Christfollower

American History: A Little Truth

As I quietly observed the Fourth of July yesterday there were a lot of thoughts going through my mind.

While I celebrate our nations independence I wonder why we have strayed so far from our interdependence on God. Those who have the loudest voices and access to the mass media seem hell bent on making sure that God is removed from every fabric of the American dream.

I also remember on this day that while I pledge allegiance to my Country there is an allegiance in my life that is greater than any declaration, constitution and human law. I am fully surrendered to God and that will always take precedent over my national obligations.

I could find no movies on TV yesterday celebrating or portraying the founding of this Nation. TMC showed Alfred Hitchcock movies and AMC showed the Planet of the Apes series and Jaws. It was pathetic.

To celebrate the day let me offer some quotes from many of our Founders. I know some of you would prefer pictures or a light and fluffy blog but we are about to make a major shift as a nation and a world. I am hopeful that there will be some folks who remember the truth of the founding of our nation and remember also that every one of these men would be considered politically incorrect today. They all had one thing in common. They wrote and testified about Jesus Christ!

We would be led to believe that they were non-religious or anti-Christian or pagan but you can judge for yourself:

John Adams:

The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.¹

The Holy Ghost carries on the whole Christian system in this earth. Not a baptism, not a marriage, not a sacrament can be administered but by the Holy Ghost. . . . There is no authority, civil or religious – there can be no legitimate government but what is administered by this Holy Ghost. There can be no salvation without it. All without it is rebellion and perdition, or in more orthodox words damnation.²

Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited. . . . What a Eutopia – what a Paradise would this region be!⁵

John Quincy Adams:

My hopes of a future life are all founded upon the Gospel of Christ and I cannot cavil or quibble away [evade or object to]. . . . the whole tenor of His conduct by which He sometimes positively asserted and at others countenances [permits] His disciples in asserting that He was God.⁷

The hope of a Christian is inseparable from his faith. Whoever believes in the Divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures must hope that the religion of Jesus shall prevail throughout the earth. Never since the foundation of the world have the prospects of mankind been more encouraging to that hope than they appear to be at the present time. And may the associated distribution of the Bible proceed and prosper till the Lord shall have made “bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God” [Isaiah 52:10].⁸

Sam Adams:

I conceive we cannot better express ourselves than by humbly supplicating the Supreme Ruler of the world . . . that the confusions that are and have been among the nations may be overruled by the promoting and speedily bringing in the holy and happy period when the kingdoms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ may be everywhere established, and the people willingly bow to the scepter of Him who is the Prince of Peace.¹²

John Hancock: (Signer of Declaration and Governor of Massachusetts) 

He called on the entire state to pray “that universal happiness may be established in the world [and] that all may bow to the scepter of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the whole earth be filled with His glory.”³⁹

Patrick Henry

Being a Christian… is a character which I prize far above all this world has or can boast.

Samuel Huntington: (signer of the Declaration)

It becomes a people publicly to acknowledge the over-ruling hand of Divine Providence and their dependence upon the Supreme Being as their Creator and Merciful Preserver . . . and with becoming humility and sincere repentance to supplicate the pardon that we may obtain forgiveness through the merits and mediation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

John Jay: (President of the Congress; Author of the Federalist Papers)

By conveying the Bible to people . . . we certainly do them a most interesting act of kindness. We thereby enable them to learn that man was originally created and placed in a state of happiness, but, becoming disobedient, was subjected to the degradation and evils which he and his posterity have since experienced. The Bible will also inform them that our gracious Creator has provided for us a Redeemer in whom all the nations of the earth should be blessed – that this Redeemer has made atonement “for the sins of the whole world,” and thereby reconciling the Divine justice with the Divine mercy, has opened a way for our redemption and salvation; and that these inestimable benefits are of the free gift and grace of God, not of our deserving, nor in our power to deserve. The Bible will also [encourage] them with many explicit and consoling assurances of the Divine mercy to our fallen race, and with repeated invitations to accept the offers of pardon and reconciliation. . . . They, therefore, who enlist in His service, have the highest encouragement to fulfill the du¬ties assigned to their respective stations; for most certain it is, that those of His followers who [participate in] His conquests will also participate in the tran¬scendent glories and blessings of His Triumph.⁵⁹

Benjamen Rush: (Signer of the Declaration)

The Gospel of Jesus Christ prescribes the wisest rules for just conduct in every situation of life. Happy they who are enabled to obey them in all situations! . . . My only hope of salvation is in the infinite tran¬scendent love of God manifested to the world by the death of His Son upon the Cross. Noth¬ing but His blood will wash away my sins [Acts 22:16]. I rely exclusively upon it. Come, Lord Jesus! Come quickly! [Revelation 22:20]⁹⁸

