It's been a long time since I've added anything to my blog, and so I've decided to get back into it. It's time to try again.
I had a stoke back in early May; it was not the sort of stoke that I would ever consider as one of my experiences. It was different than anything I had every known; I really even had not heard of this type of stoke. Of course, that was just my personal knowledge. It is probably much more common that I ever knew; I've read a lot about it; and I've found examples of people who are acting and reacting just like me.
I now have aphasia. Look up that word if you're unfamiliar. I guess I can best explain it in this way. I am sitting at the computer and writing this material, and it is very easy to do. I may have slowed a little, but I can still type and communicate at a fast pace. It seems to me to be normal and usual. (You can let me know after you've read . . you can fill me in on the mistakes that you might find.)
No, my problem is not in writing and in certain levels of communication. My problem is related to reading and understanding words. I still have a goal of reading the newspaper each day, and I usually accomplish some type of reading. It does take me a long time to finish, and I often don't really understand the words and thoughts that are being communicated. I am often baffled by simple words that were once very common to me. I sometimes feel like a pupil in the 2nd or 3rd grade class. I can see the words and the letters, but I just don't really know the word. I am now involved in reading a book on Texas History. I'm averaging 5-10 pages a day.
It's a strange feeling. I don't feel any different than I felt in the past. I didn't and don't have any pain or outward indications of a stroke. I'm able to drive and do the yard work. think I'm the same old guy, but my reading and understanding ability has suffered.
The diagnosis indicates improvement over the coming months. One of the things that will help me is to write and talk about it. SO . . that is what I'm doing in this blog. That's why I'm telling you the story. I certainly am not looking for any pity. I'm determined with God's leadership that He is still in control. I've been preparing all my life for a trial like this. It's already a fun trial.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010
EASTER
Every Sunday is resurrection day . . but today it has extra meaning. Remember our Savior today as never before. Worship with his people! God has His people where you are today!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
PHIL CARD OF THE NORTHERN PLAINS
We were sad but also joyful to hear today of the passing of Phil Card. Phil is now sitting in the very presence of our Lord, and he is worshipping at the throne. It has been the goal of his life, and it is now reality.
Phil and Doris Card have been some of God’s finest servants on this earth for many wonderful years. Before I ever arrived in Colorado in 1980, the two of them had given a lifetime of service in the Northern Plains. Phil had already given “fits” to Nicy Murphy and Glenn Braswell and many others. He had scattered flyers all over Glorieta, had taught dozens to fly, and had done at least one “wheels up” landing with the CBGC airplane. Most of all, he had a wonderful Christian influence on hundreds of BSU students and leaders in the churches all across the mountain states. His reputation at Nashville was enormous; I never attended a national meeting with Church Training leaders without someone bringing up Phil’s name and reputation. He was loved around the world.
His funeral will be later this week at Mississippi Avenue Baptist Church in Aurora, Colorado. Hundreds will be there to remember and honor him. Doris will be filled with sadness but with gratefulness for the life of her wonderful husband. He has lived a full life of ministry. He has been found faithful.
Phil and Doris Card have been some of God’s finest servants on this earth for many wonderful years. Before I ever arrived in Colorado in 1980, the two of them had given a lifetime of service in the Northern Plains. Phil had already given “fits” to Nicy Murphy and Glenn Braswell and many others. He had scattered flyers all over Glorieta, had taught dozens to fly, and had done at least one “wheels up” landing with the CBGC airplane. Most of all, he had a wonderful Christian influence on hundreds of BSU students and leaders in the churches all across the mountain states. His reputation at Nashville was enormous; I never attended a national meeting with Church Training leaders without someone bringing up Phil’s name and reputation. He was loved around the world.
His funeral will be later this week at Mississippi Avenue Baptist Church in Aurora, Colorado. Hundreds will be there to remember and honor him. Doris will be filled with sadness but with gratefulness for the life of her wonderful husband. He has lived a full life of ministry. He has been found faithful.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
THE BADRY BUNCH
No, it's not a slip of my typing skills. And there is no song to go with this one . . though there should be. I guess if you put them into a large tic-tac-toe pattern, there would be at least nine of them. And . . they would all be smiling and sharing the love of Christ.
