Wednesday, December 31, 2008

THOSE WHO'VE GONE BEFORE

As a 14 year old teenager at Camp Copass, Texas, I responded to the call of God for my life. The person with the greatest Christian influence on my life to that time was Cecil McGee. He was a loving, kid, generous Youth/Education Director in our church, and his life was a wonderful example for me. From that camp experience in 1953 I began my life of ministry as a Music-Education-Youth-Administration leader. It has led me on a lot of exciting treks, and I praise the Lord every day for the opportunities He has given to me.
My surrender to the ministry was in the early 1950s; that was just about the time when many young people responded to the call to do "associate" work in the church. Up to that time, the only call to ministry was usually to before the Pastor. I have some friends who grew up in situations where they didn't know an alternative call was a possibility.
As I've become older, it has become more apparent to me that God has been using men throughout the ages. Paul was called on the Damascus road; some were called in foxholes; others followed Christ in a service of the local church; and some found God's leadership for them while studying God's Word. Some are probably called from a rodeo arena. It really doesn't make any difference; the important thing is to respond to God's will. That's God's plan. Everyone should do it.
Shari gave me a wonderful little book for Christmas. Gospel Tracks Through Texas: The Mission of Chapel Car Good Will tells the story of a railroad car Good Will that traversed Texas between the years of 1895-1903. An itinerant evangelist served on board the rail car; they would often spend a week or more in the new little towns of Texas preaching the gospel and leading people to Christ. It is one of those stories that I know nothing about; it was an exciting new revelation to me.
Now, here's the point. Sometimes I am prone to be critical of people doing ministry in ways that are different than my call. Their emphasis is God's emphasis. It really doesn't make any difference if I'm called to do it. The main thing is that God has called them and set them apart to reach people for Jesus.
This is not a Texas Baptist book, but I surely did learn a lot about Baptist work over the years. I'm happy that there were a whole lot of folks who came before me. They were faithful to their call; God used them to help me with my call.
My favorite: "Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful."
Find the book and read it. You'll love the stories.

Monday, December 29, 2008

THE COTTER CLAN

This is our group. We had a wonderful time together for Christmas. We retold the story of Jesus. We shared his love. We celebrated our joy in knowing Him. It was fun.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT

This story is God's victorious plan for the ages. Read it carefully.
1 About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. 2 This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. 4 So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. 5 He went with Mary, his fianc-e, who was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.
8 There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. 9 Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. 10 The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: 11 A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. 12 This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger." 13 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: 14 Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
Luke 2:1-14 (MSG)

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

OH BE CAREFUL LITTLE VOICE

Recently I've been thinking about the denigration of language in our society. Several things have brought the subject to my mind. Let me share them:

1. There was a letter to the editor in the Fort Worth Star Telegram recently talking about the use of the word "bleeping" in the newspaper. In years past that was the way in which the paper would tell of someone using off-color language but not actually use the word. The writer was asking the newspaper to again use that type of literary expression instead of the very common practice in today's society. The style today is to use a letter with spaces behind it. I guess the idea is that we need to know everything that was stated. We don't need to read rapidly over the word "bleeping", but we need to have the actual word come into our brains.

The writer of the letter suggested that we move back to the old style of using the word "bleeping". I wholeheartedly agree! I'm tired of filthy language being forced on me.

2. My wife and I were in a conversation recently when a young man decided to use some inappropriate language to enphasize his displeasure. It is language that he uses regulary, and he obviously didn't see anything wrong with it. As our society accepts more and more inappropriate language, that is what happens. We all begin to accept the language and to make it our own.

Ruth Lynn immediately suggested to the young man that what he was saying was not acceptable. I was proud of her. The young man sheepishly apologized, and our conversation moved on. He was probably embarrassed, as well he should be, but I believe he learned a good lesson. I can ony hope that it will help him in the years to come.

