WOW! It is amazing what a cool, calm morning does for the soul! It is very soothing after the past week of 100+ temps and 40 mph winds. Our crops need some relief, but God knows that too. He has always blessed us!
I guess the morning just reminds me of God's grace for us. One of my favorite Grace stories is found in Luke 7:36-5o.
Jesus was invited to a pharisee's house for supper one night. He wasn't really invited over for supper, I think the self righteous pharisee just want to try and condemn Jesus in some way! Get it in your mind that in that day they didn't sit on chairs at the table. In my mind, I picture the table being less that a floor tall. Everyone is at the table for supper. With their feet stuck out behind them leaning on one elbow or the other so that you could eat with the other hand.
Now, a woman enters into the house. By the reactions of the pharisee, she must have been a sinner. (JUST LIKE ME I might add) A woman of the night. Someone that had spent her nights pleasing men. Now, I wonder how the pharisee knew who she was. OK! She comes in, comes to the feet of Jesus weeping. She let her tears fall on his feet. Then she took her long hair and wiped them off. She takes out her most prized possession, an alabaster jar of perfume and began to anoint Jesus' feet with the perfume.
Now the pharisee is just thinking in his mind "does He know who's at his feet?" Jesus turns to the woman and, just as the man had spoken to Jesus, Jesus explains grace. He tells him a story of two men who had owed money, one just a couple of bucks, the other several thousand bucks. And the loan officer forgave both of them for their debt. Which is most gracious of the actions of the banker. Of course the guy who owed the several thousand,
Jesus turns to the woman and continues to speak. "Do you see this woman?" "I came to your house, you didn't offer to wash me feet. You didn't kiss me, and you didn't put any oil on my head." (all customs of the day) "Do you SEE this woman?" I can see her. All I have to do is look in the mirror!
Then Jesus looks at her and says "your sins are forgiven".
By grace, God's grace, Her sins were forgiven!
How cool is that!!!!!!!!
P
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Hold to God's Unchanging Hand
Ok, I confess and repent at the same time. I am really struggling this morning so I am having to dig real deep for Faith today. I know it's there, just gotta get a knot tied off! Seems like the Paxil withdrawals are (along with satan I'm sure) poking their evil head up this morning. But you know what? I will survive this thing and God is with me. And you know who's right there beside him, interceding on my behalf? That's right! Jesus is! How do I know this? This verifiable, historical document, THE BIBLE, tells me so.
Go to Acts 7. You gotta get this image in your head. Stephen, a Christian man, "a man full of God's grace and power" (Acts6:8), has been standing before the supreme court of the time. They are really grilling him about his faith and some of the miracles he had performed. So, Stephen was stating his case, when at the end of his statement, he really scolds this group. Acts 7:51"You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous ONE. And now YOU have betrayed and murdered him-you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."
WOW! Can you picture anyone standing before the supreme court and scolding them like this? Then the sanhedrin loses control. They were so mad that they grinded their teeth. Have you ever seen a wild boar hog that is trapped. He gnashes his teeth. Well this group was ANGRY, UPSET, MAD, well you get the picture.
Then look at what happens next. I want you to close your eyes and think about this for a minute.
Acts 7:55 But Stephen, Full of the Holy Spirit, looked up into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. v56 "LOOK" Stephen said "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"
Well, you know the rest of the story, Stephen is beat/stoned to death and he is with Jesus right now. Oh yeah, I almost forgot the "close your eyes" deal. Lean back, take a deep breath, let it out, close your eyes. Can you see it? Can you see Jesus there at the right hand of God? He's there!
I say all this to you cause this really happened. It's verifiable. The Holy Spirit wrote it down for us. It's real. Jesus is there!
Also, with my struggles today, as I get through the necessities of my job today, it is an awesome picture to have in my mind.
Ok Here's my song!
244.....two hundred forty-four...... Hold to God's Unchanging Hand.
(brother Dee would give us a toot on his pitch pipe and a "DoSo")
Time is filled with swift transition-Naught of earth unmoved can stand-Build your hope on things eternal, Hold to God's unchanging hand.
Trust in him who will not leave you, What so ever years may bring, If by earthly friends forsaken, Still more closely to him cling.
Covet not this world's vain riches, That so rapidly decay, seek to gain the heavnly treasures, They will never pass away.
When your journey is complete, If to God you have been true, Fair and bright the home in glory, Your enraptured soul will view.
Refrain: Hold to God's unchanging hand! Hold to God's unchanging hand! Build you hopes on things eternal, Hold to God's unchanging hand.
Grab a hold and hang on!!!!!