I do not believe that the Constitution was the offspring of inspiration, but I am as satisfied that it is as much the work of a Divine Providence as any of the miracles recorded in the Old and New Testament

Elias Boudinot  (PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS; SIGNED THE PEACE TREATY TO END THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION; FIRST ATTORNEY ADMITTED TO THE U. S. SUPREME COURT BAR; FRAMER OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; DIRECTOR OF THE U. S. MINT)

Let us enter on this important business under the idea that we are Christians on whom the eyes of the world are now turned… [L]et us earnestly call and beseech Him, for Christ’s sake, to preside in our councils. . . . We can only depend on the all powerful influence of the Spirit of God, Whose Divine aid and assistance it becomes us as a Christian people most devoutly to implore. Therefore I move that some minister of the Gospel be requested to attend this Congress every morning . . . in order to open the meeting with prayer.

So there you have it. The quotes could role on forever but I will stop here.

Newark Naz. family night at the Clippers game

Monday night Lenore and I joined some families from the church for a family event at the Clippers game in Columbus. It was fun hanging out with all the kids and even their parents. Here are a few pictures from the evening.

A decent crowd but it was Dime a Dog night as well.

Cotton Candy does some strange things to kids!

Like I said it was fun being in these kids lives for a couple of hours.

A little father and daughter time at the old ballgame. . .

What is that in Brendon's hand? I wonder where this cowbell is now? I am guessing that it is buried in the backyard somewhere.

Oh yea there was a game going on as well. Funny how that seemed to be a secondary event.

I don't even know who won nor do I care to bother to find out! It was just fun being together.

I love community and especially when people come together outside of church services to do life together. This was an open event for whoever wanted to go. I am glad we signed up and went.

Catching up some more. . .

Well it is Monday morning and that means it is the second day of this week already! I want to catch up with last week before it all fades into the distance. Can anyone believe that June is almost over? Can you believe that the corn is now almost four foot high in fields close to our house?

For the second week in a row I was part of a funeral. This time it was a graveside service. The occasion was one for grief and the family certainly experienced that but the location and the day were beautiful. I love the rolling countryside around Newark. Whatever people may think about Newark from just driving through it is not the whole picture. From the highway you may think that it is just another tired old no so very well taken care of city. We certainly have a lot of houses and properties that would suggest that. The greater Newark area or Licking County is just simply beautiful.

So here are a few pictures of the church where the graveside service took place and the goats in the field across the road.  When I get into these settings I know that a county road and small property with some acreage just have to be in my future. On the other hand I still live with the notion and pull to move into the neighborhood surrounding our Williams Street church building. Our neighborhood is evolving and it seems like a good time to be a voice crying in the wilderness and leading people toward Jesus.

If we had moved our church to the country I wouldn't have had the neighborhood lady who lives down the street from our church standing and waiting for me near where I park. She was bandaged and bruised and in tears from a fall. She is needy and broken in many ways but standing on the street she wanted prayer. Not just will you pray for me when you pray but will you pray for my now. So I did. I was tired and hungry and needing to get home for company but she was touched and somehow seemed to find some strength from the prayer. This is the conflict I live with. I love the country but we are a city and a neighborhood full of needs.

As you can see below the small group that I am a part of participated in the churches community car wash day on Saturday. It was fun to work together for a few hours and to interact with people. There were a lot of appreciative smiles and a disbelief that we really wouldn't take money.

After washing one car it rained really hard and we all scattered to to find shelter under the roof of the nearest storefront. We abandoned our buckets and watched it rain.

After the rain and getting ready to reel in a few more "customers."

We were downtown in Newark and while we weren't as busy as some of the sites altogether we had six car washes with 70 people participating and we washed over 100 cars in three hours.

At our location we washed 18 cars and one bicycle!

  After much conversation the owner of this car allowed us to wash it but informed us that the rims were worth more than the car. He owns the tattoo parlor next door and was pretty concerned that they wouldn't get scratched.

A busy moment!

It was a good day and only God knows how these somewhat random acts of kindness played into folks lives. Most of them expressed appreciation and a couple of them expressed interest in helping if we ever did this again!

I love the fact that there is more than one way to be Jesus to a community. This is only a small effort but it is one of many approaches.

I have always worried about the car washes that are being held on the same day to raise money for organizations. One of the ladies from our church went to one of these right across the street from one of our free washes. The adult in charge made reference to our wash across the street and seemed upset because she was sure we were taking money and that the sign-age was just some kind of ploy to get donations away from other car washes. When it was explained to her what we were doing and who was doing it and why she was amazed and thought it was a really good idea. I think I will find a way to "bless" the other car washes the next time by making a donation to any that are in the vicinity of where we are washing. Seems like the right thing to do. 

