving of a “tenth” of one’s income to God or for other charitable purposes. And Almighty God directs that this tenth be given to Him—to His true ministers to do His Work—not just to be handed out anywhere.

The law of tithing simply means that the Great God who made us—who gave us our life, our talents, our minds, the strength with which we work and the very land and materials which we employ in our work—requires us to pay Him the first tenth of our increase or income.

As far as the direct matter of tithing is concerned, God does not consider that we are “giving” anything—but are paying our Creator a very nominal amount that He requires as our Maker, our Sustainer, our Landlord, our Protector and our God!

Nevertheless, the Almighty promises: “Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9–10).

Yes, if you are faithful in obeying God and paying Him the first tenth—or “tithe”—of your income—He will bless your life in many physical and material ways. He has promised—and God never breaks His Word! ©2006 LIVING CHURCH OF GODTM

Here's another example via video - enjoy!




Anybody need a bailout?

Need a financial bailout?

This coming Sunday at NRN I will be continuing in the series of messages about Living Life in High Definition. I am going over four habits we need to develop to life a life of spiritual maturity. My message was prepared and notes completed when I went to bed on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday I awoke with a thought about my message. Why preach such a traditional message about the tithe (which is the 3rd of 4 habits I am sharing)?

I was struck by the thought that when President Obama took the oath of office for the high position in our country - he placed his hand upon the Bible indicating that it is a book of absolute truth upon which all other truth is derived from. Following a night ( and early morning) of celebration, one of the first official acts of the newly elected president was to attend the National Prayer Service for the President of the United States. I believe this time honored tradition which indicates our national value that prayer is important. Later in day, the president met with his economic advisers.

The first habit of living life in high definition is to be a person in the Word of God - and taking time each day to feed your soul by spending time alone with God and in His Word - the Bible. The second habit is that of spending time with God in prayer. Telling God your needs and concerns and listening for His still small voice and directions he gives in His Word. The third habit deals with how we use our money. With that thought I revised my message and retitled it God's Financial Bailout Plan. If you think you need a financial bailout - I think this message may be for you.

Here is a clip that did not make the cut for this coming Sunday but I think you will enjoy it. It is a variation from a classic Christmas movie - you'll get it: It's a Wonderful Tithe!

Sunday is going to be a great day at NRN!

Come on - Let's make that bell ring this Sunday......

Inaugural History

Today marks the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States and the very first inauguration of an African American male President. As I listened to his 18+ minute address I was moved by this remark:

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

If you would like to read the entire speech it can be found by a simple click HERE

Barack Obama joined by wife Michelle and daughters Sasha and Malia (not pictured), takes the oath from Chief Justice John Roberts to become 44th president at the US Capitol, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Today as President Barack Obama took the oath of office, he placed his hand upon the bible that Abraham Lincoln used for his swearing in. The Bible is currently part of the collections of the Library of Congress. Though there is no constitutional requirement for the use of a Bible during the swearing-in, Presidents have traditionally used Bibles for the ceremony, choosing a volume with personal or historical significance. President Obama was the first President sworn in using the Lincoln Bible since its initial use in 1861.

The Bible was originally purchased by William Thomas Carroll, Clerk of the Supreme Court, for use during Lincoln's swearing-in ceremony on March 4, 1861. The Lincoln family Bible, which is also in the Library of Congress's collection, was unavailable for the ceremony because it was packed away with the First Family's belongings, still en route from Springfield, IL, to their new home at the White House. A substitute Bible was quickly provided, and Lincoln repeated the short oath of office given by Chief Justice Roger Taney -- a moment recorded in the back of the book by the clerk of the Supreme Court.

If you missed the oath of office - here's how it went down today:



© 2009 Cable News Network. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.

Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution provides that: “Before [an incoming U.S. president] enters on the execution of his office, he shall take the following oath or affirmation:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Most presidents traditionally add the words "So help me God " at the end, as did President Obama.

This is a trustworthy saying...