Preston
Go to Acts 7. You gotta get this image in your head. Stephen, a Christian man, "a man full of God's grace and power" (Acts6:8), has been standing before the supreme court of the time. They are really grilling him about his faith and some of the miracles he had performed. So, Stephen was stating his case, when at the end of his statement, he really scolds this group. Acts 7:51"You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous ONE. And now YOU have betrayed and murdered him-you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."
WOW! Can you picture anyone standing before the supreme court and scolding them like this? Then the sanhedrin loses control. They were so mad that they grinded their teeth. Have you ever seen a wild boar hog that is trapped. He gnashes his teeth. Well this group was ANGRY, UPSET, MAD, well you get the picture.
Then look at what happens next. I want you to close your eyes and think about this for a minute.
Acts 7:55 But Stephen, Full of the Holy Spirit, looked up into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. v56 "LOOK" Stephen said "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"
Well, you know the rest of the story, Stephen is beat/stoned to death and he is with Jesus right now. Oh yeah, I almost forgot the "close your eyes" deal. Lean back, take a deep breath, let it out, close your eyes. Can you see it? Can you see Jesus there at the right hand of God? He's there!
I say all this to you cause this really happened. It's verifiable. The Holy Spirit wrote it down for us. It's real. Jesus is there!
Also, with my struggles today, as I get through the necessities of my job today, it is an awesome picture to have in my mind.
Ok Here's my song!
244.....two hundred forty-four...... Hold to God's Unchanging Hand.
(brother Dee would give us a toot on his pitch pipe and a "DoSo")
Time is filled with swift transition-Naught of earth unmoved can stand-Build your hope on things eternal, Hold to God's unchanging hand.
Trust in him who will not leave you, What so ever years may bring, If by earthly friends forsaken, Still more closely to him cling.
Covet not this world's vain riches, That so rapidly decay, seek to gain the heavnly treasures, They will never pass away.
When your journey is complete, If to God you have been true, Fair and bright the home in glory, Your enraptured soul will view.
Refrain: Hold to God's unchanging hand! Hold to God's unchanging hand! Build you hopes on things eternal, Hold to God's unchanging hand.
Grab a hold and hang on!!!!!
Preston
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
A Beautiful Day!
What an awesome day. I hate that I missed the sunrise this morning but got some much needed "rest" last night.
Just some thoughts for the day!
One song this morning!
(in my song leaders voice, which I do not do! I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket!)
821....eight-hundred twenty-one Hide Me, Rock of Ages!
I am skipping all the Base parts. If you know the song, you will hear them!
Oh thou blessed rock of ages, Trusting now dear lord in thee, Keep me till my journeys ended, Till thy blessed face I see.
Keep me when the storm clouds gather, Till the sun comes shining through, keep me till my work is over, Till I bid this world adieu.
When my journey is completed, And there's no more work to do, Savior guide my weary spirit, To the Happy land beyond the blue.
Refrain: Hide me O blessed rock of ages, Till thy blessed face I see, when the storm around me rages, Rock of ages hide thou me!!!
A beautiful, awesome praise to God to start your day! Hope it helps you as much as it is helping me! Keeping us focus on the goal today. Rom 8:28 (this is one of my favorites) And WE KNOW (that's you and I, we know) That in all things (not just in one or two, not just in the things we want him involved in, but ALL THINGS) God works for the good of those who love Him! Who have been called according to his purpose.
"We know", "all things", "those who love Him", "called according to His purpose". Follow me here. LOL! "We know" is to give us peace that WE know, that's what gets us through the day. "All things", every little thing right down to the breath of air we breath in and out to sustain life. "God works", He is always working to get us to him, we are His inheritance! "Those who love HIM", and we do! Without a doubt love and depend on him. "Called according to his purpose", Guess who that comes from? You are called! You are His purpose!!!!!
Peace!!!!
Preston
Just some thoughts for the day!
One song this morning!
(in my song leaders voice, which I do not do! I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket!)
821....eight-hundred twenty-one Hide Me, Rock of Ages!
I am skipping all the Base parts. If you know the song, you will hear them!
Oh thou blessed rock of ages, Trusting now dear lord in thee, Keep me till my journeys ended, Till thy blessed face I see.
Keep me when the storm clouds gather, Till the sun comes shining through, keep me till my work is over, Till I bid this world adieu.
When my journey is completed, And there's no more work to do, Savior guide my weary spirit, To the Happy land beyond the blue.
Refrain: Hide me O blessed rock of ages, Till thy blessed face I see, when the storm around me rages, Rock of ages hide thou me!!!
A beautiful, awesome praise to God to start your day! Hope it helps you as much as it is helping me! Keeping us focus on the goal today. Rom 8:28 (this is one of my favorites) And WE KNOW (that's you and I, we know) That in all things (not just in one or two, not just in the things we want him involved in, but ALL THINGS) God works for the good of those who love Him! Who have been called according to his purpose.