No time. . .

The bottom line is that I have been too busy to blog. As an avid reader of around thirty blogs from all over the country I am concluding that others are finding that blogging in the summer may be a challenge as well. The last few weeks there has been no stopping. Moving a new pastor to Real Life, funerals, hospital visits, mowing, two out of state work related trips, and a whole lot of other things have kept me from sitting and blogging.

It is Saturday morning and today the small group I belong to plus a couple of other people in the church are doing a free car wash at a local grocery story. This three hour event should be bloggable. (New word?)

Last Saturday I attended the third annual downtown (Newark) Bluegrass Festival. This is held on the Courthouse lawn. Every year I manage to eek out about 45 minutes to an hour to sit and listen to the music. It was a perfect day weather wise but alas I attended alone and for the first time I didn't know anyone there. I guess I may need to find some new friends. Ha.

Here are some pictures of a beautiful afternoon in downtown Newark.

The Hal Lindsey/Mark Twain statue never moved a muscle during the whole event. Nice truck in the background!

The courthouse on a summer day.

A view from the stage.

And then there was this guy. Where do you even a buy a chair like this?

An Update. . .

Things have been very busy. As I sit here this morning and type these words I should be finishing my sermon instead. On Monday I flew on a quick trip to Kansas City. I was there less than 24 hours and came back to a funeral, a quick visit from Levi and the "normal" stuff that fill my days.

I will post some catch up pictures from the last few weeks.

A few weeks ago the staff went to McGuffy to help with their family day. A couple of us cooked 700 hot dogs while most were there to be "family" for kids that didn't have any family show up.

Here are a few shots from that day.

Notice the truck in the background!

Lenore had this one organized and running smoothly.

Jenn gets schooled at tether ball.

John being a friend.

We were all there on this day but these are the only pictures I had since I was pretty well locked into the grill. Smelled like a hot dog after three hours.

Yesterday the hinges and door handles went on the front "door" of the Firehouse.

Yesterday was really spent on a funeral for a six month old boy. It was an emotionally draining and physically exhausting day for everyone.

After releasing a dozen or more butterflies this one refused to leave. I never try to make much out of that but it is always interesting to me when we do these things. I remember a funeral in late winter of this year when we stood in the snow and released doves. One lingered and circled for a long time before flying away. It was very meaningful to the family.

Caskets are neither good or bad but I know I don't like small ones. Death is a reality and we all face it. Let us remember that each day is a gift and we have been given our talents and strengths to bring honor to God and blessings to others. I am thankful for each day even the tiring ones. 

Firehouse update. . .

The brick that were down for over a hundred years in front of this building were all removed, cleaned, and put back down on a level base. Then we added some landscaping. This really looks good as you can see in the pictures.

The emphasis now is finishing the inside with furniture and technology.

Below are some pictures of the furniture that is there so far.

These are ancient stained glass windows that were donated because someone heard me saying I really wanted a couple stained glass windows! They are beautiful and we had them boxed in and back lit. They really add to this area.

"The church" will start here in September! ( at least some of them) 

Omaha Nebraska and the Gallup University. . .

On Monday I flew to Omaha to attend two days of training at the campus of the Gallup organization. This phenomenal building is the heart of Gallup business and executive coaching world. Once again this opportunity came as a result of the NewStart Taskforce that I am a part of. Our meetings are generally coupled with a training experience of some kind and this one was no different.

Here is a view of the outside of the Gallup University Campus.

A part of the foyer. I love great architecture and this building is full of it.

A hallway of classrooms

This building sits along the Missouri River. Lewis and Clark went right by this location.

Strengthfinder training.

Sharing dinner together in downtown Omaha.

Old Town Omaha.

Someone turned this old firehouse into a cool place to eat. What a great idea!

On Monday evening there as a storm brewing outside my hotel window. If you are watching the weather at all you know that we have been under a risk for threatening weather all week. Sunday two tornado's touched down and today we are under a moderate risk for more tornado activity today. Great time to fly home.

  Lightening!

And more lightening.

  This is a blurry picture taken out of a moving shuttle van. The reason it is included is because this building stands on the spot designated as the exact geographic center of the United States.

As always I will be very happy to be home this evening.

Guns and Horses. . . (and the most pictures I have ever posted!)

I have never been trained in blog writing and in fact I think that is what makes it so much fun. I think I am writing it so that some day all these pages will be available for my kids to review and remember. Maybe there will be some other "relatives of the future" who will wonder as I do what my Grandparents were really like. I only remember one of my grandparents since the others died before I was born or before I was old enough to remember. So my blogs are the story of my life past, present and sometimes I even dream about the future.