On this day in 1978

The year was 1978:

How Much did things cost in 1978?

Average Cost of new house $54,800.00
Average Income per year $17,000.00
Average Monthly Rent $260.00
Cost of a gallon of Gas 63 cents
1LB of Bacon $1.20
Dozen Eggs 48 Cents

Popular Films
Grease
Saturday Night Fever
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
National Lampoon's Animal House
Jaws 2
Heaven Can Wait
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Revenge of the Pink Panther


Popular Musicians
Bee Gees with "Night Fever and Stayin Alive "
Paul McCartney and Wings
John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
Rolling Stones
Commodores with " Three Times a Lady "


Popular TV Programs
Happy Days
Little House on the Prairie
The Rockford Files
Good Morning America
Saturday Night Live
Wheel of Fortune
Charlie's Angels
Quincy, M.E.
The Muppet Show
CHiPs
The Love Boat
Three's Company

Technology

· Illinois Bell Company introduces first ever Cellular Mobile Phone System

· Space Invaders Launches Craze for Computer Video Games

· The first computer bulletin board system BBS is created

· 98% of all American homes have a television

· First Test Tube Baby is born in England a girl Louise Brown,
from in vitro fertilization


On this date in 1978 - Sharron Wiltshire arrived in Charlotte. NC to begin her new position as a charge nurse at Charlotte Memorial Hospital in Charlotte, NC. Within just a few days of arriving she would meet a young man who she described as "one of the rudest people I have ever met."

The two grew in their friendship and developed a close relationship within weeks.

Check here in the days to come for the rest of the story ....

Our seperate dreams are one

We stand on the eve of a historic day in the United States. Tomorrow the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama will take place. On this day we pause to remember the ministry of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. I read the following today on the Barack web site:

President-elect Obama joined Americans across the country today in honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by joining in one of the 11,000 public service planned for today. This morning he released an official statement honoring Dr. King:

Today, we celebrate the life of a preacher who, more than forty-five years ago, stood on our national mall in the shadow of Lincoln and shared his dream for our nation. His was a vision that all Americans might share the freedom to make of our lives what we will; that our children might climb higher than we would.Dr. Martin Luther King's was a life lived in loving service to others. As we honor that legacy, it's not a day just to pause and reflect - it's a day to act. Today, ordinary citizens will gather together all across the country to participate in the more than eleven thousand service projects they've created using USAservice.org. And I ask the American people to turn today's efforts into an ongoing commitment to enriching the lives of others in their communities, their cities, and their country.

Tomorrow, we will come together as one people on the same mall where Dr. King's dream echoes still. As we do, we recognize that here in America, our destinies are inextricably linked. We resolve that as we walk, we must walk together. And as we go forward in the work of renewing the promise of this nation, let's remember King's lesson - that our separate dreams are really one.

I was only a child when Dr. KIng presented his famous speech, but I have been stirred by it often. Here is a shortened version of Dr. King’s I have a dream speech:




I believe these are trustworthy statements....

An emotional day at NRN

Sunday was another great day at NRN. As we prepared for a time of prayer I shared a video clip about the Sanctity of Human Life. I believe this clip represents the view of the Church of the Nazarene. From the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene we read the following:

The Church of the Nazarene affirms the sanctity of human life as established by God the Creator and believes that such sanctity extends to the child not yet born. Life is a gift from God. All human life, including life developing in the womb, is created by God in His image and is, therefore, to be nurtured, supported, and protected. From the moment of conception, a child is a human being with all of the developing characteristics of human life, and this life is dependent on the mother for its continued development. Therefore, we believe that human life must be respected and protected from the moment of conception. We oppose induced abortion by any means, when used for either personal convenience or population control. We oppose laws that allow abortion. Realizing that there are rare, but real medical conditions wherein the mother or the unborn child, or both, could not survive the pregnancy, termination of the pregnancy should only be made after sound medical and Christian counseling.

