The Dog Again

Old Cookie is still doing quite well at seventeen; and as you can see, he pretty much owns whatever he wants around here. He still asks for "bites" and for his walks. Otherwise, he spends a lot of time, as one might say, in the arms of Morpheus. He can still spook a squirrel up a tree post-haste, and the rabbit nests within our fence perimeter have been uprooted. Darned doe should learn to keep it outside the fence. She comes back every year, and every year she has to start over somewhere else --usually under the neighbor's tool shed.

[April 29, 1933 Birth of Willie Nelson in Abbott, Texas.
One can but appreciate his talent as a musician/singer and composer/writer of songs. His excessive lifestyle, his politics, his fixation on bio-fuels, not so much.]

100 Days

You tell me.

Getting to Know You

While reading Steele (the Day), a blog I follow, I found this recommendation to join in "Getting to Know You." Dancing Barefoot on Weathered Ground gives all the details. Check it out.

That's What Tortures Me

Is there anyone else out there who is torqued with our so-called leadership who seem more intent on tearing our country apart than they are in healing rifts and fixing the economy? The witchhunts promoted by top personnel in congress and their henchmen in the left-wing media can do nothing but damage the nation and its image worldwide.
Ninnies.

Torture? Two words: Nick Berg.

Then There's This

Obama's problem is that he does not know who the enemy is. To him, the enemy does not squat in caves in Waziristan, clutching automatic weapons and reciting the more militant verses from the Koran: instead, it sits around at tea parties in Kentucky quoting from the US Constitution. Obama is not at war with terrorists, but with his Republican fellow citizens. He has never abandoned the campaign trail. --Gerald Warner, in the Telegraph

Wow, those Brits really tell it like it is.

Freedom of Expression

A group of bloggers is holding a blog rally in support of Roxana Saberi (who is spending her birthday on a hunger strike in Tehran's Evin Prison) and of others who have dared to express their thoughts freely only to be imprisoned, abused, or killed.

Please consider placing a blue ribbon this week on your blog, website, and facebook / myspace / twitter page, and invite others to do the same, in honor of the journalists, bloggers, students, and writers who are imprisoned in Evin Prison (nicknamed "Evin University") and other prisons around the world for speaking and writing down their thoughts.

Why We Need a Pentecostal Encounter, Part 2

This morning, Pastor Doug continued the series on a pentecostal encounter. The lesson continues in the Book of Acts, today emphasizing chapter 4. This is a study of the trial of Peter and John before the Sanhedrin following the healing of a lame man at the temple gate.

Why we need a pentecostal encounter:
1) The believer's verbal message becomes Holy Spirit-filtered and empowered. (v.8)
See Luke 21:12 where Jesus predicted negative public reaction to the message. But, He tells us, don't plan what you will say, for "I will give you words and wisdom."

2) Faith and courage builds on itself. (vv. 9, 10)
Definition of "salvation:" healing, health, wholeness, oneness.

3) Human intellect and training only go so far. (v.13)
The Sanhedrin noted the courage (daring) of Peter and John, but they were not impressed. Rather, they were offended. They "could not deny" that the man was healed. But they didn't admit it, either. There was "nothing they could say." Except to tell the disciples to shut up.

4) Everything a believer does is a witness for the Lord. (v. 16)

5) The Holy Spirit fuels the believer with passion to fulfull his purposes. (v. 20)
"We cannot help but speak of what we have seen and heard."
A passionless Christian probably has a Holy Spirit issue.

The Holy Spirit wants not only to be among us, but to live in us.
Why?
He wants to empower us to live as witnesses for Christ.

As Christ-followers, we may expect the world to say we are crazy, out of our minds; but we'll be the ones who have our lives together.

Talented Spouse

Several years before I met her, BBBH published a book of poems and songs she had written. I submit here lyrics to one of the songs. I particularly enjoy hearing her sing this.

Take a Look It's All in the Book

The Bible says we can be free

From all our sins and misery

That the Lord's the only way

Not many paths, like people say

Says we can claim His every word

Of His promises be assured

That we can know He loves us so

And that He just wants us to know

Says in the word that we can find

In the book He left behind

That He shed His blood for me

Took my stripes at Calvary

In His kingdom we can share

Because He'll always be there

He came to set us free from sin

So open your heart and let Him in

So take a look, take a look,

It's all in the book

So take a look, take a look

It's all in the book

John 3:16

Copyright Grace JoAnn Harrison 1995. Used by permission.

