WHAT WE'VE LOST . . PART 2

My heart hurts/yearns for revival in our churches. Listen to what Francis Chan says in his book "Forgotten God" while speaking of the Holy Spirit's work in our churches.

"Even our church growth can hapen without Him. Let's be honest: If you combine a charismatic speaker, a talented worship band, and some hip, creative events, people will attend your church. Yet this does not mean that the Holy Spirit of God is actively working and moving in the lives of the people who are coming. It simply means that you have created a space that is appealing enough to draw people in for an hour or two on Sunday.

It certainly does not mean that people walk out of the doors moved to worship and in awe of God. People are more likely to describe the quality of the music or the appeal of the sermon than the One who is the reason people gather for "church" in the first place."

It may be that most of God's people have never really felt the awe or true worship. Many don't realize what has been lost. Many have attended church and done the rituals of the worship hour, but have never fallen before a living God.

A.W. Tozer tells this story. "It is the first Palm Sunday, and here comes Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowds begin to shout "Hosanna! Hosanna!" The old donkey prickes up his eaars. Some in the crowd throw their coats in the road; others spread out palm branches.

'Well!' says the donkey, switching a fly off a mange patch. 'I had no idea they really appreciated me like this! Listen to those hosannas, will you. I must really be something.'

Friends, if anyone comes around after the service saying, 'Wow! That was terrific' They's not actually saying hosanna to you.

All you did was bring Jesus to them."

Pastors . . quit strutting around and showing off.
Church leaders . . quit spending time on politics . . instead of Jesus.
Congregation . . quit applauding a bunch of donkeys.
Begin to give our praise to God.

It's time to fall on our faces . . and worship the God of the universe!

CHARACTERS OF CHRISTMAS

The birth of Jesus was surrounded by a host of individuals, each of them given an assignment in the proclamation of the coming Savior. Many of them followed God's plan for that wonderful birth, and they are an example to us of the wonder of the God that became man and dwelt among us.

I would have enjoyed being there to see the angels and the shepherds and the wise men? I would have seen Mary and Joseph and Elizabeth all receive the messsage from the angels, and see as each of them responded with great joy. Simeon and Anna and even the King Herod were aware through scripture of the coming Messiah. Even though I was not present for those occasions, I am able to read that wonderful story today in the gospels of Luke and Matthew.

And I am available to be involved as the wonderful story of Jesus continues today.

Spend some time and worship Him today!

PAIN AT CHRISTMAS TIME

Sin has tremendous power in our lives. Once we fall into the trap of sin, it is impossible to change our ways except through the power of Christ. That is why Jesus came . . to show us the way to salvation.

"Stop It" has been a very popular video recently. (You can find it on YouTube). It is done in the very unasumming style of Bob Newhart as a psychologist. His advice to a woman with a difficult problem is to just . . "STOP IT". He shouts this term over and over again to this somewhat confused patient.

I've been accused of using that same style in my counseling. I probably tend to that style because of the New Testament words which say, " . . let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles."

That scripture from Hebrews 12:1 tells me that the pain of this world is caused by the things we do . . and the things we say . . and the lives we live. We've got to get rid of the cause. That can happen when Christ becomes the source of our life.

I work part time as a Chaplain in three different businesses. I have the oppportunity of spending one-on-one time with people from all walks of live, and I see that many, if not most of them, are in great pain. There is the pain of broken relatinships, of family, of drugs and alcohol, and of issues too numerous to even mention. Every one of these individuals is seeking a relief to their pain, yet many have never found it in a personal relationship with Christ. That is exactly what makes this job so wonderful. I get to tell many of them about Christ.

Most of our society recognizes that Jesus came at Christmas.
Now we have the opportunity of telling them why Jesus came at Christmas.

MY THEOLOGY EXPLAINS MY LIFE

It took me a long time to figure out my theology of life. I was very impacted as a young man by many great prachers but mainly by evangelist Fred Cherry from Oklahoma. Fred had begun his adult life as a civil engineer, but God got a deep hold on him. He was a wonderful preacher of the word of God.
Fred had some wonderful characteristics. First of all, he was the strongest evangelist, both personal and from the pulpit, that I have ever known. I've been around some fine men with the gift of evangelism, but I've never met anyone like Fred. For example, he would spend much of his time while in our town on the telephone. He would go down the list of names in the phone book; he would call the number and share the gospel with whatever person answered. He would also stop anyone on the street to ask them vital questions about their souls and eternity. He didn't waste any time doing the unnecessary. He was busy sharing Christ.
Fred and his wife had 12 children. He didn't have any insurance; he didn't have birth control; and yet, many of his children were able to attend college and go on to wonderful Christian lives. Most of them, including some whose names you would know, continue to serve the Lord today.
I have many of his messages on tape, and I still listen to them as he expounds the scripture. He was very much "to the point". I pray that I can preach with his clarity.
Fred Cherry was the greatest personal evangelist I ever met. He was also the strongest Calvinist that I have ever met. He believed that God was in control. He didn't have to "sweat it" about people being saved. He presented God's plan to them, and then he left the work of salvation to the Holy Spirit. That's actually very biblical. It's God work. We are to be faithful. Much of what we do in church today seems to be secondary and insignificant. Many of us in the church believe in grace, but we overework ourselves keeping the organization up and running. We seem to think that salvation is from God, but the local church is our responsibility.
I do know that I can work myself to a frazzle . . I think that's a word . . and yet, in the end, I must trust God to do His work of salvation and ministry in the local church. I've been in the ministry for over 50 years, and it's been my privilege to see thousands of lives changed by the power of the gospel. I really didn't "save" any of them. That was God's work. I really didn't make the church grow and mature. That was God's work. I'm just happpy that I've been able to experience the joy of those changed lives and changed churches.
Christmas reminds us that the "good news" is to any who hear it . . and receive it. You have that opportunity today.

MY FAMILY AND MISSIONS

I visited today with an old friend who shared a picture from my past. It really reminds me of a lot of pictures that have been taken over the years while members of my family are shown constructing a church. That's much of my personal Christian history. We were always "building" another new church.

I don't think I ever really talked with my parents about "why" they enjoyed starting and building churches. I've thought a a lot about it, and I really believe it must have started in California. My parents headed to California at the beginning of World War II so my Dad could work in a defense factory in Long Beach. Since he was too old to join the army, it was just the correct thing to do. He wanted to help in the war effort, and California offered that great adventure.

One thing it didn't offer were Southern Baptist churches. My parents had to look for a good church, and they found one in Calvary Baptist Church of Long Beach, an American Baptist Church where I was saved in 1944. They arrived back in Texas following the war, and I believe they always remembered the lack of churches in California. So they gave a lot of energy to starting and building new ones.

This picture was taken in 1950 when First Baptist Church of Weatherford built the new Eureka Baptist Church. My family later helped in 1955 to begin Ball Street Baptist Church, now Community Baptist in Weatherford. And we were an important part of the new Emmanuel Baptist Church in Weatherford in 1957.

My Dad and Mother began to travel all over the United States helping to build new churches, and they spent many years in retirement as a part of the Texas Baptist Men building group. My brother Gene and his wife Geraldine followed in their steps, and they spent many weeks each year finding a new spot to work. Both of those families literally wore out their travel trailers in serving the Lord.

If you'll notice in the picture, I seem to be doing a lot of supervising. That was obviously my early training for a lot of job sites. If you don't believe it, just ask some of the people who worked with me over the years.