I am choosing today to blog the history of horses and guns in my life. While I don't mess with horses anymore I could easily slide right back into it given the right mini farm and setting. I do however continue to enjoy guns and shooting. Here is the reason why these things are still a part of my life or could be. . .

The thing with horses started at 3 and by the age of five we had our own horse and also a buggy and sleigh.

That would be a stick horse I am riding! 

Guns came into my life about the same time. . .

All the horses were fake in the beginning but I obviously was a cowboy in training from the beginning.

Our first real horse.

This is the same horse and my parents and myself in the buggy. I distinctly remember these rides when I was a kid about five years old.

This would be the same horse and my mother and I enjoying a Pickaway County winter.

We owned both a buggy and this sleigh and didn't get rid of them until I was in college. Notice the sleigh bells on the horse!

 

This is my Dad and I in Tucson Arizona getting ready to "ride the trail."

This would be me riding a pair of oxen at the farm down the road from our house.

This would be me riding a horse owned by Sgt. Alvin York's son Tom who is in the picture. York' s granddaughter is peeking around the horse. This home is now a museum but when I was a kid we stayed there about once a year when Mrs. York was still alive.

Here is a close up picture of Angie York and I standing on the porch. Every cowboy needs a lady and I guess she was mine for a few days.

  Now for some gun pictures. I am going to include a close up of this picture with my two sisters because it is "important" to notice the Colt 45 dart gun in my hand.

A gun for Christmas my first grade year.

A visit from my first cousin who brought me some authentic military stuff. WWI helmet and gun belt.

A second grade Christmas present. These hung on my wall.

Playing with Army men and a childhood friend in front of our house in Waverly Ohio.

Eighth grade and hunting pheasants. . .

My first pheasant. Not sure why we took this picture in the kitchen but we did.

At seventeen I still had the hat and boots and a horse.

We lived in Pennsylvania my last two years of high school and then ten years later Lenore and I moved into the same place. Notice the barn and then in the picture below you will see it ten years later. With Levi and I on a different horse in front of the same barn.

Levi and Emily both rode when they were little.

Here they are riding together and enjoying life.

There are more pictures but I will stop it here and let this be the end of my childhood reminiscing.

Big Boys and their toys. . .

Lenore and I met three other couples for a quick overnight visit. We all have one thing in common and that is we are pastors. Ironically none of us pastor in the same denomination but we all have connections, some that go back as far as 25 years. You never know for sure what will happen but we took a drive the country and ended up at Ohio's most famous racetrack. Mid-Ohio is host to some pretty big races but today it was taken over by adult boys with car toys. (I have no idea why this in underlined)

This is standing in pit lane and looking down the track on the right.

BMW's, Corvettes, Porches and a few other makes and most if not all were street legal. They were racing them around the track for the fun of it. A couple had the big money haulers but most just towed them in or drove them to the track. Here are the pictures mostly being posted for Levi:

Looking the other direction.

A good looking Mustang

I have no idea what this car is but the guy was driving away from the gas pumps so I went up to check on the prices.

This is the cost of 100 octane at the track. . .

  Old friends! Well not that old I guess. Middle-aged friends. Ha!

Pastoral Calls. . .

I grew up going with my Dad on something called pastoral calls. In those days and in the first decade of my own ministry it was not uncommon and somewhat expected that you would show up unannounced at people's homes occasionally. You made house calls even when they weren't expecting it.

In today's culture if you showed up at someones house unannounced they would wonder why you were there and if someone had died or something. In my last church I would ride my horse and visit folks in the community sometimes riding back country roads in rural Pennsylvania up to four or five miles away. Leading a church of 150 people was sure a much slower pace than leading one of close to a thousand people or more. I am not complaining just observing.

Yesterday I made a pastoral call and these days instead of a horse it is an old truck. Here is a view of a pastoral call made down a country lane to visit some good friends.

This week I have done a lot of business with this old truck. I drove it to Mt. Vernon using the back way of 657 and 661 and then it became a conversation piece with one of the neighbors that lives across from The Firehouse. We talked and he even took a tour of the building.

Friday I drove it to the YMCA Board Meeting and the President of a local company (and fellow board member) followed me to The Firehouse afterwords to see the truck and the building. He also has a couple vintage vehicles. I love to share the vision of Newark Naz. with people who lived here all their life but never knew we existed as a church.

  This was on the trip to Mt. Vernon for a church related meeting. I am thankful for the ride and enjoy going just under 50 mph. Somehow it seems fast enough in this truck. Sometimes I get tired of high speed everything. . .