"We know", "all things", "those who love Him", "called according to His purpose". Follow me here. LOL! "We know" is to give us peace that WE know, that's what gets us through the day. "All things", every little thing right down to the breath of air we breath in and out to sustain life. "God works", He is always working to get us to him, we are His inheritance! "Those who love HIM", and we do! Without a doubt love and depend on him. "Called according to his purpose", Guess who that comes from? You are called! You are His purpose!!!!!
Peace!!!!
Preston
Monday, June 9, 2008
More Paxil Withdrawals
I share this with you because these withdrawal symptoms are for real.
If anyone who reads this is contemplating getting on Paxil or "weaning" (and I emphasize the weaning part) off of it, READ! There is tons of stuff on the net both ways. I probably didn't follow exact protocol in getting off.
I am learning that Paxil is one of the harshest anti-depressants/anti-anxiety drugs on the market. The side effects are harsh and the withdrawals are even worse.
My problem is that I don't want to take any kind of drug to help me "deal" with life. Some of my decisions I made in life warranted the "getting on" the drug. I just don't believe that God wired us to have to take these drugs daily to cope. HE IS ENOUGH! I am so glad that HE is in my life. I have an awesome support staff that is helping me through this.
Here are some links that you can read:
http://www.quitpaxil.org/Main/symptoms.htm
http://www.join-the-fun.com/paxil-withdrawal-symptoms.html
http://counsellingresource.com/medications/drug-pages/paroxetine.html
http://www.quitpaxil.org/Main/voices.htm
http://www.quitpaxil.org/Main/success.htm
This is a very harsh drug. The side effects and withdrawal symptoms are real!
I need your prayers in getting past these symptoms. Don't worry, I'm not suicidal! I have way too much to live for. I know that! I make lists nightly of things that I'm grateful for. And make list of answered prayers! They are good list. Satan rears his head up at goofy times. He had me once, but he's not getting me again!!!
Sorry for the seriousness of this blog today. I want this to be a "happy" place for people to come to and get lifted spiritually.
Also, if you are contemplating getting on or off of Paxil, talk to me. I'm not an expert by any means, but I am an "ear to hear".
Remember two thing here!
1. God doesn't make junk!
2. Jesus didn't die for junk!
If anyone who reads this is contemplating getting on Paxil or "weaning" (and I emphasize the weaning part) off of it, READ! There is tons of stuff on the net both ways. I probably didn't follow exact protocol in getting off.
I am learning that Paxil is one of the harshest anti-depressants/anti-anxiety drugs on the market. The side effects are harsh and the withdrawals are even worse.
My problem is that I don't want to take any kind of drug to help me "deal" with life. Some of my decisions I made in life warranted the "getting on" the drug. I just don't believe that God wired us to have to take these drugs daily to cope. HE IS ENOUGH! I am so glad that HE is in my life. I have an awesome support staff that is helping me through this.
Here are some links that you can read:
http://www.quitpaxil.org/Main/symptoms.htm
http://www.join-the-fun.com/paxil-withdrawal-symptoms.html
http://counsellingresource.com/medications/drug-pages/paroxetine.html
http://www.quitpaxil.org/Main/voices.htm
http://www.quitpaxil.org/Main/success.htm
This is a very harsh drug. The side effects and withdrawal symptoms are real!
I need your prayers in getting past these symptoms. Don't worry, I'm not suicidal! I have way too much to live for. I know that! I make lists nightly of things that I'm grateful for. And make list of answered prayers! They are good list. Satan rears his head up at goofy times. He had me once, but he's not getting me again!!!
Sorry for the seriousness of this blog today. I want this to be a "happy" place for people to come to and get lifted spiritually.
Also, if you are contemplating getting on or off of Paxil, talk to me. I'm not an expert by any means, but I am an "ear to hear".
Remember two thing here!
1. God doesn't make junk!
2. Jesus didn't die for junk!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Beautiful Songs
Ok, time to get the hymnal, or as I prefer "the song book" out.
776......Seven hundred seventy-six. "Will Your Anchor Hold"
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, When the clouds unfold their wings of strife? When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain, Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?
It is safely moored, 'twill the storm withstand, for 'tis well secured by the saviors hand. And the cables passed from His heart to mine, Can defy the blast, thro' strength divine.
It will firmly hold in the straits of fear, When the breakers have told the reef is near, Tho' the tempest rave and the wild winds blow, Not an angry wave shall our bark o'er flow.
It will surely hold in the floods of death, When the waters cold chill our latest breath, On the rising tide it can never fail, While our hopes abide with-in the veil.
