Saturday, January 10, 2015
I have just rediscovered my blog. Last blog was in 2010. My how time flies. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago. We'll see how it goes this year. Maybe I'll be more faithful in writing this year. We'll see. Looking forward to seeing everyone at church tomorrow. Have a blessed day.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Science Fair 2010
I was up early this morning; alarm went off at 5:30. I didn't realize the alarm on my cellphone had a setting that early. We had to be at the Charter School at 7 to caravan with all the other participates to the Science Fair at ULM. Micah's project is How to Control the Speed of a Computer with hardware changes. He was the second one judged but we don't know how he did yet. The judge stayed with him a long time and asked a lot of questions; they say that is a good indicator. Sure hope he did well. If he did, it means a trip to Baton Rouge for the state contest. That will be a trip. Anything for the kid though; know what I mean. Besides, he made a 95 on his last Spanish test and he hates Spanish, but is doing much better. So, we're going to treat him today. Probably take him to his favorite place to eat; Eastern Empire.
Other than that, must finish making preparations for the weekend. I am preaching a short series on Jesus' last words of instructions to His disciples from John chps 14-17. That is a well of instruction and inspiration. Hope I can do it justice. I just ask the Lord to use me for His glory in all that I do.
Everyone have a blessed day. I'll let you know how Micah did.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Jessie made me do it!
Okay, so I haven't been here in a while. It's hard for me to get motivated to blog. Many times I have some thoughts (yes, I actually do, sometimes). But I just can't seem to get them to my fingertips. Maybe I'm just lazy. My dad and I were talking about that yesterday. We get comfortable just sitting and watching the world go by and don't want to move. The older I get the more that seems to be true. But I still have so much to do, I can't let that happen. If you've been reading Jessie blog (www.jessieandthewhiterock.blogspot.com) then you'll see real motivation in action. I don't plan on running any marathons, although that would be a lofty goal. I still have the unction to finish our house. Oh, there is still very much to be done there. But above all to see God glorified in my life in whatever I'm doing.
Wonderful things are happening at Dunn Baptist Church these days. God is continually blessing there. I know He isn't through with me there, nor is He finished with the wonderful Body of Christ.
Thank you Jessie for the encouragement! I appreciate you young man and thank God for you! Push on, you'll make it. And thank you Brooke for the encouragement to me yesterday.
Everyone have a blessed day in the Lord.
Wonderful things are happening at Dunn Baptist Church these days. God is continually blessing there. I know He isn't through with me there, nor is He finished with the wonderful Body of Christ.
Thank you Jessie for the encouragement! I appreciate you young man and thank God for you! Push on, you'll make it. And thank you Brooke for the encouragement to me yesterday.
Everyone have a blessed day in the Lord.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Youth Camp and Other Things
Thoughts on Youth Camp
Last week was a great week for those of us who went to Youth Camp. We were at Tall Timbers Baptist Encampment just below Alexandria; it was officially called "Clear Camp." All of our youth had a great time, as did the adults who went with them. It was not only fun, but also spiritually enriching for all. I want to say thank you to those adults who went: David and Annette, Cindy and my wife Anita. A special thank you goes to Jessie who is our Youth Minister at Dunn Baptist Church. All of you did a fantastic job. Plans are already in the making for camp next year. Stay tuned for details on that.
Youth camp is always and exciting time, especially for the youth. It is a time to get away from home and parents, even though those are certainly missed. They get to meet new people, some of whom become life-long friends. During times of recreation they get to play ballgames of various kinds, and in our case, got to get muddy several times.
The worship services for youth are unique or at least different for most of our youth and adults. For those of us who come from a church which worships in a "traditional" style, it is an opportunity for our youth to get a little hyper, to say the least. Worship services at Youth Camp and at any Youth meeting in general, is loud. Most of the kids like that, but as I get older my tolerance for loud music has, shall we say, diminished. I have been know to leave the room a time or two when it got just a little too much for me. I did find out that they will provide ear plugs for anyone who asks. That ought to tell you something about the noise level in the services. But, all in all, worship at youth camp is a good experience and generally very moving for our youth. Several decisions were made to receive Christ as Lord and Savior this year; not by any of our youth, but by other churches. We did have some re-dedications as we call them made by some of our youth. I look forward to seeing the fruit of those decisions.
Last night our youth led our evening Worship service at church. Again, they did a very good job of it. We saw the camp video and some pictures of our youth as they enjoyed camp together. Then they gave some testimonies of their experiences at camp, which we all enjoyed. Our youth also performed a skit, which they themselves had written. It was fantastic with a great message. We look forward to seeing more of those. That was actually the second one they had done.