Personal Notes on a Great Spring Day

Today, finally, is one of those eighty degree days we've been awaiting. Impatiently.
Lots of yard work today, more probably by BBBH than by me. She's still riding her mower. I'm too tired to do any more.

Also, got the new digital system for the home computer network up and running. Now that's a feat for a technoretard such as I. Used lots of help from those in the know, too. Knowing how to do something is fine, but we live in such an age of specialization that one is wise to rely on those who are experts in their fields. Many scratches and bruises, many "left-over" parts when the job is done, were all instrumental in teaching me this lesson. I may not be the highest-wattage bulb in the array, but neither have I lived well into my eighth decade without learning a few things.

[Happy Birthday to Denise]

What Gives?

??

A beautiful spring morning in the Hometown so I visited the "business district" to manage a
couple of chores. For several years, our fair town has been adorned with Bradford pear trees in the downtown area, as shown here on north Main Street. They provide a wonderful display of white blooms in the spring, the dropping of the petals promising us that it is the last "snowfall" of the season. In the summer the beautiful, glossy greens provide shade for us and in the fall the reds/oranges of the turning create yet another feast for the eye.

But the next two pictures show the "new" appearance of south Main Street. Perhaps in celebration of Earth Day.

[and Happy Birthday to great granddaughter Ariel]

Why We Need a Pentecostal Encounter

Pastor Doug's sermon this morning centered on"Why we need a pentecostal encounter." The lesson is based on Acts 2:1-13. The focus of the pentecostal experience is being filled with the Holy Spirit. The inward change in our life is manifested in the fruit of the Spirit, viz. love, joy, peace, patience, as outlined by Paul in the Epistles. The outward change is evidenced in power. The Holy Spirit enables us to live a powerful, victorious life.

What does a pentecostal encounter do in/for the believer?
1) The believer will go from timid to courageous.
2) Will go from no message to clear message of salvation. See verse 38.
3) Will go from conflict to unity. (verse 44)
4) Will go from powerless to powerful.

What message is your life preaching? Our lives should be telling everyone, "Repent and be baptized."
Why is there conflict within the church today? It is due to a lack of holy living as Spirit filled Christians.

What is the key to the pentecostal encounter? As in the upper room, Acts chapter 2, it is to pray and wait for God to fill us. The people on that day desired the Holy Spirit, and they were obedient and prayerful.

!

Traveling On

Thursday and we are in Collierville. We are having a wonderful visit with Doug, Joanie and Suzanne.
And now to sleep.

Traveling Northward

Here are a couple of shots taken on the campground in Garrison, Texas where we stayed last night. This morning we drove about sixty miles into Longview to visit Cousin Eunice and Vern. Had lunch with them, then were on the road again by 2:45. Drove to Arkadelphia, AR where we are parked for this evening.

IRS Day

Four a.m., rolling and tossing. I "wrote" a great post for April 15. Finally dozed off, and when I awoke I thought to transcribe it. As I sat at the keyboard I realized that it was utter nonsense.

Much like the ridiculous forms we have to fill out for this day.
Don't forget to beat the midnite postmark!

Happy Birthday to Granddaughter Mary Elizabeth
and
Happy Birthday to Grandson Jordan

An Aquarium and Beach Day

Today we drove to Corpus Christi to visit the Texas State Aquarium. It is "under the bridge."

Approaching the Aquarium.

The USS Lexington lies nearby.

There are two rays. The smaller lighter one swam over the large one just as I snapped the shutter.

Goliath birdeating spider, world's largest spider. And you might guess one of the most exciting exhibits for me, a confirmed arachnophile.

Lots of colorful creatures here.

DJ introduces himself to the people-type creatures.

Everyone "otter" visit this place!

After our visit here, we drove through Corpus Christi on the Shoreline Drive, a boulevard which is lined for miles with mansions and fantastic upscale houses. On a darker note, we saw that every block had at least one and often two and three "for sale" signs. Signs of the time, I guess.

We drove the length of Mustang Island to Port Aransas where we had a very late lunch, after which we spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach. A short ferry ride and a twenty-mile drive got us safely back to Ancient Oaks.

We plan to leave here in the morning, headed toward the Midwest! Internet access may be hit or miss, so I'll only say we'll try to stay in touch.

Plaudits for the US Military

To the Commander in Chief, B. Obama; the Commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, V. Adm. B. Gortney; the US Navy Fifth Fleet; the Captain of the USS Bainbridge and all officers and crew, the United States Navy and the Seals:

Job well-done. Thank you for the swift and timely rescue of Captain Phillips; thanks for doing what had to be done.