The Church of the Nazarene also recognizes that many have been affected by the tragedy of abortion. Each local congregation and individual believer is urged to offer the message of forgiveness by God for each person who has experienced abortion. Our local congregations are to be communities of redemption and hope to all who suffer physical, emotional, and spiritual pain as a result of the willful termination of a pregnancy.

May this be true of North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene!

Here is the clip. This clip is very emotional and moving. I am aware that one person had to step out of the service during the clip due to deep emotions. A parent thanked me for presenting this with our middle school and high school students present in the service.

I always value your comments ....

TAWG - DAY SIX - the final in this series of postings

DAY SIX

Here is my final posting to assist you with a Time Alone With God.

Below are several passages of Scripture that you can read over the next few days as you establish a habit to be with God each day. These scriptures are provided to encourage you in your TAWG.


For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
– Hebrews 4:12


Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. ~Psalm 37:4O


Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
~Psalm 51:15


Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able
to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and
perfect will. ~Romans 12:2


And we know that in all things God works for the good of those
who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
~Romans 8:2


No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him.
~1 Cor. 2:9

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in
all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will
abound in every good work. ~2 Cor. 9:8

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present
your requests to God. ~Philippians 4:6

And my God shall supply all of your needs
according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
~Philippians 4:19

Remember: Time alone with God is important,

but it won't just happen; we must plan for it.

If you desire to read through the Bible in 2009

and are a little late in starting - Good news - There is a reading plan that you can still follow to meet that goal.

Simply click HERE and print the guide.

TAWG - DAY FIVE

Here is the posting for the TIME ALONE WITH GOD for today.


Day 5

Here are two passages of scripture for reading today:

"Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the Test. The Devil was ready to give it. Jesus prepared for the Test by fasting forty days and forty nights. That left him, of course, in a state of extreme hunger, which the Devil took advantage of in the first test: "Since you are God's Son, speak the word that will turn these stones into loaves of bread."

Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: "It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God's mouth."

For the second test the Devil took him to the Holy City. He sat him on top of the Temple and said, "Since you are God's Son, jump." The Devil goaded him by quoting Psalm 91: "He has placed you in the care of angels. They will catch you so that you won't so much as stub your toe on a stone."

Jesus countered with another citation from Deuteronomy: "Don't you dare test the Lord your God."

For the third test, the Devil took him to the peak of a huge mountain. He gestured expansively, pointing out all the earth's kingdoms, how glorious they all were. Then he said, "They're yours—lock, stock, and barrel. Just go down on your knees and worship me, and they're yours."

Jesus' refusal was curt: "Beat it, Satan!" He backed his rebuke with a third quotation from Deuteronomy: "Worship the Lord your God, and only him. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness."

The Test was over. The Devil left. And in his place, angels! Angels came and took care of Jesus' needs. " Matthew 4:1-11


Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. Hebrews 2:18



Here are a few guided question(s):



What temptations am I most susceptible to?



Are there specific times or places these temptations occur?



How can I best try to avoid falling into temptation?

How are you doing with your

daily time alone with God?

TAWG - DAY FOUR

Here is another installment of A Time Alone With God. I hope you are enjoying this short series.

Day 4

Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Joshua 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Jeremiah 15:16 When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.

Guided question(s):

Why bother to learn exact words of a scripture verse?
Let me suggest a couple reasons.

• It’s easier to meditate on a verse when you can repeat it yourself.

• We don’t always have bibles with us. When temptation comes scripture memory allows us to fight that temptation,

Can you add others?

What if you memorized just one of these verses this week?

And one the next week…that’s 52 verses a year of God’s word in your heart!

Here is a song that I requested last Sunday. Thanks to Tom Alsbury for signing this song! It blessed my heart. Listen to these important words from Mercy Me - Word of God Speak:




My friends, these are truly trustworthy sayings ...

Hijacked again - my response

As you probably know by now - Alyse has been visiting for several days and Stephanie arrived on Monday to stay a few days with us. Last evening she hijacked my blog and with the help of her mom - my beloved wife - she obtained some pictures from my past.