The hightlight of the night for me was to baptize two of those youth. They had made professions of faith during Vacation Bible School, but we baptized them on this Youth Celebration Night. It was amazing. We look forward to assisting and watching Taylor and Audrey grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Pursuit of God
On another note, I have been reading and teaching one of my favorite books of all times; a classic in my estimation: "The Pursuit of God" by author A.W. Tozer. I have always suggested this book to any of our church members or anyone esle for the that matter. I'm going to post of what are to me hightlights of the book.
Following Hard After God
This is the title of the first chapter of the book and also the theme of the book. Psalm 63:8 says, "My soul followeth hard after thee; they right hand upholdeth me." (KJV) Tozer, first of all, rightly points out that before a person can seek God, God must first have sought the person. The bible teaches us in Romans 3:11 that "no one seeks after God." Tozer says, "We pursue God because, and only because, He has first put an urge within us that spurs us to the pursuit." John 6:44 teaches us "No one can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him." In this working out of our salvation, God has set us on a path which not only leads to heaven, but even more importantly to a life long pursuit of the One who was first of all pursuing us. It is a personal relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ which becomes the most important relationship in our lives. If it is not the most important relationship, then something is wrong. Christianity should not be "mechanical and spiritless," as Tozer says. It should be vibrant and alive.
Tozer says, "The moment the Spirit has quickened us to life in regeneration our whole being senses its kinship to God and leaps up in joyous recognition." We have been "born again" by the Spirit of God, but that is not the end of it; it is only the beginning or and "inception" as Tozer puts it. Now begins the glorious pursuit, the heart's happy exploration of the infinite riches of the Godhead."
There are two quotes that am going to end with today. The first is from St. Bernard, an ancient theologian quoted by Tozer. The second is Tozer's prayer at the close of the first chapter.
"We taste Thee, O Thous Living Bread,
And long to feast upon Thee still;
We drind of Thee, the Fountainhead
And thirst our sould from thee to fill."
Prayer
O God, I have tasted They goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace.
I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me They glory, I pray Thee, that so I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, "Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away." Then give me grace to rise and follow thee up from this misty lowland where i have wandered so long. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Last week was a great week for those of us who went to Youth Camp. We were at Tall Timbers Baptist Encampment just below Alexandria; it was officially called "Clear Camp." All of our youth had a great time, as did the adults who went with them. It was not only fun, but also spiritually enriching for all. I want to say thank you to those adults who went: David and Annette, Cindy and my wife Anita. A special thank you goes to Jessie who is our Youth Minister at Dunn Baptist Church. All of you did a fantastic job. Plans are already in the making for camp next year. Stay tuned for details on that.
Youth camp is always and exciting time, especially for the youth. It is a time to get away from home and parents, even though those are certainly missed. They get to meet new people, some of whom become life-long friends. During times of recreation they get to play ballgames of various kinds, and in our case, got to get muddy several times.
The worship services for youth are unique or at least different for most of our youth and adults. For those of us who come from a church which worships in a "traditional" style, it is an opportunity for our youth to get a little hyper, to say the least. Worship services at Youth Camp and at any Youth meeting in general, is loud. Most of the kids like that, but as I get older my tolerance for loud music has, shall we say, diminished. I have been know to leave the room a time or two when it got just a little too much for me. I did find out that they will provide ear plugs for anyone who asks. That ought to tell you something about the noise level in the services. But, all in all, worship at youth camp is a good experience and generally very moving for our youth. Several decisions were made to receive Christ as Lord and Savior this year; not by any of our youth, but by other churches. We did have some re-dedications as we call them made by some of our youth. I look forward to seeing the fruit of those decisions.
Last night our youth led our evening Worship service at church. Again, they did a very good job of it. We saw the camp video and some pictures of our youth as they enjoyed camp together. Then they gave some testimonies of their experiences at camp, which we all enjoyed. Our youth also performed a skit, which they themselves had written. It was fantastic with a great message. We look forward to seeing more of those. That was actually the second one they had done.
The hightlight of the night for me was to baptize two of those youth. They had made professions of faith during Vacation Bible School, but we baptized them on this Youth Celebration Night. It was amazing. We look forward to assisting and watching Taylor and Audrey grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Pursuit of God
On another note, I have been reading and teaching one of my favorite books of all times; a classic in my estimation: "The Pursuit of God" by author A.W. Tozer. I have always suggested this book to any of our church members or anyone esle for the that matter. I'm going to post of what are to me hightlights of the book.