I'm speaking about the Badry bunch!
It was our privilege to hear a wonderful choral concert at the University of Oklahoma on Thursday evening. Our dear friend, Jimell Badry and his wife Carolyn, were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Music School at OU. Jimell directed the wonderful choral presentation "The Majesty and Glory of Your Name", and many people were there to express their love to the Badry family.
Jimell arrived in Colorado in the early 1990s after many years of church ministry in Texas and Oklahoma. He was already a "mature" man by that time, but he jumped into ministry with a great enthusiasm. His church, First Baptist Church of Black Forest, became a leading church in the denomination. His music program could not be topped, and his love for Christ was evident in everything he did. Jimell is about 77 now, and after retirement he and Carolyn have moved to Forney, Texas to be near their daughter. Even as we speak he is looking for a church to serve. He wants to continue the joy of leading people in worship and in great choir work.
RL and I had the privilege of becoming great friends with him and Carolyn in Colorado. We count them as jewels in God's work. It was a joy to see them honored this week.
After Jimell and Carolyn arrived in Colorado, their son Jay along with his wife Becky came to serve as Pastor at First Baptist Church of Colorado Springs. It was my privilege to work with Jay over many years, and Becky later came to work under my supervision at the Colorado Baptist General Convention. She continues to serve as the Women's Director for the denomination along with many other expanding areas of responsibility. They are our dear friends in the Lord.
The tic-tac-toe board is now being filled with Badrys.
Before I knew Jimell, Carolyn, Jay, or Becky, it had been my privilege to work many times with music evangelist Jamall Badry. That's confusing, isn't it? Jimell or Jamall. Which came first? The truth is that Jimell came first, but Jamall is his younger brother. Jamall still does an outstanding music conference in Colorado Springs and one in Branson, Missouri. I saw him again on Thursday evening, and he is still serving the Lord with enthusiasm and joy.
Listen to the music.
"The Badry bunch . . the Badry bunch . . that's the way they all became the Badry bunch."
I'm speaking about the Badry bunch!
It was our privilege to hear a wonderful choral concert at the University of Oklahoma on Thursday evening. Our dear friend, Jimell Badry and his wife Carolyn, were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Music School at OU. Jimell directed the wonderful choral presentation "The Majesty and Glory of Your Name", and many people were there to express their love to the Badry family.
Jimell arrived in Colorado in the early 1990s after many years of church ministry in Texas and Oklahoma. He was already a "mature" man by that time, but he jumped into ministry with a great enthusiasm. His church, First Baptist Church of Black Forest, became a leading church in the denomination. His music program could not be topped, and his love for Christ was evident in everything he did. Jimell is about 77 now, and after retirement he and Carolyn have moved to Forney, Texas to be near their daughter. Even as we speak he is looking for a church to serve. He wants to continue the joy of leading people in worship and in great choir work.
RL and I had the privilege of becoming great friends with him and Carolyn in Colorado. We count them as jewels in God's work. It was a joy to see them honored this week.
After Jimell and Carolyn arrived in Colorado, their son Jay along with his wife Becky came to serve as Pastor at First Baptist Church of Colorado Springs. It was my privilege to work with Jay over many years, and Becky later came to work under my supervision at the Colorado Baptist General Convention. She continues to serve as the Women's Director for the denomination along with many other expanding areas of responsibility. They are our dear friends in the Lord.
The tic-tac-toe board is now being filled with Badrys.
Before I knew Jimell, Carolyn, Jay, or Becky, it had been my privilege to work many times with music evangelist Jamall Badry. That's confusing, isn't it? Jimell or Jamall. Which came first? The truth is that Jimell came first, but Jamall is his younger brother. Jamall still does an outstanding music conference in Colorado Springs and one in Branson, Missouri. I saw him again on Thursday evening, and he is still serving the Lord with enthusiasm and joy.
Listen to the music.
"The Badry bunch . . the Badry bunch . . that's the way they all became the Badry bunch."
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
THE PLAGUE OF THE CHURCH
I don't know where I found this, but it has been on my computer. If light of the church and it's needs, I thought I'd include in on the blog. The title is "Gossip can kill a church".