When our eyes behold thro' the gathring night The city of gold, our harbor bright, We shall anchor fast by the heav'nly shore, With the storm all past for evermore.
REFRAIN We have an anchor that keeps the soul Steadfast and sure while the billows roll, Fastened to the Rock which can not move, Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.
I have probably only sang this song 100 times in my life. But for some reason the words hit me this morning. Caused a tear or two to roll.
947....nine hundred forty-seven. "Jesus, Let us come to know you"
Jesus let us come to know You. Let us see You face to face. Touch us, use us, mold us: Only let is live in You.
Jesus draw us ever nearer; Hold us in Your loving arms. Wrap us in Your gentle presence, When the end comes, bring us home.
What more can you add to life from these two songs? Awesome prayers!
Have a good day!!
Preston
776......Seven hundred seventy-six. "Will Your Anchor Hold"
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, When the clouds unfold their wings of strife? When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain, Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?
It is safely moored, 'twill the storm withstand, for 'tis well secured by the saviors hand. And the cables passed from His heart to mine, Can defy the blast, thro' strength divine.
It will firmly hold in the straits of fear, When the breakers have told the reef is near, Tho' the tempest rave and the wild winds blow, Not an angry wave shall our bark o'er flow.
It will surely hold in the floods of death, When the waters cold chill our latest breath, On the rising tide it can never fail, While our hopes abide with-in the veil.
When our eyes behold thro' the gathring night The city of gold, our harbor bright, We shall anchor fast by the heav'nly shore, With the storm all past for evermore.
REFRAIN We have an anchor that keeps the soul Steadfast and sure while the billows roll, Fastened to the Rock which can not move, Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.
I have probably only sang this song 100 times in my life. But for some reason the words hit me this morning. Caused a tear or two to roll.
947....nine hundred forty-seven. "Jesus, Let us come to know you"
Jesus let us come to know You. Let us see You face to face. Touch us, use us, mold us: Only let is live in You.
Jesus draw us ever nearer; Hold us in Your loving arms. Wrap us in Your gentle presence, When the end comes, bring us home.
What more can you add to life from these two songs? Awesome prayers!
Have a good day!!
Preston
Wheat Harvest, Quanah style!
The girls and I went to Quanah this weekend to help with the clean up at her house after the storm Thursday.
As we drove through Goodlett Friday night, I was reminded of harvest time of my youth. All the harvesters or "wheaties" in town for the harvest. I was reminded of one group of "wheaties" that were close to my family. Dale Drohman and his family came to Hardeman county to custom harvest Woodrow Wilson's crop. He always had new Gleaner combines. If I remember right, he worked for Gleaner in the off season in their combine development program. They were from Scott City, Kansas.
As in any small town, when seasonal folks were in town, we all buzzed around to meet them. The girls from Quanah wanted to meet the "guys" that were in town. Us guys just wanted to meet Sherrie Drohman. She was Dale's daughter and worked in the family business as a truck driver. She was our age and "cute". We always went out to Goodlett for the couple of weeks they were here to "drag" main out there and to flirt with Sherrie. We would wait around at the elevator on purpose to just catch a glimpse. It was fun!!! I would get back to the field in our truck and take a tail chewing from dad on "why did it take you so long to get to the elevator and back?". I would reload and right back up there. LOL! It was fun.
Good memories! Good times!!!
As we drove through Goodlett Friday night, I was reminded of harvest time of my youth. All the harvesters or "wheaties" in town for the harvest. I was reminded of one group of "wheaties" that were close to my family. Dale Drohman and his family came to Hardeman county to custom harvest Woodrow Wilson's crop. He always had new Gleaner combines. If I remember right, he worked for Gleaner in the off season in their combine development program. They were from Scott City, Kansas.
As in any small town, when seasonal folks were in town, we all buzzed around to meet them. The girls from Quanah wanted to meet the "guys" that were in town. Us guys just wanted to meet Sherrie Drohman. She was Dale's daughter and worked in the family business as a truck driver. She was our age and "cute". We always went out to Goodlett for the couple of weeks they were here to "drag" main out there and to flirt with Sherrie. We would wait around at the elevator on purpose to just catch a glimpse. It was fun!!! I would get back to the field in our truck and take a tail chewing from dad on "why did it take you so long to get to the elevator and back?". I would reload and right back up there. LOL! It was fun.
Good memories! Good times!!!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
I am Saul of Tarsus
By far, one of my favorite characters in the bible, is Paul. He comes complete with a history of persecuitng christians to saving the lost. He is and was a sinner to the bitter end.
I got the oportunity to portray him tonight before a group of kids. We just finished a very successful VBS tonight. We had 230 kids and adults attend. It was great! I had fun!
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