WHAT'S A FUNERAL ALL ABOUT?

I attended a funeral many years ago. My elderly uncle mentioned that it was the fourth funeral of the week for him. I thought that statement somewhat funny until I arrived at the age of 70. Funerals are now something of a social event in small town Texas.
I preached the funeral message for a 74 year old woman this past week who had been through 8 long years of physical pain and suffering. She had remained very faithful throughout her ordeal, and her funeral service was a testimony to God's goodness. That's what it really is all about. The question is . . how are we going to die?
We're now in the great health care debate. I admit up front that I want the best possible health care than I can receive. I also admit that the idea of living a few extra years right now is a good one. I just don't know how many extra years I want or need.
That brings up my mother, Birdie Idell Low Cotter. Bryan posted her picture last week on Facebook, and he received so many wonderful comments from friends and family. This is what she looks like . . if you missed the other picture. It's only 2 more months until she will be 103. I not sure she'll make that goal, but she has surely fooled us over the past few months. I visit her each day, and she always surprises me with her ability to recognize and communicate even though she can speak with a discernable voice.
I don't think Birdie is really interested in health care. She is interested in funerals and in heaven. Maybe that's where I should put more of my emphasis in life. It surely makes sense to me . . and to God.

A THEOLOGY OF WORSHIP

I didn't create the term. It's a part of Ann Ortlands classic book Up with Worship where her husband Ray says that a certain pastor doesn't have a "theology of worship." That idea has captured my heart for many years.

Ruth Lynn and I visit a lot of churches. Often I am asked to serve as a supply preacher; we visited hundreds of churches as a denominational worker; and I've led dozens of conferences on "worship". I am thankful that God has given me some spiritual insight into worship, and many of our churches are in trouble.

It is very common for the average church to focus on the wrong things. Churches do a lot of "things", and many of these things are good. But they are not the most important thing.

God created man to have fellowlship with Him. Our very purpose is to worship Him. So we need to spend more time thinking about him. We need to honor Him.

The hour or more that we use on Sundays should focus on worship. We often spend an excessive amount of time making announcements, shaking hands, and doing the secondary when the primary issue is given second place.

Asaph, the writer of Psalm 73, said it this way:
1 God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray. 17 until I entered God’s sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny. Psalms 73:1-2,17 (HCSB)

I pray that God will give me a theology of worship!

WHAT WE'VE LOST

New church buildings . . new outreach ministries . . new ways of reaching people . . change. I've heard these phrases and ideas over the years; I'm probably even used many of them while preaching or leading conferences.



I'm a part of a denomination that is in decline. Oh, we put on a good face and some good numbers. But the truth is this . . we are not experiencing the power of God at work in our churches. We know how to "do church" and how to appear to be successful. BUT . . it is the church at play.



Charles Nuckolls said, "People feel they want something they've lost, and they don't remember what it is they've lost."



What is it that we've lost?



Is there such energy and excitement in your worship that people can't wait to meet together as the body of Christ? That's what we've lost!



When is the last time the altar of your church was filled with people crying out to God for his outpouring? That's what we've lost!



When was the last time that your church felt such unity and love that there was criticism and discord among the people? That's what we've lost!



When was the last time the Holy Spirit took over the worship hour, and no one even cared about a time schedule? That's what we've lost!



Is the bond of love so strong that every age group in the church wants to be with every other age group in the church? That's what we've lost.



As I've aged, I have learned one important thing. It doesn't make any difference how good we look or how good the church looks. The thing that is most important is "our" relationship with Christ. The "our" relationship is the church body. It's all of us, working together.
That's what we've lost.

I'M NOT VERY BRIGHT

If you look at my posts back in July and August, you notice one theme. I did not expect my 102 year old Mother who is on hospice care to survive to October 14. She was just so very weak and seemingly near death.

Was I ever wrong.

Ruth Lynn and I visited with her today. Her bed was cranked up, and she smiled at us when we entered the room. We've known that something was going on in her brain in the background, but she has been unable to talk for any extended period of time. She said "Morning" to us without any suggestion from us. She was very bright and alert, but she still could not communicate except with her eyes and facial expression. It was just a normal day of talking with her or "at" her.

Ruth Lynn then asked if she could write anything. Since I visit with her each day, I had the usual answer. No. I had actually given someone that answer just last week. The only problem with my answer was that we had never really tried to let her write.

So I got a pad and pen. Ruth Lynn held it very tightly as she grasped the pen with her one good hand, her left "writing" hand. Ruth Lynn asked her a question, and she clearly wrote down the answer. It was "Ruth" in response to Ruth Lynn's question of who she was . . as Ruth Lynn pointed to herself.

Ruth Lynn then called me over as she was yelling, and we all had a wonderful laugh, including Mammaw, at her ability not only to think but to write something.

We often wonder how much Mammaw really comprehends. Is she responding to us or just to our physical touch. We know the answer now. She's thinking very clearly, and she wants to talk with us about it.

So, beginning tomorrow, we're going to let her write. I may even post a picture of the author in the coming days.

God is still at work in Birdie Idell Low Cotter's life.

IDENTIFYING A GRAVE

Many people have been buried over the years in obscure locations. Many will never be found, but it is always enjoyable to locate and identify graves. Many of you remember the story of my chance to find and identify my Grandmother's grave in Vernon, Texas just a few years ago.

We live in Parker County, Texas, and there are dozens of cemeteries, many with unidentified graves.

My brother, Gene, and I just returned from a grave search in Leslie, Arkansas. Gene was born there in 1932, and another brother, Darrell Don died at birth there in 1934. My Dad carved on a small stone the inscription "Infant of Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Cotter - 1934". It has been in the same small plot since that time, and Gene and I made a special journey to that very sacred spot.

We were not even sure that the stone would still be standing as it had been about 30 years since we had visited the site. We were also not sure we'd be able to find it among the many old and broken stones. We weren't even sure whether the cemetery would be overgrown and inaccessible. So we took along plenty of tools inlcuding a weedeater, pruning shears, hoes, shovels, and other ncessary deforesting items.

We had a wonderful surprise.

The cemetery has been enlarged and modernized, and the entrance gate is in a different location. It is, my the way, in the beautiful mountains of northern Arkansas. It is a wonderful setting for a cemetery.

We walked directly to the marker. It was right where my Dad had placed it in the ground 75 years ago. It still stood tall and proud with lots of moss on the back side. It was a beautiful sight.

Gene and I had taken along some supplies if we needed to lay the stone on its side. We had plans to possibly pour a small concrete slab as a support for the stone. All of those plans were discarded when we saw how strong the stone stood in the ground. Our Dad put it there; we're not moving it.

We did add another stone to the grave. It is an explanation of the person buried there. It says, "Darrell Don Cotter, Born and Died September 24, 1934, Original Stone Carved by Father, Clifford Victor Cotter". I also called the treasurer of the cemetery association and asked them to add Darrell's name to their website information.

Almost everyone who ever knew anything or had heard anything about Darrell Don is now gone. It really wouldn't make much difference if we didn't add the new marker. It did make a difference to Gene and me in our later years of life.

It has often been suggested that if Darrell Don had survived and lived, things would have been different. I may have never been born as my Dad and Mom raised two boys during the depression years. They might not have had a third boy.

So . . what we did the past couple of days is very important to me. It's a way for me to honor an unknown brother; it's a way for me to thank God for my own life. It's a way to recognize the importance of our daily walk with God.