He is Risen!

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. --Mark 16:1-7

He died that you might be saved. He arose that you might live with Him eternally!

Pedro, Juan y Maria Magdalen en el sepulcro vacio

Jaime Dominguez Montes

Good Friday

Good Friday is a day of mourning. We mourn for the death of Jesus. We mourn for the sins of the world that required his death. In the darkness of the day, yet there is joy in the hope of the resurrection, and ultimately in the knowledge of salvation.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Reflections from scripture. Seven Last Words of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels.

Father, forgive them . . . (Luke 23:34)

This day you will be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43)

Woman, behold your son . . .(John 19:26-27)

My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?. . . (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34)

I thirst. (John 19:28)

It is finished! (John 19:30)

Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. . . (Luke 23:46)

"Christ Carrying the Cross"

El Greco

$

$
There were once "assets" and "liabilities;" there were "debits" and "credits."

What are these "bad assets" that our wonderful washington wizards are so all-fired anxious for us to buy? There's gotta be an oxymoron somewhere in that last sentence. At least one.

Commandment Thursday

Today is Maundy Thursday. The term "Maundy" comes from the Latin word mandatum which may be translated "commandment." Jesus and His disciples shared together the "Last Supper." Jesus washed the feet of His followers; then afterward, as they walked into the night toward Gethsemane, Jesus taught them thus:
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, you also ought to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34-35)

"The Last Supper"

--Leonardo

Life in the Oak Motte

On February 10 and on March 11 we showed some pictures representing camping in Orange Grove. Here are a few pictures at Ancient Oaks. The differences between camping in an orange grove and in an oak motte are quite evident.

Our time here in the Coastal Bend is swiftly drawing to a close. Spring, please hurry to Indiana. Last weather report wasn't looking too cheery.

Merle Haggard

How appropriate it is that following an evening of boycotting the CMA program, we should celebrate the birthday of a true country and western artist!

Merle Haggard was born on April 6, 1937. His father died when Merle was nine years of age, and the next dozen years of the boy's life were not exemplary. However, he discovered his talent and his art, and the rest is history.

He will ever stand tall in the pantheon of music greats, both for his compositions and his performances.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Haggard.

One Meal A Day

We returned to home base following attendance at two, yes two, worship services this morning. BBBH sang a special number, "I Know a Man Who Can," at the first service. We indulged in a meal that though we may not have invented it, we think we coined a name for it. We call it "brupper."

[We had no breakfast, it was too late for lunch, hence the term; and in all probability, we won't need to eat again today! Fantastic.]

Which leads to this. We may find that this regimen becomes mandatory as the fixed dollars grow less in value and the prices of groceries escalate. --or let us eat cake.

Peace and Blessings!

Palm Sunday

Zech. 9:9: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

John 12:12-15: On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.

Matthew 21:1-11: And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

MLK

“Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and consciencious stupidity.”--Martin Luther King, jr.

From time to time we honor someone we consider worthy of it here on STSTT. Usually this is done on the anniversary of the subject's birth. Today, though, we are celebrating a true worthy on the anniversary of his death. I particularly remember the moment the news of his assassination broke, as a group of us were gathered in Bob Durr's home for our weekly chess round robin. The television was on in the background, perhaps a ploy by Bob to distract his opponent. The news alert stunned the assemblage into first, silence, then outrage. How could it be that Americans could die in such unseemly manner in America? The memory of the loss of our president by deliberate gunfire was still fresh in the consciousness of the country; and now this.

So, though there has been established a national holiday in his honor, we note this patriot and man of God on the forty-first anniversary of his passing.

Gentleman, Orator, Human Rights Champion, Nobelist

Martin Luther King, jr January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968 RIP

Award and Beach

Thank you, Secondary Roads, from whom
I received this Friendly Blogger Award. I wish to pass it along to

Hoosier Happenings

Here's What Let's Do
Steele (the Day)
the couch

Trey Morgan.net

Award it in your turn to some of your deserving blogger friends!

In other news, yesterday was another day on the beach. The temperature flirted with ninety all afternoon, hence beachtime. However, the wind blasted a good bit at 35 to 50 mph, hence lots of flying sand. We didn't let that spoil our fun, and eventually the wind subsided somewhat and the sand quit flying around. We were very tired when we returned to our campsite. From all the lolling around, I guess.

Don't Worry

Happy birthday, Alfred E. Neuman.