Now - my response.

First - We really enjoyed the visit. We met Stephanie last Thursday afternoon and picked up Alyse to bring her back to Raleigh. The weekend was filled with giggles and laughter.

It was great to have Alyse with us at church on Sunday at NRN.

Sharron especially enjoyed the Saturday morning as she and Alyse cuddled and watched the Backyardigans together.

We really enjoyed a few visits with our friends Phil and Joanie Richards - now known by Alyse as Uncle Phil and Aunt Joanie - though she cannot pronounced those name yet. She sees them and just calls "puppies" due to the friendly dogs at their home. It takes real love shown to secure such precious titles, but they deserve it.

Also - When I think of my past I realize that the events and people of my past have heloed to form and shape me into the person I am today but I cling to the words of Philipians 3:15 from the NLT:

"No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead..."

Those my freinds, are trustworthy statements.

Sorry - there are no video postings of Stephanie at this time.

Trustworthy Sayings - Stephanie Style "The Yearbooks"

Hello all. It is me again. Stephanie. Pastor Rick's daughter. It has been awhile since I have taken over my dad's blog, but I thought that you might need some humor in your reading, so here I am.

If you are a reader of my blog, you may know that I have been working on a little project. Part of this project has lead me to a search of old family photos.

Well, when it comes to finding pictures of my father, it has been very difficult. Apparently there were no cameras in his household. Which is kind of odd since his father was once a photographer who travelled around taking school pictures for yearbooks. It also may explain my father's annoying tendencies to take pictures like the paparazzi. (The man takes pictures of EVERYTHING. Right now on his camera he has a picture of the television. Seriously! Why? Who knows.)

Anyway, in my search for pictures of him through the years, I asked my mom to pull out some of his high school and college yearbooks. I was hoping to find some pictures of him in his Jr. ROTC uniform, his football uniform, just a simple head shot, something!

I didn't find many pictures. Here are a few:

Sophomore year of High School

Senior year of College

Those are pretty entertaining, but my favorite part was reading all of his notes from all his classmates. Here are some tidbits that I thought must be shared:

• First off, in high school he was called "Ricky", "Hudge", or "Juan" (as in Don Juan)


• In high school he was a "lady killer"


• In college, he was a "true friend" and "an inspiration" to many.


• In both, he was "so helpful".
  
• Many people enjoyed getting to know him
  
• They also enjoyed being in class with him
  

Now, here are some special quotes

High School

• "Ricky, I have had lotsa fun listening to your strange stories in Drivers Ed. Good luck with that girl in the 9th grade. I am sure after she gets to know you she will just love you to death. Have a good summer. Hope to be in a lot of your classes next year. - Pam"


• "Ricky, you know that I think you are one of the most outstanding guys that I know. I think you are a swell guy. I really like you a lot. You know, there aren't many guys you can talk to these days, but you are one guy I can talk to. You're so nice. I think boys feel like girls are dumb, so thanks for putting up with my stupid girl talk and for eating lunch with me. Stay sweet and nice. Love you, Sherrie."
  
• The one from "Your lover, Karen" is really long, but she had a lot of fun at the Sadie Hawkins Dance. She also knew that she was "not like all those other girls" and there was something about a tree house.... not sure what that was all about.


• Finally.... "Ricky, Since we have gone steady, broke up, and then were back to being boyfriend and girlfriend, I find it hard to think of words to express my feelings. I guess you know that I will always love you. We have had some beautiful moments together. I'll cherish our moments forever and ever. Think of us and our great times, cuz they were. Maybe you did hurt me and I've felt like a rug sometimes, but I still love you anyway. Good luck to a wonderful guy. Love always, Nan"

College

• ....."I think if I wrote all the good times we have had together it would turn into a novel. We have had a million laughs.... We have lived through all of our girl dramas. I think Lynn and I would have been broken up by now if it wasn't for you. Thanks for all your prayers and counsel..... I think of you not as a friend, but as a brother. My prayers are going with you. May God always bless you. Love, George" (*Note - Dad is still friends with George, and after he left, George and Lynn did break up.)