Am I a gossip?
—When there is a problem in church, do people run to you to get the “scoop”?
—Do you ever begin a sentence with “Don’t tell anyone, but…”?
—If every word you mutter was printed on the local newspaper’s front page or broadcast on radio, would it honor God?
Tips to Avoid Malicious Gossip
—It takes two to gossip. If you’re listening, that makes you #2.
—Don’t whisper in public.
—Watch your nonverbal responses. A raised eyebrow can equal gossip.
—Be polite, but don’t participate.
—Your best friend shouldn’t be the church gossip.
—Don’t disguise gossip as prayer.
—Just because it’s true doesn’t mean it’s appropriate to verbalize.
—If you say it to a friend, it’s still gossip.
—Never allow a person’s character to be degraded.
—Correct misinformation.
—Sharing a prayer request? Don’t give too much information. God knows the details.
—Never speak negatively about the church down the street.
—Stop, drop & pray. At the first hint of gossip, immediately interrupt and pray aloud for the situation.
—Guard what you put in print. Written words may appear harsher than intended, and email may be forwarded to hundreds!
Avoiding Misunderstanding on the Internet
—Is what I am about to say honoring to the Lord Jesus?
—What is my intention in putting these words up on the Internet for the whole world to see?
—Would I be willing to speak what I am about to write to another person’s face, or only to him indirectly through the Internet?
Here's a good scripture to support the facts. "The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid someone with a big mouth." Proverbs 20:19 (HCSB)
Am I a gossip?
—When there is a problem in church, do people run to you to get the “scoop”?
—Do you ever begin a sentence with “Don’t tell anyone, but…”?
—If every word you mutter was printed on the local newspaper’s front page or broadcast on radio, would it honor God?
Tips to Avoid Malicious Gossip
—It takes two to gossip. If you’re listening, that makes you #2.
—Don’t whisper in public.
—Watch your nonverbal responses. A raised eyebrow can equal gossip.
—Be polite, but don’t participate.
—Your best friend shouldn’t be the church gossip.
—Don’t disguise gossip as prayer.
—Just because it’s true doesn’t mean it’s appropriate to verbalize.
—If you say it to a friend, it’s still gossip.
—Never allow a person’s character to be degraded.
—Correct misinformation.
—Sharing a prayer request? Don’t give too much information. God knows the details.
—Never speak negatively about the church down the street.
—Stop, drop & pray. At the first hint of gossip, immediately interrupt and pray aloud for the situation.
—Guard what you put in print. Written words may appear harsher than intended, and email may be forwarded to hundreds!
Avoiding Misunderstanding on the Internet
—Is what I am about to say honoring to the Lord Jesus?
—What is my intention in putting these words up on the Internet for the whole world to see?
—Would I be willing to speak what I am about to write to another person’s face, or only to him indirectly through the Internet?
Here's a good scripture to support the facts. "The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid someone with a big mouth." Proverbs 20:19 (HCSB)
Saturday, February 20, 2010
QUALITY VS. ROYALTY
On Thursday evening we were watching the men's ice skating finals from Vancouver, and the camera scanned the audience for some personalities.
The first person shown and mentioned was Jerry Jones . . described as American sporting royalty.
The second person to be shown was Tony Dungy . . described as a man of quality.
What a comparison!
Which one would you rather be? It says a lot about your priorities.
The first person shown and mentioned was Jerry Jones . . described as American sporting royalty.
The second person to be shown was Tony Dungy . . described as a man of quality.
What a comparison!
Which one would you rather be? It says a lot about your priorities.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
MY NEW CHRISTIAN BROTHER
I met Richard Williams just a few weeks before our planned trip to Ecuador. There was an immedicate connection with this new brother in Christ. He's been a Christian only a short time, and God is doing a marvelous work in his life. This was his very "first" missions experience, and God used him in marvelous ways. I've attached what he had to say. Listen to his heart with your heart:
Dear Many People,
The group that left for Ecuador last Tuesday is back home and I would like to thank all that prayed, financed, and gave their support to this mission. This was the fifth trip of many and I hope you continue in your support and prayers for the people there as well as those to come. I personally thank you for an experience of a life time and a lesson of how big, loving, and in control our God is.