We had a fun trip to Arkansas. If you're ever in Leslie, Arkansas, be sure to look up the grave of Darrell Don Cotter.

FUN AT THE NURSING HOME

Many people don't realize how much fun people have in a nusrsing home.

My mother had a stroke just about 8 weeks ago, and she can hardly communicate. We do get some smiles and grins and squeezing of the fingers along the way. That, in itself, is great joy to us. We had an especially fun event that happened yesterday and today.

One of the aides often comes to her weekend job with her fingernails painted some crazy color. We've talked about it before, and I've discovered that her 6 year old daughter often picks out which color her mother will wear. It was, in my view, an ugly green . . and it was not a pretty sight!

She was showing her chartreuse fingernails to mother yesterday, and she asked my permission to paint mother's nails. Well, today when RL and I showed up to visit, we were met by three of the workers with big grins on their faces. We went in to see mother only to discover all of her nails painted chartreuse. Every one of the workers kidded mother about the color, and she opently laughed out loud when we spoke about it. She was obviously having a fun time with us and with the workers.

Several people came into her room to look and laugh. It was fun at the nursing home.

I'll never really understand what mother comprehends through these visits. I just know she was laughing and having fun. That's a good thing when you've suffered a stroke at 102.

MY MOTHER IS DYING

An opinion column in today's Fort Worth Star Telegram entitled "Clinging to a life that one can barely call a life anymore" reminded me of societies attitude about death. This is my answer to that editorial, and I use some of the writer's phrases and words.

MY MOTHER IS DYING

My mother is dying. She could die today, tomorrow, or perhaps next week. No one, including her hospice care, knows just when she will die, but her death is imminent and, having been at her beside each day for the past several weeks, I can testify that her death is a wonderful experience.

Yes, there are certainly deaths far more gruesome, but her slow death in Holland Lake Nursing Center in Weatherford is filled with daily joys. She has shared a room with an Alzheimer’s patient for the past 12 months, and there has been little/no communication between the two of them. As I think of human life, this seems to be an undignified way to end a wonderful life. So I’ve been thinking about life and death and its meaning more than ever in the recent weeks.

My mother has been preparing for her death for the past 102 years. She was a vibrant younger woman with children and grandchildren and wonderful memories. She has suffered through many of the normal ailments of life, from cancer to strokes to her now fetal position in a bed. She has been in and out of emergency rooms and hospitals and assisted living homes and nursing homes, but she is now under the care of a loving hospice organization. This just affirms the fact that her life on this earth will end very soon.

My mother recognizes that she is dying. We’ve talked about it together, and she answers me often with that small smile of recognition. She gives me that smile when we speak about her past, about her husband who has been dead for 22 years, about her wonderful childhood, about her loving family, and most of all, about her faith. Almost every day I sing hymns to her; I speak to her about heaven and its wonderful promises. Often tears will form in her eyes as she looks forward to the joys of eternity. And she tries so very hard to form the words “I love you” as I say them to her.

I have a question. What is mother comprehending as we spend time together. Does she really know what I’m saying? Is she seeing a small glimpse of heaven right now? Is her mind still working, and she just can’t get the words out? Every one of these difficult questions is puzzling, but these unanswered questions bring joy to me as I visit with her.

Physical death is a part of life. She understands that. I understand it. She grandchildren and great grandchildren, who have visited with her in these final days of her life, understand it. She is now showing us how to die. Early in life she taught us the truth that we now understand. It is that the joy of eternal life comes to all of us through faith in Jesus Christ.

I wouldn’t take anything for this wonderful experience. Each day I’m growing more in my faith as I wait patiently for God to take her to glory.

Mother, I love you!

THE KING

I don't usually pass on other blogs on my blog, but I must share this one. It came to me from Bryan McAnally.

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock, is dead.
James Brown, the King of Soul, is dead.
Kurt Cobain, the King of Grunge, is dead.
And now Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, is dead.
But Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, is alive forevermore. Let's tell people that, so they too can live forever.
Jesus said, "I am he who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death" (Revelation 1:18 NKJV).

Greg Laurie blog 6-30-09

WE CAN'T BE THAT OLD

I'm always fascinated how my mother, age 102, can speak about other "old" people, people she sees as old. That same malady has struck me recently. For instance, there is no way that Ruth Lynn and I can be celebrating our 48th anniversary today. I must be talking about some "old" couple.

I started dating RL when she was 16 and I was 17. It's not too hard to figure out how many years it has been. As I look at my beautiful wife, she looks just the same. She is still the wonderful teenager that I married in 1961.

There are some things that have changed. First of all, she has taken on a lot of my idiosyncrasies. And I also have some of hers. That's not good, but that's what 48 years will do to you. In the second place, we've also learned a lot of wonderful things from each other. The main thing we've learned is how to live a life for our Savior. That is really the fun part.

June 24th was also RL's parents anniversary, and both of them are now gone. Today is also Bryan and Kelli's 14th. Today is also Terry and Sandy Holsinger's 48th. We didn't know them till much later, but they were married about one hour ahead of RL and me. We usually celebrate together, and tonight we'll meet them at the Cracker Barrell to laugh and remembetr.

To Ruth Lynn . . . Happy Anniversary Sweetheart. I hope we can keep dancing for a long time.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO CLIFFORD VICTOR

Every person needs a loving father. That is why I have spent a lifetime telling people about our loving heavenly father. The Biblical example was given to us for a specific purpose. We are to use God's example as we becoming earthly fathers.

My Dad has been gone for 22 years; that's hard to believe because I can still see and feel his wonderful Christian leadership. He came from very humble beginnings, the first son and third child of 14 children. I really can't describe the family as "poor"; the best word would be "poooooooor".

There must have been something extra special about my grand father. He raised a tremendously godly and productive family, and he passed those characteristics along to my Dad.

My Dad could do anything, or he was willing to try to do anything. He married my Mother at the beginning of the Great Depression, and he had to do anything and everything just to make a living. He built a stone fence in northern Arkansas in the early 1930's after a man asked him if he could do the job. His answer was yes even though he had never done any stone work in his life. He must have done a good job because the wall is still standing.

I remember my Dad as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent at First Baptist Church of Weatherford, Texas. He once taught a teenage boys class, and I often went with them on outings. He loved those boys. He had seven younger brothers of his own, and he knew how to deal with them.

He was also a leader in starting three new churches in Weatherford, Texas, and he helped to build literally dozens of churches all over the United States. I can't think of my Dad without seeing him with a hammer in his hand. The picture is one I gave to him as a gift at his retirement.

As a 70 year old man, I would really enjoy sitting today and talking with Dad. We had a great relationship before his death, but there are a lot of questions I'd like to ask him. That is just part of life. It is really over before many of us learn how to live it.

Anyway, Happy Father's Day Dad. Thank you for a life well lived and for a tremendous Christian influence.

Now, to all of my relatives who are fathers. Let me suggest that you look around and find a good Christian example. Then pass it on to your children. That's the way to have a really Happy Father's Day.

CHASING THE DRUM

The statement on the drum is "Age 12 years . . Pearl Clabaugh . . Sevierville, Tennessee". That's not much information, but I've found some clues.

There is a tremendously long list of Clabaughs on-line, but the only Pearl than I can find was born in 1908. She was the daughter of Samuel H. Clabaugh and Mary Jane Cotter Clabaugh. There is the connection. Her mother was a Cotter.