• "Rick, I remember meeting in the dinner line when Rox introduced us. She said that this guy would come to mean a lot to me sometime, and sure enough, you did. Thanks for the rides home. Hope you enjoyed all the delicious brownies and cookies. Let me also say that my bowling score has greatly improved thanks to your expertise. I am going to miss you. Best of luck to you and Sharon. Love you, Julie" (*Note - This "Sharon" is NOT my mother. It was the other Sharon that he was engaged to.)

I could add more, but I am being censored. My favorite quote is not included, but I have it memorized for whenever I may need it in the future......

Well, I hope you enjoyed a little glimpse into the life of Ricky/Hudge/Juan, now known as Pastor Rick. I think that I may start trying to make some phone calls to all those girls who wrote down their numbers in 1971 and see if they are still interested in a date.

(I am sorry to say that there were no clips available for this post.)

TAWG - Day Three

Here is the passage and guided questions for those following the Time Alone with God. Please let me know if you are using this for your TAWG.



Day 3 Philippians 4:6-7 (You can read the passage below)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Guided question(s):

What do I think or feel when I try to pray?

~does is seem rigid, structured, forced?

~do I feel embarrassed because I can’t pray beautiful prayers?

~Am I free to pray to God what is truly on my heart?


What is the purpose of prayer?


Here is a song to help apply these truths to your heart and life:




Have you started to journal your thoughts? It is always a good idea to write down what the Lord is saying to you. We often think of prayer as talking to God - but a big part of prayer is listening. When we are faced with BIG issues of life - how long should we pray? That is a question we will explore this coming Sunday at NRN.

TAWG - Day Two

As promised on Sunday morning - here is a posting for a Time Alone With God for today. I am posting each evening for those who check my blog in the morning or afternoon - or even late night - for the TAWG. I hope you find this helpful.

Let's begin by listening to a song to draw us near to God:

Here is the Scripture reading for this TAWG:

John 7:37-39 John 15:5-7
Remember - you can simply click on the passage to read the scripture.

Some guided question(s):

If you look at a computer it has the ability to many things, but if it is not hooked up to the right power source it can’t be used the way it was intended. When a person accepts Jesus as their
forgiver and life leader the Holy Spirit indwells (remains in) us. Though the Holy Spirit lives in us, many Christians do not walk in step with the spirit (we do not stay plugged into the power source).

Why do think Jesus said it is better that He leave?

TAWG Day One

Today at NRN we continued in our series of messages entitled Living Life in High Definition - Bigger - Bolder - Brighter. Today's topic was spending Time Alone with God.

Here are a few trustworthy sayings that I did not share today:

God’s acquaintance is not made hurriedly. He does not bestow his gifts on the casual or hasty comer and goer. To be much alone with God is the secret of knowing Him and of influence with Him. .......E. M. Bounds

I love the Lord because He hears my prayers and answers them. Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I breathe! (Psalm 116:1-2) .......King David

It is a good thing to let prayer be the first business in the morning and the last in the evening.Guard yourself against such false and deceitful thoughts that keep whispering: Wait a while..Prayer is a powerful thing, for God has bound and tied Himself thereto.. A quote from Martin Luther

GEORGE MUELLER said these words. There was a day when I died:

Died to George Mueller: To his tastes, his opinions, his preferences and his will.

Died to the world: its approval or censure.

Died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends.

Since then I have studied only to show myself approved unto God. Feed your soul upon the Word of God and you will have an increase of faith in the measure that you exercise it.

This morning, I challenged and encouraged everyone present to begin a daily Time Alone With God. Beginning today and for the next 5 days I will post a scripture reference with some guided questions to help those who are coming to my blog for a time alone with God.

Here is a recommendation as you begin your time with God:

Spend a few minutes in prayer before you get started. The following prayer guide can help you to have a effective prayer time. Pray through these areas.