I left not knowing exactly what I could do, but with a desire to help in anyway I could and I came back with the knowledge that I can do nothing on my own, but to serve God, honor God, love God and watch what He can do. I suggest we all love one another and let God do His work through us.
Man with his bitterness, self-centeredness, and sinful nature creates not only separation from God, but separation from one another. God and His love, a love so big we truly don’t comprehend, can and does transcend all barriers and boundaries. He can break through any obstacle to show how great He is.
This life really can’t be about us, but the more we try to do for others it seems to me that God shows it is about us. Not in the sense that we normally think, but in the sense that God wants to show His love for us and He is pleased when He is glorified, recognized, worshiped and loved. You can’t out love God… Try it… I challenge you.
Many things took place and I won’t go into all the details, but here is a few of the things that went on. A hungry family was fed with a surprise food package that was left at their doorstep. Books were donated to the local University. Children at the local elementary school received a lesson on conserving energy to help cut back on power failures in the area. They were given goody bags and a message of God’s love, but they gave back big smiles, hugs and love that was so precious and much more valuable than anything we brought to them. The community was offered and many took part in a leadership conference and a marriage conference that both emphasized Biblical principals and honor to God through service, but the people gave back a thirst and hunger for more knowledge and that was refreshing to me. A free movie was offered, received and enjoyed by many of the Ecuadorians, but they gave back enthusiasm, joy and pure gratitude for something many of us take for granted
Not only was a roof replaced for the care taker at the community woman’s center, but the woman received help with an old rotten floor that also allowed moisture in. It wasn’t a big project and, in all honesty, I imagine some on this list have storage units that are larger and in better condition. I know for a fact that some have a bigger and better place to park there car than this woman has to live, but the roof job lead to another job at a local home to replace an old rickety make shift dangerous second level walk way that children used. A new sturdy steal beamed walkway with rails that could support a number of people at the same time is now in place. Not only did the brother of the woman that received the roof at the woman’s center give forward and help with building the walk way, but the man of the home invited us and opened his house for a Sunday home church worship service. It was beautiful. Because of translation the walk way project was described as a bridge and we went without knowing what sort of bridge to build. What I found was that God is building a bridge through all of His children to connect us all in His love.
We had one day, the last day, to do some sight seeing, but God wasn’t done with me yet. We were able to go to Quito and take a cable lift to the top of a mountain that looked over the whole countryside and there He was in nature, as in Romans 1:20, and there was no excuse for not recognizing how great God is.
From there it was to the equator and the message was God is in control. There is a natural order to things. Many of you know more about the natural sciences than I do, but where does natural science come from if not from God? If one tries to walk the equator with hands outstretched and eyes closed, he can feel the pull from both the north and south. One must open his eyes and concentrate to walk a straight line. It is a very strange sensation. There is physical proof that we have natural forces pulling on us and it demonstrates the pull of the world in our lives to succumb to one direction or the other. The same is true in the spiritual sense, but God isn’t going to force you to love Him. He has given you free will, but He wants you to come on your own volition. God wants our total attention and trust, but we allow distractions and outside forces to pull us in all sorts of directions. Sometimes all that we have, all we think we need and the entire surplus that is nearby can be an obstacle to our total trust in God. If we know where our next meal is coming from, if we know we have shelter with a sound roof to keep the next storm out, what do we need God for? If we know we are going to heaven….Hmmm?
My new Ecuadorian friends need God, but they are no different then you, me, your next door neighbor, brother, sister, mother, father or anyone else you see throughout any given day. We all need God, His love, His abundance, His peace, His protection, His salvation and it is all there for the asking. Ask Jesus into your heart and if He is already there ask Him to grow in you like He never has done before. Take His love, walk in His ways to show that you love Him, love one another, forgive one another, and let there be peace on earth…
I love you and please forgive me when my actions or lack of don’t show it.
Richard
THAT'S GOOD STUFF . . FROM GOD . . TO MY HEART . . Sam
Dear Many People,
The group that left for Ecuador last Tuesday is back home and I would like to thank all that prayed, financed, and gave their support to this mission. This was the fifth trip of many and I hope you continue in your support and prayers for the people there as well as those to come. I personally thank you for an experience of a life time and a lesson of how big, loving, and in control our God is.