Now I'm off to the larger search. I have not yet figured out how Mary Jane was related to me. I've tracked her daughter Pearl (really Mattie Pearl) to 1920. She would have been 12 years old at that time. That was just about the time she wrote on the drum, and her name and parent's names appear in the 1920 census in Sevier County, Tennessee.

I can't find her name in any records after 1920, and I still don't know how the drum with her name came to Texas.

If you have any ideas, I'd appreciate a contact. The detective work will continue.

SURPRISE . . SURPRISE . . SURPRISE

In the famous words of Gomer Pyle, are you surprised?
Donald Trump finally did it. He fired Miss California. She wouldn't say and do the things she was told.
Christians, do you understand the attack?
Do you understand that it is time to say and do the correct thing?
It is time to quit playing the church game.
It is time for Christians who stand tall for God's kingdom.
My congratulations go to Carrie Prejean.

TENNESSEE TO TEXAS WITH THE DRUM

My Great Grandfather, George Wray Cotter, moved his wife and 10 children to Texas in 1890. They came from the hills of Sevier County, Tennessee. George had one desire for his growing family, and that was to find wives and husbands for his many children. Wears Valley Tennessee didn't offer many opportunties outside of the family bloodline. So the long journey to a new land and new opportunities was begun on a very long train ride.

As a side story to the drum, the first child born in Texas after the move to this new land was Ethel Texas Cotter. She is the only person I've ever known with that name. And Ethel Texas, who was 15 at the time of my father's birth, gave him the name of Clifford Victor Cotter. So I have a close contact and love for Ethel Texas.

Travel during that time was not easy, and it was probably not practical to take all of the family goods. Much was possibly sold or given away as preparations were made for the departure. I imagine that only the most valuable and most loved items were loaded for the journey. One of the valuables brought to Texas was an old drum that had been part of the history of the War Between the States.

My Great Grandfather had been a 12 year old drummer boy during the final months of the war, and he had saved the drum as a remembrance of that historic experience. The drum had probably been used in Wears Valley to "talk" with the neighbors throughout the hollow. This "family treasure" was probably acknowledged with some reverance. I can just hear George telling his entire family that . . "the drum is going to Texas."

My Grandfather, William Reuben Cotter, was the oldest son in the family. I don't know for sure, but I assume that the drum was passed along to him before or at the death of his father in 1928. My Grandfather moved to many locations over the years, but the drum always was taken to the new home. I first remember the drum hanging in the barn at my Grandparent's house in Littlefield, Texas. Many of the children and grandchildren often played with the drum.

Howard Lee Cotter, the 13th child of 14 children in the family, now has the drum in his possession. He is now 81 years of age, and the drum will soon pass on to his grandson Quade Crawford. I gave Quade, now 15 years of age, the "be sure to take good care of it" and "you'll realize its value in the years to come" speech.

At a recent family reunion, we carefully examined the drum for some clues to its history. We found some writting on it that no one in the family every remembers. It says . . "12 year old . . Pearl Clabaugh . . Sevierville, Tennessee." No, we don't know what that means, but we're beginning some detective work. We'd love to have some more definite information on this wonderful family relic.

WHO ARE THE FOREIGNERS?

My uncle Mike (M.J.) Cotter, a survivor of Pearl Harbor and a World War II veternan, passed away in 2008. He had many stories to tell of those horible days on board the USS Maryland in the Sout Pacific. His attitude about the Japanese and their horrific atrocities was certainly justified. He had lived and survived that terrible time in history.

M.J. would probably never own a "foreign" made car such as the Tennessee built Honda that I drive. I can understand that.

Many people are still fighting the cause of "buying American". We are in "desperate times" according to many, and we've got to protect our own interests. I do believe we are in desperate times, but it is desperation caused by our lack of faith in Christ. We need revival in the hearts of Christians.


I received an email today which closed by saying, "Stop buying from China". The writer used many illustrations of how to study labels and purchase only those things made in our country. The article had been sent to me and distributed by people who serve under the name of Christ. I'm really not sure that the writer of the email claims to be a Christian, but it had been passed on to me as "gospel."

I think of Christ saying to us, "Go ye therefore . . into all the world and preach the gospel." I can never imagine that he would say, " . . but don't buy anything from them."


I've often fallen into the trap of believing that being a Christian is the same as being an American. Since I live in a very "churched" area of America, I somehow believe that everyone is just like me. They need to act like a Christian. They need to respond politically as a Christian. But then I remember that it is just not so. They cannot nor will not act like Christians because Christ has not entered and changed their hearts and lives. The Christian church is growing more in China today than in any other part of the world.

We as believers must see the lost individual as our concern. The friends that I have who serve as missionaries in foreign countries have gone there to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. They have not gone there to change the political or economic world. That will happen as Christ enters new hearts.

If we as Christians say, "Don't buy from China", I feel that we are really saying, "Don't buy from China . . just let them go to hell. They are not one of us." These words would not come from the mouth of Christ. So, maybe we as Christians should rethink our position.

REMEMBER YOUR GRADUATION?

Graduations and weddings are very much alike. There is a long period of planning and preparation and organization, and then the event is finished and done in a whirl of activity. The speaker at the event may seem to be long-winded, and the presentation of the diplomas may go on for an excessive amout of time, but when it is over, there is a sigh of relief.

Ruth Lynn and I have a long time family story about such an event. The truth is that I laugh at her a lot because she doesn't really remember her gradution from North Texas State. We were to be married about four weeks later, and most of her thoughts and planning were on that wedding. The graduation was just a necessary step in the process.

We attended the graduation fo our grand daughter, Lynnlee Hedstrom, from Texas Tech this past weekend. Lynnlee will soon begin a new job as a Registered Nurse at University Hospital in Lubbock. We, like many grand parents, are very proud of her and her accomlishments.

The Nursing school at Texas Tech is named for the Governor's wife. She gave the Commencement address, and said some very encouraging words to the 500+ graduates of PHDs, MDs, BS, Masters Degrees, etc. She made the usual comments with thanks to the families. She told the group that they were entering the medical community at a very important time in the life of America. It was encouraging.

The Chancellor and the President also spoke. They made a lot of self congragulatory statements. They told of the world that awaited the graduates. The program lasted for about 2 1/2 hours. We were all ready to charge out of the basketball stadium to go and conquer the world.

There was only one thing missing.

There was not one mention to the graduates of the existence of something bigger than themseves. There was no word of faith. There was no mention of God and his leadership.

How sad.

The number one thing that this group needed to hear was never even mentioned. Every speaker steered away from using the word God . . or higher power . . or faith . . etc. etc. Our lives are so compartmentalized, and I don't imagine many of the graduates even noticed this omission. After all, this talk of God's leadership in our lives is just a church thing. It's secondary. It really doesn't count for much in the reality of life.

To Lynnlee . . and all of you other graduates. Let me offer some advice from my years of experience. The most important thing in your life is your relationship and confidence in God. Don't jump into your new job and put God on the back shelf. Begin now to trust Him for leadership. You may now know exactly how, but as you begin the process, you'll learn.


God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.

OH DONALD, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

I stand in awe and wonder at the gracious and forgiving spirit that comes from the mouth of Donald Trump. He is so magnanimous in his forgiving and caring spirit. He has taken the very uncivil words of a young lady who knows nothing of being politically correct, and he has given her his kind and loving words of support. Donald . . thank you.