P- praise (Thank God for what He has done for you; give Him glory)
R- repent (Confess your sin to God and claim you forgiveness in Christ. Then turn away from you sin)
A - asking (Ask God for the things that are on your heart)
Y- yield (Give God total control of your life for today by inviting the Holy Spirit to guide you)

Here is a suggested reading with guided questions:

Day 1 Matthew 22:34-40

An easy way to read this passage is to simply click on the passage and it will take you to the passage in NIV from Bible Gateway.

Guided question(s):

The Pharisees had 613 laws they thought everyone should follow exactly in order to be right with God. Why to you think Jesus simplified all the laws (and prophets) to these two commandments?

How would I order my priorities? (i.e. money, family, relationships, God, job satisfaction etc.)

How can I practically live out these priorities?

Christ in you - some reflections from last Sunday

Last Sunday I began a new series of messages at NRN entitled: Living Life in High Definition. Here is an excerpt from last Sunday's message that served as my thesis for the message and this series:

God wants us to mature - to grown up spiritually. I believe that it is God’s will for every believer to become mature Christians. TO BE LIKE CHRIST - That is our goal, plain and simple. Is this premise valid? Here are some examples from God’s Word:

“...that you may become mature Christians and may fulfill God’s will for you.” Colossians 4:12b (Ph)

“We are not meant to remain as children ... but to grow up in every way into Christ.” Ephesians 4:14-15 (Ph)

Once you are born into God’s family - God wants you to grow up!

What is a HIGH DEFINITION LIFE? BEING CHRISTLIKE

“For from the beginning God decided that those who come to him
...should become like his Son ...” Romans 8:19 (LB)

“You have been Christians for a long time now, and you ought to be teaching others, but instead ... you need someone to teach you ... When a person is still living on milk, it shows he isn’t very far along in the Christian life ... He’s still a baby Christian!” Hebrews 5:12-13 (LB)

You are young only once, but you can stay immature indefinitely!

“Learn to be mature.” Proverbs 8:5 (GN)


A high definition life is a life:

… with purpose, meaning, and clarity.

… that stands out from the low resolution lives of the people who are around me.

… on a higher level spiritually, emotionally, professionally, and physically.

… which I believe is to your life what the equivalent of the Pentium chip is to a computer. During the next 5 weeks we are going through the core teaching of spiritual maturity - Living Life in High Definition - and I want to help us establish a foundation of Spiritual Maturity here at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene.

I will continue this series on Sunday January 11th at 10:45am at NRN.

Here is a simple (and fun) clip to show what it means to have Christ in us - the first step of living a life in high definition:

Special thanks to JR for sending this clip to me today. I found it on youtube

Here are the trustworthy sayings to explain the clip.

This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it's out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory. It's that simple. That is the substance of our Message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. That's what I'm working so hard at day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me. Colossians 1:26-29 (The Message)

Air Travel

Sunday was another great day at NRN. I really appreciated the kind comments about the first sermon in the new series entitled: Living a High Definition Life. I look forward to bringing the second of five messages next Sunday.

As I thought about this post I wanted to share a little humor. One of my favorite comedians is Brian Regan. I encourage you to take next 8 minutes to watch this clip. As I watched it I laughed till I cried. I can hardly wait for my next trip involving air travel:

Here is a trustworthy saying: Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them.
Psalm 126:2

Living LIfe in High Definition - Bigger - Bolder - Brighter

Over the past week I have been reading a new book by Dr. Keith Drury. He is one of my favorite authors. He and I have been friends for many years. The newest book by Dr. Drury is called Common Ground: What all Christnas belive and why it is important.





The review on the Wesleyan Publishing House web site states:

What do Christians believe? Many young Christians today cannot fully answer this question. In contrast to previous generations, today’s believers were not taught the basic core beliefs of Christianity as children, but they want to know. They need to know. Common Ground by Keith Drury caters to this rising desire for doctrinal knowledge. Using the Apostle’s Creed as its guide, the book beautifully describes the core beliefs that all Christians at all times and everywhere have believed—God as Creator and loving Father, the virgin birth and divinity of Jesus, His death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit, the church, the second coming, final judgment, and eternal life.


