2022, A difficult year in the life of this Country Preacher. Covid left its terrible scar, many church members passed away and satan landed more blows than one could number. I did not lose my faith, I found myself asking God, over and over, for more. I recognized that I was walking in a place of complacency. I was sailing along in a "comfort zone" of my own making. I have been preaching/pastoring for well over fifty years. My heart is solid within my relationship with Jesus as he has carried me through hundreds of battles and always been a "Present help in a time of need". I am in my golden years and life is good.

What I have learned through all this is; I am weak, weary and worn. God gives his children strength, endurance and refinements fit for the season of their lives. God is a great big, loving, longsuffering, supplying God.     

 

 I have been on the shelf long enough. The time has come to get back in the harness and share my ministry, the good, the bad and the ugly. Over the last several months I have been to the lowest places I have ever known as a minister. The covid outbreak took many of my dearest friends and relatives and all but shut Elm Grove (The Church I Pastor) down. Long hidden family secrets leapt out of the shadows creating Grand Canyon size Casems. The divisions created by the last election cycle were a constant raw edge to navigate around and then my youngest daughter lost her battle with a rare bone marrow disease.

I thought many times, this is it, I can't take any more pain, loss or grief. My heart broke so many times, so many ways and the pain just kept coming. As I considered all this, added in my advancing age and my own physical problems it seemed it was time to just "hang it up", retire and let a younger person lead Elm Grove.

I spent more time in my prayer closet than ever before, praying, begging, seeking for the answers to it all. God is so patient with me, and his longsuffering love carried the day, over and over again.

I will chronical some of this battle in my next article and try and show you just how big God can be if we just let him.    

3-16 & 17-2017 On the Road

This RVing life is quite pleasant; Sleep late, eat often and see the nation. Today however I became quite nervous. The wind is blowing me all over the road. When I got headed straight into it I was forced to use lower gears and slow down. Used twice as much gas and my knuckles are sore from gripping the wheel so tight. To pass the time I listened to some radio news.....that was a mistake!
I went from fear to anger over these so called Journalists and their lop-sided, prejudicial, pick and choose reporting. I think that truth, integrity and morals are never a part of their training. They only talk about the parts and pieces of the news that degrade, destroy, deceive and generate fear. I would like to shut down all news giants, fire the whole bunch and start over or at the very least begin a grading system and let the voters decide who we are forced to listen to. I would also like to see term-limits on all Legislators both federal and state ( I can dream, can't I ). The news was filled with projections, predictions and made-up numbers of all the thousands of people that would be without insurance coverage in the future. This is the work of a Prophet not a Journalist! Several Congress representatives have the new bill on their web-sites to be explored by any interested party. Do these journalist read this to us and then explain the flaws, applaud the improvements over the current system? No! Hour after hour of bashing, blaming, degrading and down right lying to us all. After listening to the reports of how far the popularity-ratings of the President had fallen since he introduced his health-care plan I stumbled on a rally in Nashville Tennessee where the people stood in line for five hours to hear the President speak ( On the Internet, I gave up on the radio) by the thousands. They cheered, clapped and stood to their feet as he shared each point of this new health-care bill. I have yet to see one word of this speech on any TV, radio or in the paper. This is why I say that Journalist are empty of integrity, truth and plain old honesty. They write and say what their pay-master demands. I know this is a wide brush and unfair to many so I apologize to the Journalists that are honest, fair and truthful and I will pray for you to find employment and fulfillment in your chosen profession. I really know how this must make some of you Journalists feel as this tirade is as much the same as the news (Fake News) I found out on the road today. I have been treated this way all my adult life; grouped and labeled, derided and defamed, kicked and shamed.....all because I am part of a group......Preachers.

Arrived at my destination in one piece......looked in the eyes of my Grandchildren.....forgot about a bad day's drive.

Packing Memories

Mom and Dad are moving so we thought we would help them get a start on packing. We started with the pictures by dividing them into piles, one for each child and one for Mom & Dad. Nancy took each pic out of it's frame and loving placed them into a large album. Talking about these pictures took us on a many a journey down memory lane. We started packing all the special dishes....box after box, heavy boxes that I carried to the shed.
We meed to head home tomorrow so we worked late into the day....

Sure do love my parents

With the Folks

After spending time at Spring Training with the Texas Rangers I was ready for a long nap. The ball field in Surprise Arizona is as nice as they come and the food was a cut above most. Nancy wasn't feeling well so after the game we just camped out in the RV. We like to rough it.....air conditioning, ice maker, stereo, TV w/surround sound, feather bed (queen size) and every other comfort of home....you know......camping.
Sunday morning Nancy was still weak so she stayed in bed while I went to preach for Stephen Land at Emanuel Christian Center (4511 W Indian School Rd.)  John went with me and we were welcomed as if we were old friends. I spoke about our Christian Identity and how to help others "see" Jesus in our everyday lives. I think that our joy and happy lives give strong evidence as to our faith and trust in God. Happy people seem to be rare these days and Christians do have something to be happy about.
We finished our week in Phoenix with a final meal with many of our church friends, Applebees will never be the same; food, fun and fellowship with those we love.....Thank you Lord for filling our lives so full of wonderful people.
Monday we were up and loaded and off to Cottonwood AZ. I do like traveling this way, slow pace, start when you want, stop when you want, eat when you are hungry......a good life.
Mom and Dad were so happy to see us. We sat up and talked till ten.....a good life.

3-10-2017 Day of REST

After this Revival.......I needed a down day. So we just took it easy. Joined Cathy for a Red Lobster lunch and chilled all afternoon. Supper at Cracker Barrel with the Kimzey's and Livingoods then a complete game of trains. Food, fellowship and fun......perfect day.

I will be preaching this Sunday morning at Immanuel Christian Center, 4511 W Indian School Rd. Phoenix AZ 85013.....come out and let's praise the Lord together.

3-9-2017 last night

I am sure that you can see that I am posting a day behind. I am too tired to close the day at the computer. Sooooo.....We closed the revival services last night with a long alter service filled with many great victory reports. I spoke about the Power of God in our lives today and used the very words of Jesus on the subject. It was like He was doing the preaching and everyone responded with joy and worship. I never claimed to be an Evangelist because God called me as a Pastor but last night the title of Revivalist was excepted and applied....I kind of like that one. I was paid the greatest of compliments when I was told that this church wanted me to come back again....warms my heart.
This mini-revival (five nights) was short but full of victory, healing, filling, love, joy and worship. It is a blessing to be a part of what God is doing here in Arizona and seeing so many of my friends made this a special trip to remember.