I just wonder why it took so long for The Donald to give his official okay for Miss California. I certainly feel that he was sticking his finger into the air to test the wind currents. Why didn't he step forward immediately to tell the homosexual blogger to sit down and shut up. After all, it was Donald Trump who hired the outspoken critic of Christian values. He had read the blogs and he understood the viciousness of the attacks on those values.

If you are standing back and admiring Donald Trump for his recent actions, stop it. Everything that he has done has been done for the purpose of raising ratings on his many television productions. His has become one of the strongest production companies in the business. I, for one, will not be watching those programs.
But for Carrie Prejean, I give her my utmost admiration. Every time she has opened her mouth, it has been for the purpose of praising God. Most of you know that I have questioned her participation in what I consider to be godless pageants, but I thank the Lord that she continues to give a godly testimony.

Her stock has risen. I pray that her testimony over the coming years will remain strong. There's a huge world out there who will watching and hoping for her downfall.

As Christians, let's pray and support her in this journey.

MOTHER'S DAY 2009

I first fell in love with my sweetheart, the future mother of our three children, when she was a beautiful 16 year old teenager. God gave her to me when I was so very young and immature. Like most teenage boys, I was more driven by my harmones than I was by any common sense. But God had a way of preparing both of us for our 47 1/2 years of marriage.


Ruth Lynn has been a fantastic mother to our family. She has become the steady Christian influence to the family over the years. Her love of her family has only been surpassed by her love for her Lord. Her daily attitude has been to place her complete confidence and trust in God.


She's followed me to a lots of places, not because she always wanted to make the journey. She's followed because she wanted to be in the center of God's will. It was a trip that we wanted to make together. Wow, it has been fun.


Whenever her children speak of their mother, they all speak of her faithfulness. That is a wonderful testimony.


Happy Mothers Day to the best mother I've ever known - to my sweetheart - to my beautiful bride - to beautiful Ruth Lynn. I love you more than ever.

THE BEAUTY QUEEN

I remember many years ago when we had a "Miss Texas" visit our church to give her testimony. I had a problem with it about 40 years ago, and I still a question about what that "testimony" meant to our church and our community.

I've personally known some young ladies who have been involved in pageants, and I've known literally thousands who were not born with the looks needed to make it in the business. I don't question the fact that the participants work hard at the job, but I realize that they must have some great "God given" looks to become winners. The girls have to be a certain size with a certain look and have the desire to let everyone see it all.

I have, for many years, questioned Christian parents who press their daughters into participation in these events. I understand that "talent" is often discussed, but the major portion of the contest is based on the looks of the young lady. She must show doctor inserted cleavage, dress prevocatively, and be willing to act seductively.

The Bible admonition is that we are "in the world" but not "of the world." Everyone of us face this same delimma. We are to be salt and light; we are to stand apart from this world. We are to be "different" so the world can see that difference. We must make the decision to not act like the rest of this world.

I felt so sorry when I heard the story of Miss California in the recent Miss USA Contest. She has spent her entire life getting ready for this event; she has worshipped the whole beauty contestant idea.

Then she tried to be the Christian in an atmosphere that was anything but Christian. The gay judge who asked her the question and who then denigrated her for her answer is of this world. He didn't want a Christian answer. He didn't think of Miss California as a representative of Christ. When she gave a Christian answer, he acted just like a unbeliever is trained to answer. His only recourse was to attack.

Miss California has responded with a strong Christian testimony; she has not be vendictive. She has actually come across as the "victor" in this battle of cultures. We've seen more of her picture than of the actual winner. She is now the national spokesperson for the traditional family.


All of this aside . . the question is this. "Do the activities that are required of a participant in the contest do anything that glorifies Christ and brings glory to the Lord of the universe?" Or are the activities those of the carnal world? I think the later is true. Christian young ladies . . be careful. Miss California may be spokesperson for traditional Christian values, but she has gained that podium by sacrificing many of those values.

STUMP

I just returned from speaking at a Senior Adult Retreat for the folks at First Baptist Church of New Branfels, Texas. They have an absolutely wonderful leader in Billy Barnes and his wife Judy. They are two of the finest I have ever seen. This is my third retreat with them, and RL and I are willing to go again . . anytime.

The theme of the retreat was UNITY, and I began my four sessions with Stump as our role model. After all, at 10 years of age (that's 70 in adult years), we were all able to identify with Stump and his wonderful win at the Westminister Dog Show.

A television commentator said following the show that a good Sussex Spaniel should be LOW, LONG, and LEVEL. I don't know of any better description of a godly senior adult than those words. So I just used that as my outline for the first session, and we used scripture to talk about senior adults.

I had a lot of good responses from the folks. Some got the analagy right off. There were some who thought it was not spiritual enough. Others thought I was calling them a dog.

But we all learned some wonderful life lessons.

The 57 people at the retreat were mostly over 70 years of age, and there were none of them who felt a day over 35. They all thought they could win "Best of Show". That's why it's fun to hang out with senior adults.

INTERESTED IN TEXAS HISTORY?

I've become more and more a fan of Texas history over the past few years. We Texans have always had a reputation that is overly "Texan", and we often deserve the criticism that we receive because of that "Texan" thing. After all, Texas was an indepedent nation prior to becoming a state in the U.S., and we often want to talk about that aspect of our history.

We went down to Goliad this past weekend for their annual reenactment of that historical event. There had already been many Texian deaths in late 1835 and early 1836 at Refugio, Concepcion, and the Alamo, but the greatest number of deaths occured at Goliad on March 27, 1836. It is hard for us to really understand all of the political elements that were happening, but many Texians gave their lives for freedom from the cruel Mexican leadership under Santa Anna.

The reenactors did a wonderful job of telling the story, and there were several thousand people present to learn more about this important part of Texas history. I would encourage anyone to attend this annual event at Presidio La Bahia. The people of Goliad were welcoming and gracious to us. It was a wonderful weekend.

Someone asked me why I was so excited about the killiing and warfare that was represented. I had to stop and say that it wasn't the cannons and guns and killings. I was there to celebrate freedom. Gonzales and Goliad and the Alamo were just the starting points for most of the western United States. These people understood freedom, and many gave their lives for the very freedom that we enjoy today.

This is the time for you and me . . to stand for freedom.

SYDNEY PORTIS - WMU

One of my dear friends in Colorado, Sydney Portis, went home to be with the Lord yesterday.

Sydney and I attended Southwestern Seminary together back in the early 60s, and Sydney served as the Women's Missionary Union Director in Colorado from 1971 through 1998. She was the model of leadership among women. It was a joy for me to work alongside her for 9 years.

Sydney lived very close to Ruth Lynn and me in Centennial, Colorado, and we spent some wonderful time with her. She never married and has no surviving family . . that is except for the thousands of people in Colorado who loved her. She gave her life in ministry in that wonderful state.

Sydney was a "pack rat", and I say that with admiration. There was not a single book or poster or camp item or anything that she did not "keep". I spent many hours helping her to get our shared storage space organized and functioning. She wouldn't let me throw away anything, but I would often slip something out without her knowledge. She took up all of the space in what is now the library for Golden Gate Seminary.

Her declining health over the years forced her into a retirement home, but her sweet Christian spirit has permeated the place. Her dear young friend, Ty McCarty, has done more than could ever be expected. He has stood by her side and handled so many decisions. Thank you Ty for your faithfulness.