I left not knowing exactly what I could do, but with a desire to help in anyway I could and I came back with the knowledge that I can do nothing on my own, but to serve God, honor God, love God and watch what He can do. I suggest we all love one another and let God do His work through us.
Man with his bitterness, self-centeredness, and sinful nature creates not only separation from God, but separation from one another. God and His love, a love so big we truly don’t comprehend, can and does transcend all barriers and boundaries. He can break through any obstacle to show how great He is.
This life really can’t be about us, but the more we try to do for others it seems to me that God shows it is about us. Not in the sense that we normally think, but in the sense that God wants to show His love for us and He is pleased when He is glorified, recognized, worshiped and loved. You can’t out love God… Try it… I challenge you.
Many things took place and I won’t go into all the details, but here is a few of the things that went on. A hungry family was fed with a surprise food package that was left at their doorstep. Books were donated to the local University. Children at the local elementary school received a lesson on conserving energy to help cut back on power failures in the area. They were given goody bags and a message of God’s love, but they gave back big smiles, hugs and love that was so precious and much more valuable than anything we brought to them. The community was offered and many took part in a leadership conference and a marriage conference that both emphasized Biblical principals and honor to God through service, but the people gave back a thirst and hunger for more knowledge and that was refreshing to me. A free movie was offered, received and enjoyed by many of the Ecuadorians, but they gave back enthusiasm, joy and pure gratitude for something many of us take for granted
Not only was a roof replaced for the care taker at the community woman’s center, but the woman received help with an old rotten floor that also allowed moisture in. It wasn’t a big project and, in all honesty, I imagine some on this list have storage units that are larger and in better condition. I know for a fact that some have a bigger and better place to park there car than this woman has to live, but the roof job lead to another job at a local home to replace an old rickety make shift dangerous second level walk way that children used. A new sturdy steal beamed walkway with rails that could support a number of people at the same time is now in place. Not only did the brother of the woman that received the roof at the woman’s center give forward and help with building the walk way, but the man of the home invited us and opened his house for a Sunday home church worship service. It was beautiful. Because of translation the walk way project was described as a bridge and we went without knowing what sort of bridge to build. What I found was that God is building a bridge through all of His children to connect us all in His love.
We had one day, the last day, to do some sight seeing, but God wasn’t done with me yet. We were able to go to Quito and take a cable lift to the top of a mountain that looked over the whole countryside and there He was in nature, as in Romans 1:20, and there was no excuse for not recognizing how great God is.
From there it was to the equator and the message was God is in control. There is a natural order to things. Many of you know more about the natural sciences than I do, but where does natural science come from if not from God? If one tries to walk the equator with hands outstretched and eyes closed, he can feel the pull from both the north and south. One must open his eyes and concentrate to walk a straight line. It is a very strange sensation. There is physical proof that we have natural forces pulling on us and it demonstrates the pull of the world in our lives to succumb to one direction or the other. The same is true in the spiritual sense, but God isn’t going to force you to love Him. He has given you free will, but He wants you to come on your own volition. God wants our total attention and trust, but we allow distractions and outside forces to pull us in all sorts of directions. Sometimes all that we have, all we think we need and the entire surplus that is nearby can be an obstacle to our total trust in God. If we know where our next meal is coming from, if we know we have shelter with a sound roof to keep the next storm out, what do we need God for? If we know we are going to heaven….Hmmm?
My new Ecuadorian friends need God, but they are no different then you, me, your next door neighbor, brother, sister, mother, father or anyone else you see throughout any given day. We all need God, His love, His abundance, His peace, His protection, His salvation and it is all there for the asking. Ask Jesus into your heart and if He is already there ask Him to grow in you like He never has done before. Take His love, walk in His ways to show that you love Him, love one another, forgive one another, and let there be peace on earth…
I love you and please forgive me when my actions or lack of don’t show it.
Richard
THAT'S GOOD STUFF . . FROM GOD . . TO MY HEART . . Sam
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