Following Hard After God
This is the title of the first chapter of the book and also the theme of the book. Psalm 63:8 says, "My soul followeth hard after thee; they right hand upholdeth me." (KJV) Tozer, first of all, rightly points out that before a person can seek God, God must first have sought the person. The bible teaches us in Romans 3:11 that "no one seeks after God." Tozer says, "We pursue God because, and only because, He has first put an urge within us that spurs us to the pursuit." John 6:44 teaches us "No one can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him." In this working out of our salvation, God has set us on a path which not only leads to heaven, but even more importantly to a life long pursuit of the One who was first of all pursuing us. It is a personal relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ which becomes the most important relationship in our lives. If it is not the most important relationship, then something is wrong. Christianity should not be "mechanical and spiritless," as Tozer says. It should be vibrant and alive.
Tozer says, "The moment the Spirit has quickened us to life in regeneration our whole being senses its kinship to God and leaps up in joyous recognition." We have been "born again" by the Spirit of God, but that is not the end of it; it is only the beginning or and "inception" as Tozer puts it. Now begins the glorious pursuit, the heart's happy exploration of the infinite riches of the Godhead."
There are two quotes that am going to end with today. The first is from St. Bernard, an ancient theologian quoted by Tozer. The second is Tozer's prayer at the close of the first chapter.
"We taste Thee, O Thous Living Bread,
And long to feast upon Thee still;
We drind of Thee, the Fountainhead
And thirst our sould from thee to fill."
Prayer
O God, I have tasted They goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace.
I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me They glory, I pray Thee, that so I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, "Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away." Then give me grace to rise and follow thee up from this misty lowland where i have wandered so long. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
News from Youth Camp
We arrived yesterday at Youth Camp. We are at Tall Timbers Baptist Camp just south of Alexandria. Except for a shredded tire on the trailor the trip was uneventful, which is a good thing. We did get some rain when we got to Alexandria and it rained on and off all afternoon. But, the rain was a blessing for I know that many people here in Louisiana needed it. Of course it cooled things off too, and we all enjoyed that as we began our week at camp.
We've had breakfast this morning and are getting ready for Morning Celebration. The kids enjoy that, but I'm getting just a bit old......the LOUD music is almost more than I can stand now adays, but I will endure. Then we have Bible study. I'm really looking forward to our adult bible study times. It is always interesting to see how our teacher presents the Word of God to us at Youth Camp. I know that we will all be blessed and learn something. Pray for us to that extent.
We've had breakfast this morning and are getting ready for Morning Celebration. The kids enjoy that, but I'm getting just a bit old......the LOUD music is almost more than I can stand now adays, but I will endure. Then we have Bible study. I'm really looking forward to our adult bible study times. It is always interesting to see how our teacher presents the Word of God to us at Youth Camp. I know that we will all be blessed and learn something. Pray for us to that extent.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
How the Summer Is Going
Family News
Well, here is a little catching up in my family. Our son Micah will be in the 10th grade at the Delhi Charter School this year. That is really incredible to me. He is such a young man now; Anita and I were discussing the fact that he will only be at home with us three or four more years before he goes out on his own. May the Lord guide him in his decisions for the future. Of course, he spends about as much time at the Nielsen's as he does at our house.
The other two sons and their families are doing fine. Matthew and family are still in Kingsville, TX. Matt has about 3 years left in the Navy. Future still yet to be determined for them. The grands have been to camp already this summer and Abby (the youngest) is just a growing up. We sure hope we can see them before school starts again. Marc and Dixie are still in Lafayette. They are going to Florida in a few days with friends to celebrated their anniversary. Happy Anniversary to Marc and Dixie and Matthew and Monica whose anniversary is also this month.
Anita and I are doing real well. In our 37 year of marriage and growing closer each and every day. We were talking about some things we would like to do in the near future and we haven't been able to do up to this point. We are going to reach a financial goal next month!!! Hooray!!! It's been a long time coming! Here's a piece of advise - STAY AWAY FROM CREDIT CARDS!! End of lecture there, except to myself.
House Renovations
Things are coming along slowly but surely with the house. We now live in the house as of January of this year. Our most recent renovation is new floor to almost ceiling windows in our bedroom. They look really nice. We still have to do the crown molding and later this year or early next year new floors. Also, a new air conditioner was installed in the wall (I framed it in there instead of a window since it couldn't go in a window). Yard mowing continues.