"O, may all who come behind us find us faithful."

Sydney Portis lived a life of faithfulness and service.

SENIOR ADULTS KNOW

I'm on the email list for many senior adults, and many of my Facebook friends are senior adults. It could be that, as a 70 year old man, most of my friends fall into that classification.


Senior adults are fun people. Most of them have lived long enough and faithfully enough to "know the ropes." You can't really fool a senior adult very easily; they've all been through it before. This isn't their first rodeo.


I wish that I, as a church leader in the past, would have had a better understanding of senior adults. If I were a Pastor today, I would ask for and listen to the ideas from this age group. I would call on them regularly for advice and insight. I would personally enlist them to pray for me and to mentor my children. I would reach out to them at every opportunity. I'd make friends of every senior adult in the church.


I attended a music conference once and heard a story from the presenter. He told of a county seat First Baptist Church in Mississippi where the music director wanted to do a new thing, a large Christmas pageant. It had never been done before, and he wanted to do the entire thing. He dreamed of a large choir in Biblical costumes, of live animals in the scenes, and of a tremendous impact on the community.


But he wasn't sure how the older people (senior adults) would respond.


His pastor suggested that he approach one of the older women in the church to discuss his proposal. As in all churches, she was the leader that everyone looked to for approval.


So the music director went to her house for tea, and after a period of time, he opened up the discussion. She listened intently as he discribed the plans, and he ended the conversation with the most delicate issue of all. He would also like to use live chickens and sheep and a donkey inside the church sanctuary. Did she think that would be acceptable.


The woman thought for a little while and then answered, "Well, this won't be the first time I've every seen a jackass walk down the aisle." He obviously had her approval.


Pastors and church leaders . . listen to your senior adults. They are not as "out of it" as you may think.

ANCESTORS - GOOD AND BAD

I've been doing a lot of work on Ancestry.com recently, learning about my familly. This is an area where I've never really had any interest in the past, but it has proven to be a lot of fun.
There is one spot on the website where you can find famous people who are distantly related. I don't want to brag, but I'm in some pretty fancy circles. I have some presidents, actors, etc. who are distant cousins. I also have some bank robbers, desperados, and other assorted relatives that I'd rather not tell you about. I guess that is true for most of us. There is always a ghost in the closet.
It brings to mind this question. Are we responsible for the actions of our ancestors or are we only accountable for our own actions. This isn't just a family question. It is a question of theology. What does God have to say about our actions? It's very simple; we are answerable to God.
I know a lot of names of family members from the past, but I don't really know much about their lives. Were they people who expressed love? Did they have a faith life? Were they forgiving in their actions? Did they seek unity in everything they did?
I'm very sorry to say that RL and I have found slave owners, crooks, and all "sorts" in our family ancestry. I don't know if any of them ever had a personal relationship with Christ. But . . that doesn't mean that I can't have that relationship . . that salvation in Christ.
If someone reads in the future what I'm writing today, I want them to know that my life revolved around God's plans for me. My life was based on my trust in God.
That's what my descendents need to know.

HOW EXCITED ARE YOU?

Remember this. Today's society is built on money. People's lives are judged by how much money we can acquire. The winner is the one who has the most of it at the end. The winner is the one who has plenty of money to live this life.


SO . . whenever AIG misuses what we consider to be our money, it is very alarming to us. Millions of dollars is a lot of money. It is hard to describe how many emails I have received concerning efforts we need to make to solve this problem. It goes all the way from firing someone, to killing someone, to using our church pulpits to denigrate those involved.


AND . . I receive emails each day warning us of the dangers involved in religions of the world, in our presidential leadership, in our legislature, and in numerous other problems of this world.


(There is a new industry made up of people who feel it is their duty to pass on every radical email that is available.)


BUT . . I never receive excited email that tells of leading people to Christ, of asking people to attend church, of sharing the gospel, or of many other tasks that Jesus has given us to do. We, as Christians, are actually more excited about the Sweet 16 than we are about kingdom work.


WE ARE TOO BUSY . . complaining, moaning, accusing, and "being just like the rest of the world." Christ said we were to be different; our confidence was to be in Him, not in the cares and agonies of this world.


If you want to get excited about something, I encourage you to get excited about your personal relationship with Jesus.

TRUST IN THE LORD

As a teenager I took my life verse from Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
That's a good verse.
The proverb says we are to trust God in everything, not just in our Sunday activities. God is to be our guide in every aspect of life. We are not to put God into a compartment.
God is in control.
The one person who most impacted my life with this concept was Fred Cherry from Oklahoma. Fred had been trained as a civil engineer, but God got "ahold" of his life. He was never the same again, and he spent his life as an itinerant evangelist. He did find time to have 12 children and to become one of the strongest personal evangelists that I have ever met. While visiting for a revival, he would spend much of his time on the telephone witnessing "cold turkey" to people. This was back in the 1960s, and Fred would use his motel telephone to call names out of the local phonebook. He would share his personal witness and then move on to another number.
I often made personal visits with him; we would stop on the street to share Christ with anyone that he saw. It was amazing to see him follow Christ's command from Matthew 28. He had no hesitancy in sharing the good news of the gospel.
A lot of people didn't like Fred Cherry because he was a full blown tulip Calvinist. His preaching and his life gave all of the glory to God. "Trust in the Lord" was the motto of his life.
Much of my personal belief system came through his preaching. He preached it, but he mainly lived it. I still often find time to listen to his old taped sermons.
His ancestors are still preaching the gospel. It worked.
I must say that it also has worked for me. I've looked, but I've found no better thing to do than to "trust in the Lord." I'm glad I was able to know and to learn from Fred Cherry.
Thank you Fred for your faithful service. I'll see you in glory!