Here is an excerpt from the book: Christians believe there is only one God. We do not mean that we believe our God is the top God or best God or God-in-chief. We believe he is the only God that exists. The Nicene Greed states it this way: “We believe in one God.” We are saying there is only one true God of the universe. This God is the God, this God is the only God, and this God is my God. We are not saying our God is equal with all the others or even better than the rest; we are saying our God is the one and only God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—the Creator of heaven and earth. —Excerpt from Common Ground by Keith Drury

One of the personal goals I have renewed is to read a book each week. This is my first read for 2009 and has been an excellent choice. I hope in the near future, if people are interested in this topic, we may begin a new Sunday School Connections class or possibly a small group study using this book. I highly recommend this book.

Tomorrow at NRN I begin a new series of messages entitled: Living a High Definition Life. I has worked and planned for several weeks to begin another series but the response from last Sunday and the leading of the Holy Spirit caused me to spend this week in preparing this new series. As I prepare for my first message of 2009 I have my manuscript completed. Here is a short excerpt of what I will be saying tomorrow:

It has been said, “Man’s chief purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” And certainly, this is true and this should be the great desire of our hearts. But in reality, if we reflect on the past week, what were our thoughts as we faced each new day? Were they on how we might change our spouse who doesn’t treat us the way we want to be treated? Or how we might handle that situation at work? Perhaps our focus was on the car which keeps breaking down, or some item we need that would make life a little easier? Or maybe our goal is simply to keep our head above water financially. Like a thief, the world has a way to intruding into our lives to steal what should be our focus or the major objectives of life. God doesn’t expect us to be oblivious to the problems and needs of life, but when our goals are God’s goals we are better able to look through our problems to the Lord and His supply. When our focus is on the Lord, something wonderful happens in us. It’s beginning to Live Life in High Definition - Bigger. Bolder. Brighter.

It's Wild Card Time

On this day in 2009 - Sharron and I enjoyed a quiet day of watching a few movies and relaxing. Since my beloved Washington Redskins have ended their season - my attention now goes to the playoffs over the next few days. Here is the latest from foxsports.com

NFL PLAYOFF CENTRAL

NFC WILD CARD MATCHUPS
6 Eagles at 3 VikingsSun. — 4:30 ET — FOX — Minneapolis, MN
GameTrax Full coverage

5 Falcons at 4 CardinalsSat. — 4:30 ET — NBC — Glendale, AZ
GameTrax Full coverage


AFC WILD CARD MATCHUPS

6 Ravens at 3 DolphinsSun. — 1 ET — CBS — Miami, FL
GameTrax Full coverage

5 Colts at 4 ChargersSat. — 8 ET — NBC — San Diego, CA
GameTrax Full coverage

Are you following your team? Let's hear some team spirit. Enter my new contest - Name the winner of the 2009 Super Bowl. Just post your comments....

Happy New Year - My first posting of 2009

As we ring in the new year of 2009 Sharron and I are excited about the new year. Today all the Christmas decorations that filled our home were taken down and put away. We enjoyed a day of relaxation and reflection. This evening we enjoyed our first dinner of 2009 with our good friends Phil and Joanie Richards. This year I hope to add new ideas to my blog. Here is my quote for the today: Quote of the Day Who would have ever heard of Theodore Roosevelt outside of his immediate community if he had only half committed himself to what he had undertaken, if he had brought only a part of himself to his task? The great secret of his career has been that he has flung his whole life, not a part of it, with all the determination and energy and power he could muster, into everything he has undertaken. No dillydallying, no faint-hearted efforts, no lukewarm purpose for him! - Orison Sweet Marden And - here is my Promise from Scripture today: I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil. 4:12-13 NIV I hope you find these trustworthy statements encouraging!