3. I was listening to Dennis Prager on talk radio recently, and he told of attending a National Hockey League game. By the way, that is one reason I don't often attend live sports events. The language in the stands is often unbearable, especially where there is an abundance of alcohol. But I digress.

The crowd at the NHL game was chanting "Detroit sucks". Now I believe I know what that term means. I would certainly never say it, and most people I know would not say it. Dennis was surprised by the number of calls that he received that justified the statement as just fun among teams. And no, they wouldn't say it in public conversation, but it was alright to yell it out among a crowd of hockey fans. It was okay to scream it out when children were in the crowd. I wonder if our language use is on a steady decline?

4. I've been associated with church leaders and pastors most of my life. Occasionally I will hear one of these leaders use some type of bad language, and it always surprises me.

I recently read a statement on a public internet source where a leader denigrated other Christians with a "bodily function" statement. I guess he felt he could say something on the internet that would be unacceptable from the pulpit or in private conversation.

Most everything I write is addressed to Christians. We are the ones that God has called to change this world. Christians, it is time for us to "clean up" our act. Or maybe better, let's just quit the "act". We won't have to act when Christ is in our lives. It is "Christ is us . . the hope of glory". Christ's mouth would never issue such denigrating words and statements.

This Christmas season would be a good time to change our language. "For unto us a Son is born."

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

I HAVE A SONG

I recently wrote about my youngest granddaughter . . and her new experiences at school. I mentioned that she always has a song in her heart . . and on her lips.

So I want to direct you to her Dad's blog . . so you can hear her song. It will put a smile on your face. Listen at:

http://www.bryanmcanally.com/

Monday, December 22, 2008

GHOSTS IN THE CLOSET

I had long known that my ancient ancestry had roots in Texas in the 1820s. My great-great-great Grandfather was Issac Low, and he settled in Sabine County, Texas where he operated, among other things, a ferry across the Sabine River. He fought in the 1812 Battle of New Orleans and was a citizen of the Republic of Texas. He was very involved in the Runaway Scrape when Texans were seeking refuge in the United States after the fall of the Alamo and Goliad.

I have recently been doing some study on Ancestry.com and online. His name appears in several places; he served in some public positions in Sabine County and he lived east of Hemphill, Texas in Sabinetown. It was fun to find his name and family in the 1835 census of that region.

My parents travelled to that area several years ago and sought to visit the Issac Low Cemetery, now on the shore of Toledo Bend Reservoir. They told me that they were not well received by the local people. They didn't understand why. In my recent study, I have found the reason.

One of my ancestors, Eli Low, was killed in 1883 in what was to become the very well known (in that region) Low-Conner-Smith feud. That feud continued for many years, and even though many of the famlies have intermarried, the feud is still well known. A total of seven people including a Texas Ranger were killed during the period; some went to prison; and others just disappeared. As is usual with fueds, everyone placed blame on everyone else. The truth of what really happened will probably never be known.

I have just recently become aware of this feud and these "ghosts" in the family closet. Have you noticed how many of our families have ghosts in the closet? We usually don't like to talk about them too much. We just want to forget that they exist or ever existed.

RL and I are going down to Sabinetown this coming year. We're hoping to find out more information about our family. We want to visit the cemetery and hear some of the tales from the past. We'll be very careful.

I'm glad my last name isn't Low. That just might get me into deep trouble.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

THE GOVERNOR GRADED MY PAPER

Before moving to Texas about three years ago, Bryan and Kelli and their family lived in Cumming, Georgia where he worked for the North American Mission Board. They were also involved in a new church start where Jim Perdue was the pastor. He just happened to be the son of Sonny Perdue, Governor of the state of Georgia. The McAnally children became friends with the "grandfather" Sonny Perdue.


Kaylyn was taking her Georgia sytle "TAKS" test when her teacher explained that the Governor of Georgia expected great things from all of them. She told the children that the Governor would personally be grading the tests, and that everyone of them needed to do their very best on the test.