THE BRANDS OF SOUTH TEXAS

No person in ministry in the early 1960s had the audacity to have a resume. Following God’s will was somehow prostituted by a person with a resume, and it was difficult to follow the leadership of the Lord if you moved ahead of His plan. Having a resume was a sign that we were moving ahead of God’s will. God would work at His pace; we just waited on Him to make decisions about moves to a new ministry location. I remember how I reacted when I first heard about someone who had a resume. By the way, I believe with all my heart that it still works the same way. God knows our needs and is more interested in our future than we could ever be. “Wait on the Lord.”
So it was that in1963 I saw a small group of people in the worship service at Calvary Baptist Church of Denison, and it was a group of people that I did not know. I just assumed that this probable committee was there to listen to our pastor, Roy Cloudt. After the service, Othal Brand, approached me, told me they were a music committee, and asked if RL, Chris, and I could go to lunch with them. He told me they were from McAllen, Texas. I went to RL, told her that they had invited us to lunch, and said they were from McAllen. “Where is McAllen?” RL said. I replied, “Somewhere in south Texas.”
WHERE IS MCALLEN?
Just as an aside, this committee was actually planning on visiting another music director somewhere in north Texas, but at the last minute, their plans had changed. They had already flown to the area, and they came to visit our church based on some reference that they had about me and my work in Denison. That is how God works. I hadn’t mailed them a questionnaire; I hadn’t talked with them; I didn’t even know Calvary Baptist Church existed.
I didn’t realize that the “somewhere” was about 500 miles south on the Texas/Mexico border, but after the usual interviews and two flights to McAllen on Othal’s private plane with a private pilot, we found ourselves in an exciting new ministry at Calvary Baptist Church. The first time we ever drove that long 500 miles was when we moved to McAllen; we wondered along the way about the many miles. The church, which was averaging about 400 in Sunday School, was located in a thriving area of town, and I was now the new Music-Education-Youth Director.
We moved into a beautiful tan brick home owned by the church, and it was our parsonage during our years in McAllen. The house was very nice for that era, had hard wood (parquet) floors, a nice carport, and a beautiful yard surrounded on the back by oleanders. The side wall was covered to the roof in the winter by poinsettias. We also shared the carport and sometimes even the house with hundreds of salamanders. This tropical world was a beautiful place to live.
Calvary Baptist Church had begun as a “mission” of First Baptist Church, and I am sure that the dominating personality of Othal Brand and other community leaders was very influential in the beginnings of the church. Many of the early converts of the church were baptized in the Brand’s swimming pool. Othal Brand had begun his career in the Marines after selling produce on the streets of Atlanta, Georgia. He was now a multi-millionaire with produce business all over south Texas and Mexico. He ran in some big circles, was later Mayor of McAllen, and has remained very active in Republican politics. I learned much from Othal. I was asked a question one night in Deacon’s Meeting about a particular subject, and I answered rather hesitantly. Othal corrected me in the group, told me it was my job to give them answers, and told me to bring my ideas the next time we met. Othal wanted his leadership to make decisions, and he expected the same from me. I took that helpful concept and used it the rest of my life.
Othal’s wife Kay was an ex Marine and was/is a sweetheart. They were very wealthy and used a Mexican maid at their home, and Kay used her wonderful gift of hospitality and ministry. Their home was open for any and every possible meeting whether for the church or the city or the business. Often times Kay would go to the packing shed and fill up the back end of her large Cadillac with flats of strawberries. She would then go home and make at least one dozen strawberry pies; these would be delivered along with a flat of strawberries to at least 12 homes all over the community. Chris was several years old before he discovered that everyone didn’t have strawberries at their beck and call. Chris was actually clothed by Kay during his early life in McAllen. Of course, our Kelli Kay, who was born after our move to Baytown, was named for Kay Brand.
Othal was very competitive, and we often played ping pong together in his garage. Since I was just a little bit better than him, our sessions lasted for many long hours. He just didn’t want to lose, and he’d always say while sweat soaked and without his shirt, “Just one more game.” There have been several nights when RL was visiting with Kay in the house a long time after Chris was supposed to be home and in bed.
Othal and Kay were strong supporters of Baptist life at Hardin Simmons University and at Howard Payne University.
They were great examples for our lives.

FUNERALS IN BAYTOWN

It was my privilege to serve Second Baptist Church of Baytown, Texas back in the 1960s and 70s. It was some of the most exciting years of my ministry as God did a wonderful work in the church. I don't remember that we were did a lot of "programs". I just remember God making wonderful changes in the lives of many individuals.

It's been seven years since I was last in Baytown; we were there for the wedding of Pamela Brewer. We went down a couple of weeks ago for the funeral of one of the "saints" of the church, Corrine Craig. I use the term "saint" very sparingly, and it fits Corrine so well. Corrine and her deceased husband Curtis were the parents of seven children, some born in Missouri and some born in Texas.

Curtis and Corrine had arrived in Baytown in the late 1940s seeking a job. They were very poor; they lived in a little apartment alongside the railroad track. Their son Bob, who preached his mother's funeral message, told of the time when a lady from the local Baptist church stopped at their house. She had to slow down for the drive over the railroad track, and she looked out the car window to see a little girl playing in the yard. The lady asked Corrine if she could come by and pick up the little girl (Robin) and take her to Sunday School. That is what happened, and because of the visit, the entire family accepted Christ, became believers, and have served the Lord faithfully over the years.
Wow, what a story!
Maybe we need to drive around a little and look at the fields that are white unto harvest.
Corrine's funeral was a wonderful celebration. Her life reflected Jesus. She was a wonderful inspiration. I remember her energy and enthusiasm during my years in Baytown. Those who have come behind her have found her faithful.
We have lots of friends in Baytown, and we'll probably be headed down that way for other funerals in the future. That's what the Christian life is all about; we are going to celebrate God's wonderful work in the lives of his people.

THANK YOU . . EARNEST POTTER

I was just a young man heading to the seminary when I was contacted by a committee from Calvary Baptist Church in Denison, Texas. I was serving in the same association as Calvary, and I was aware of the great church and its work. I was just very surprised that they were interested in talking with me about a position as Music and Youth Director of the church.
Bob Burroughs had just departed from the church to go to First Baptist Church of Abilene, Texas. Bob was an outstanding Music Minister who later headed the music department for the Florida Baptist Convention. He was a prolific composer, an accomplished director, and a wonderful musician. It was a little hard for me to picture myself as following his ministry.
Earnest Potter and his fine family had been at Calvary for a number of years, and he was well loved and respected in the area. So it was not long before I found myself working alongside him and the other staff member, Malcolm Brown. They were both kind and gracious gentlemen who loved the Lord and loved the ministry of the local church. They both taught me much in those early years of my ministry.
The Potters had two teenage sons, Kenny and Joe. Joe went on to become a physician in Madill, Oklahoma, and we have kept in touch with him for these many years. He is, of course, a grandfather now. It was my privilege to lead music in a revival in his home church at First Baptist Church of Madill many years ago.
Brother Potter, as I called him, went to be with the Lord many years ago. I can still picture him in his suit, wearing white socks, and ministering to people. He was a great churchman.
Thanks Brother Potter. You gave a young man a chance to learn and grow. You served the Lord with dignity and power. I pray for young men everywhere who can use your life as a model for their coming years of ministry.

TWO CHRISTIAN MEN

I began working at Pharo and James Grocery Store on North Main in Weatherford, Texas when I was 12 years old. I sacked groceries, stocked the shelves, and did whatever Rayburn James or Tom Pharo wanted me to do. Both of these men were Deacons at First Baptist Church. They were true Christian gentlemen, and I have a great admiration and remembrances for both of them. They gave me a chance to get started in dealing with people, and both of them were very good at it. I use their names often in sermons as I talk about the examples in my life.
I recently visited with Mrs. Pharo. She is in her 90s and still lives in her old 1936 house. It was fun to talk about Tom and the good things he did for me as a child.
Saturday was a busy day at Pharo and James. Often people would double park up and down North Main Street. Sometime during that period the city decided to solve some of the parking problems by installing parking meters. That was not well received by these country people because it just seemed like we were becoming another Fort Worth, and no one wanted that.
It's now 2009, and the Courthouse Square is again being redesigned and rebuilt. Most of us who remember the "good old days" now realize that this type of change will never end. Every generation must discover and do it over again!
Thanks to Tom Pharo and Rayburn James for some wonderful memories of the 1950s in small town Texas.

BEEN TO A FUNERAL LATELY?

I don't know that I remember the first funeral I ever attended. I do vivadly remember the death of my Uncle I.B. who was killed in a tragic accident, and I served as a pall bearer as a boy at my Grandfather's funeral. There was always a sense of finality at those early services.

As I matured in Christ, I understood that physical death is part of God's plan. Old bodies wear out because of sin; we don't want to hang around in them too long.

Our attitudes about death and about funerals are very tied to our attitude about God. Is He concerned? Does He have a plan for us? Why are we put in these positions? Everyone of us faces the same questions of life. It's how we anwer them that count.