Vacation Bible School
We had a great time at VBS this year. Dunn Baptist church averaged 140 this year. The boys, girls and leaders had a great time. We had two professions of faith and one young lady wanting to join our church by letter. Looking forward to next year alreay. The theme will be "Saddle Ridge Ranch."
Logos Software Bible Camp
I attend this last week in Shreveport. I use two bible software programs for my study: Logos and Wordsearch. Logos/Libronix is my primary software. I really enjoyed the two days and learned how to more effectively use my bible software for study and sermon preparation. The results are already being enjoyed.
Enjoy the Day
Looking forward to a time of study here in my study at church. Later we'll join with our family of faith for Prayer and Business meeting. May the Lord bless each of you with a wonderful day!
Well, here is a little catching up in my family. Our son Micah will be in the 10th grade at the Delhi Charter School this year. That is really incredible to me. He is such a young man now; Anita and I were discussing the fact that he will only be at home with us three or four more years before he goes out on his own. May the Lord guide him in his decisions for the future. Of course, he spends about as much time at the Nielsen's as he does at our house.
The other two sons and their families are doing fine. Matthew and family are still in Kingsville, TX. Matt has about 3 years left in the Navy. Future still yet to be determined for them. The grands have been to camp already this summer and Abby (the youngest) is just a growing up. We sure hope we can see them before school starts again. Marc and Dixie are still in Lafayette. They are going to Florida in a few days with friends to celebrated their anniversary. Happy Anniversary to Marc and Dixie and Matthew and Monica whose anniversary is also this month.
Anita and I are doing real well. In our 37 year of marriage and growing closer each and every day. We were talking about some things we would like to do in the near future and we haven't been able to do up to this point. We are going to reach a financial goal next month!!! Hooray!!! It's been a long time coming! Here's a piece of advise - STAY AWAY FROM CREDIT CARDS!! End of lecture there, except to myself.
House Renovations
Things are coming along slowly but surely with the house. We now live in the house as of January of this year. Our most recent renovation is new floor to almost ceiling windows in our bedroom. They look really nice. We still have to do the crown molding and later this year or early next year new floors. Also, a new air conditioner was installed in the wall (I framed it in there instead of a window since it couldn't go in a window). Yard mowing continues.
Vacation Bible School
We had a great time at VBS this year. Dunn Baptist church averaged 140 this year. The boys, girls and leaders had a great time. We had two professions of faith and one young lady wanting to join our church by letter. Looking forward to next year alreay. The theme will be "Saddle Ridge Ranch."
Logos Software Bible Camp
I attend this last week in Shreveport. I use two bible software programs for my study: Logos and Wordsearch. Logos/Libronix is my primary software. I really enjoyed the two days and learned how to more effectively use my bible software for study and sermon preparation. The results are already being enjoyed.
Enjoy the Day
Looking forward to a time of study here in my study at church. Later we'll join with our family of faith for Prayer and Business meeting. May the Lord bless each of you with a wonderful day!
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
New on Facebook
Okay, so it's been a while...sorry about that. I guess I need to make more time for my blog and now for my Facebook page. I just want you all to know that I am on facebook now...look for me. I want to use this "new" technology to help me stay connected with my church family, help them keep up with my doings and also to touch base with other in our community and world. An added bonus is that I can keep up with or catch up rather with some old friends. I've already found some of my high school class mates. That's exciting to me also. So, stay tuned for this page, as well as my facebook page. Isn't technology exiting!
Also something else going on is that I've started a new online study with the Founders Study Center. It is a study on how to Maintain Your Spiritual Walk. The main textbook for the course is entitled "Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health" by Donald S. Whitney. He is a professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I'm completing the first chapter which is wrapped around the first question, "Do You Thirst For God?" Wow! Talk about getting straight to the point! I want to warn you, if you want to study this along with me (see Founders.org and click on the study link) it could cause you to actually think about your walk with God. I'm really looking forward to it.
Also looking forward to church tonight. It is always good to be in God's house with God's people. I especially like it when we can pray together. So, have a great evening!
Also something else going on is that I've started a new online study with the Founders Study Center. It is a study on how to Maintain Your Spiritual Walk. The main textbook for the course is entitled "Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health" by Donald S. Whitney. He is a professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I'm completing the first chapter which is wrapped around the first question, "Do You Thirst For God?" Wow! Talk about getting straight to the point! I want to warn you, if you want to study this along with me (see Founders.org and click on the study link) it could cause you to actually think about your walk with God. I'm really looking forward to it.
Also looking forward to church tonight. It is always good to be in God's house with God's people. I especially like it when we can pray together. So, have a great evening!