Kaylyn told her questioning teacher that she knew the Governor. The teacher answered with the, "Oh, sure you do, Kaylyn." It was only later than Kelli told the teacher that Kaylyn really did know the Governor. That, in itself, created quite a stir with the class. The best was yet to come.


Being the good student that she is, Kaylyn scored very high on the test and was excited that the Governor had done such a good job of examining her test.


The Governor showed up one night at the small church, and Kaylyn was so excited to speak with him about her test. Bryan made a fast dash to Sonny Perdue to explain the situation before Kaylyn could get to him. As soon as Kaylyn approached the Governor, he began to congratulate her on the fine job she had done on her test. Kaylyn was excited; Sonny Perdue was excited to have that close contact with one of his constituents. It was a memorable time for everyone.


Now, as a 6th grader, Kaylyn knows the full story. It was just a wonderful highlight of her young life to know the Governor and to know his interest in her test. I just ran into this picture of the Governor with Kaylyn and Cotter. She has a lifelong story to tell of her venture into politics.

Monday, December 15, 2008

SMALL TOWN AMERICA


I grew up in a small Texas town where I've now returned and retired. After living in the big city of Denver for a number of years, RL and I had a desire for the feel of the small town. It has its wonderful qualities and common problems. But for us, it is home. We enjoy the experience of living with a lot of "good old boys".


My 101 year old mother lost her glasses about three weeks ago, but we waited till just last week . . hoping for their return. I went to the local optician and explained my problem. He was very helpful in getting the prescription refilled, fitting them into some inexpensive frames, and adjusting them. The glasses seemed to fit mom very well, and she was extremely happy. The glasses would normally be over $300, but he sold them to me for a $100 bill. The man indicated that he wanted to help with my particular problem. I thanked him earnestly; that's small town America.

Mother's glasses lasted for 4 days . . when she ran over them and crushed them with her wheel chair. So this morning I went back to the optometrist with my sad story. He gladly found another frame, put mother's lens into them, and handed them to me. When I asked how much I owed him, he just smiled and said, "Nothin; we're in this thing together."

That would not happen in Denver . . or Dallas . . or any other large city. It does happen in small town America. People have a concern for other people. They are anxious to help. They certainlly know that I'll be back "soon" to visit their company. That's what I love about Weatherf0rd, Texas.

Monday, December 1, 2008

WHAT'S YOUR JOHN HANCOCK

It's a common statement . . "put your John Hancock" on that line. Your signature is what is needed, and the "Hancock" statement has become common in America. The United States Declaration of Independence has many names on it, but the most bold and widely recognized one is that of John Hancock.




A person's signature is very important. It defines the person. It is his personal mark, his personal seal. If you've ever closed on a new home or a loan or a business deal, you will find out that your signature is needed over and over again. Writer's cramp often sets in as this final part of the deal is finalized.




I've been watching the politicos recently, and they can finish an autograph almost instantaneously. I've actually seen some of these autographs, and they are often intelligible. They are just a mass of stratches and marks. But as I watch Antiques Roadshow, I find out that these scratches are actuallly worth a lot of money. I wonder what my John Hancock will bring in the future. Don't hold your breath.


Reggie Brewer is my dear friend and banker in Baytown, and he has one of those flourished type signtures. I took my church salary check to the bank early in my ministry there. The teller looked at the check and then excused herself. She went to Reggie's desk and asked if he thought this check was any good as she questioned the signature. He answered, "Yes, it's good . . that's my signature."


Congratulations to the young teller of 40 years ago for doing her job.


I've noticed that my signature gets more difficult to read as I age. It won't be long before it is unintelligible. I have a small booklet that my 101 year old mother wrote when she was 23 years old and newly married. She wrote her name "Mrs. Birdie Cotter" over and over again on the booklet. She was proud of her name and was practicing how to write it.

As Christians, we need to write our name over and over again into the lives of those around us. We should be proud of our name. We should shout it out loud. We are Christians who follow a living Savior. When someone asks about our "John Hancock", we need to use the name "Christian".