My Mother and Dad lost a boy at birth in the hills of northern Arkansas during the depression. There was very little medical help in those days. The doctor, who was drunk that night, did not arrive on time, and the breach baby was still born. I can only imagine the pain and sorrow and anger of my parents during those very dark hours.

My Dad was a day laborer, and he often worked in 1934 for less than a dollar a day. They were struggling just to eat. So my Dad, with his own hands, carved a little stone that sits on the grave for Darrell Don Cotter in Leslie, Arkansas. I often visualize that small group of people gathered around the little gravesite, crying, grieving, and looking to God for support.

I know that they looked to God, because that is the way they raised me. Even though I didn't come along for another five years, they were preparing their hearts and lives to greet me.

RL is going to a funeral today; we just read in the paper of a 102 year old friend who died. I have but a few years to go before my own death.

I want my children and grandchildren and friends to be ready for death. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except by me."

OLD TIMER'S DISEASE

My son-in-law has peaked my interest in family history, and I've been doing a lot of work on ancestry.com. It is a lot of fun to discover a new document or fact about one of the family ancestors. Our family is just like yours. There are some tht are fun to discover; there are others we'd like to keep secret.

I'm also affected by this "old timer's disease" of looking to the past because of my mother. I realize that I write about her often, but that is only natural, since I see her and deal with her needs every day. At 102, she still continues to amaze me with her keen insights and reflections on life.

The new Holland Lake Park softball fields are being built just across the street from her retirement home, and we have made two excursions out to the new area to survey the progress. Our trip out yesterday on one of these "inspection" trips brought us into contact with an electrical crew putting up some very beautiful and ornate light poles. We stopped and talked with the crew; they were already busy with a difficult task. But . . they stopped and took the time to talk with us. Our told them of Birdie's age, and they were amazed at her ability to communicate and discuss the new lights. One of the young men told us that he had just called his 90 year old great grand father that day, and so he was very alert to Mother's needs.

She said to me, "I've never seen anything like that. That must be the 'only one' like it in the world. They certainly don't have anything like that in Big Spring or anywhere else. I assured her that there were others like it, but I agreed that it was a very beautiful softball field. I was certainly taken back by the layout and beauty and funtion of the spot. It was something!

I have old timer's disease. I usually want to look back to the past, to remember the old softball fields of the past. But . . things . . they are a changing.

As I get older, I'm praying for new timer's disease. I want to support my community as it looks to a future. I want to support my church as it reaches out in new ways. I think that is what Christ had in mind when he said, "Look at the fields that are white unto harvest." They are new.

THANK YOU . . ROY CLOUDT

I've been thinking recently about people who had a great influence on my life. My life has been like most; it is the reflection of many people who touched my life with their love and support. One of those people is Roy Cloudt.

I headed to East Texas State University, Now Texas A&M Commerce in the fall of 1959. I had just completed two summers of mission work, had led music in a local church and for several revivals. I was now ready to find a place to minister as a Music and Youth Director . . if I could just find a church and pastor willing to give me the chance.

After visiting with the BSU Director at East Texas, he told me that a church pastor had recently called him about a position in the church. They needed someone . . and I needed a church. I called Roy Cloudt, talked with him on the phone, and then headed over to First Baptist Church of Howe, Texas for a visit. It wasn't long before I was the new guy . . serving on the staff of a church . . doing what God had called me to do.

Roy and Joyce Cloudt were wonderful encouragers to me, and they became lifelong friends because of that simple phone call made in 1959. That's 50 years. As an aside, that reminds me that little baby Carla will be 50 years old this March.

I often stayed in the Cloudt's home; they became my confidant and counselor before RL and I married. They stood alongside RL and me in Howe . . later at Calvary Baptist Church of Denison . . and then at Second Baptist Church of Baytown. We served together in three different churches and felt God's power at work in the lives of many people. We literally raised our families together in their young lives.

I owe Roy and Joyce a great deal of thanks. They had confidence in me when I didn't know what I was doing. They continually taught me God's word, taught me how to do church ministry, and stood with me in some difficult times.

Thank you . . Roy Cloudt (and Joyce)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIRDIE # 2

We had a lunch today for Birdie at Holland Lake Nursing Center. There were eight of us present, and we enjoyed a good meal together. We then began to talk with Birdie, asking her questions from the past, just getting her to talk.

It was lots of fun. She told of riding in covered wagons, of her brother losing his hat from the wagon while going over a bridge, of riding on a train, of living in the hills of Arkansas, and of the great stories of life. She wanted to tell us more but her mind just couldn't put the right words into her mouth.

She talked a lot about wanting to go to heaven. She spoke of her wonderful life, of the joy of her family, and of remembering the great things from the past. But through it all, she said she had asked the Lord why he wouldn't just go ahead and take her. She's ready, but she said God must not be ready.

I wish I could have recorded what she said. She looked at us, her children, grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Then she said it . . the most important thing is to do what God wants you to do. It was very lucid . . very clear . . very ominous.

We all listened in amazement as this woman, who usually has a hard time making a complete sentence, gave us the great plan for living. It is to trust God. She does. She wants everyone else to trust in God just as she has . . for 102 years.

There's not much more to say. She said it all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIRDIE

My mother is 102 years old this week. She grew up in a very humble background in west Texas. She never had very much as far as worldly goods are concerned. Her own mother died when she was 12 years of age, and she helped to raise 4 younger siblings. She then married, survived the depression, picked cotten along the roads of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, and finally settled in Weatherford, Texas where she raised our family.

She has gone from poverty to her final years in a very nice nursing center. She really doesn't understand politics and that we've elected a new president. Her mind can't put complete sentences together very well. She doesn't really understand where she lives or why she lives there. She does recognize her family, and that is good. She has lived a full and wonderful life. I visit her every day. I try to help as much as possible.

I love her dearly, and I thank her for the wonderful Christian heritage that she passed along to me . . to my children . . and now to my grandchildren.

Happy birthday Mother.

IN 2008, IT ALL WENT DOWNHILL

That was the headline on the Ft. Worth Star Telegram today.

In 2008:

1. I finished a wonderful interim pastoral ministry in one of our small churches.

2. All of my grandchildren are doing well; they are making good grades in school. They are growing spiritually.

3. RL and I are enjoying good health and the fun of retirement.

4. All three of our children have good jobs and are fulfilled in their positions.

5. My mother continues to thrive at 102.

6. RL and I continue to grow in the Lord, to enjoy our lives together in retirement years, and to look forward to a great future.

I thought things were going great. I must be wrong. So, to the Star Telegram, I offer my apologies for living a life by faith.

I'M GONNA TRY HARDER

That's really what new year's resolutions are all about. They are based on the idea that . . if I just try hard enough, I can do it. It's all about me and my abilities. "I can be anything I want to be . . if I just work hard enough."

God made me and created me in a certain way. I never was able to force myself to grow to the heighth of 6'8". I tried, but I just couldn't make it. I took my vitamins; I ate my veggies; and I got my exercise. But here I am at 6' tall. That's it. No more or no less. I have some friends who never made the 6' status, but they are really big people.

Most of the things that I write on my blog say the same thing. I really don't have a new story or a new philosophy. I guess I'm just hung in the past.

The same old thing is this. If you want to be really big, quit making resolutions. God has already given you a plan. Follow that plan. Then 2009 will be a year that will honor the Lord. It will be a good year; no, it will be a great year.