Today's Prayer

“Faith is the daring of the soul to go farther than it can see” -- William Newton Clarke

1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. . . . 24 By faith Moses . . . left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. Hebrews 11:1, 24 NIV

All Powerful Invisible One,

Give me eyes to see the invisible and a soul that moves confidently into a future guided by you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Check out “Growing Up . . .” at http://www.newheritagefamily.com/

Terry Cartwright

New Heritage a Family of Christ
8 Prestige Cir
Suite 122
Allen, Texas 75002

Two Wolves

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside all people. He said, 'My son, the battle is between two 'wolves' inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.'

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: 'Which wolf wins?'

The old Cherokee simply replied, 'The one you feed.'
--------------
Thanks, Mike.

Old Folks Jokes

Thanks, Chuck.
----------------
Garage Door

The boss walked into the office one morning not knowing his zipper was down and his fly area wide open. His assistant walked up to him and said, 'This morning when you left your house, did you close your garage door?' The boss told her he knew he'd closed the garage door, and walked into his office puzzled by the question.

As he finished his paperwork, he suddenly noticed his fly was open, and zipped it up. He then understood his assistant's question about his 'garage door.'

He headed out for a cup of coffee and paused by her desk to ask, 'When my garage door was open, did you see my Hummer parked in there?'

She smiled and said, 'No, I didn't. All I saw was an old mini van with two flat tires.'


An elderly gentleman...
Had serious hearing problems for a number of years. He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman to hear 100%
The elderly gentleman went back in a month to the doctor and the doctor said, 'Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased20that you can hear again.'
The gentleman replied, 'Oh, I haven't told my family yet.
I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I've changed my will three times!'


Two elderly gentlemen from a retirement center were sitting on a bench under a tree when one turns to the other and says: 'Slim, I'm 83 years old now and I'm just full of aches and pains. I know you're about my age. How do you feel?'
Slim says, 'I feel just like a newborn baby.'
'Really!? Like a newborn baby!?'
'Yep. No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants.'


An elderly couple had dinner at another couple's house, and after eating, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen.
The two gentlemen were talking, and one said, 'Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great. I would recommend it very highly.'
The other man said, 'What is the name of the restaurant?'
The first man thought and thought and finally said, 'What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love?
You know... The one that's red and has thorns.'
'Do you mean a rose?'
'Yes, that's the one,' replied the man. He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, 'Rose, what's the name of that restaurant we went to last night?'


Hospital regulations require a wheel chair for patients being discharged. However, while working as a student nurse, I found one elderly gentleman already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet, who insisted he didn't need my help to leave the hospital.
After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctantly let me wheel him to the elevator.
On the way down I asked him if his wife was meeting him.
'I don't know,' he said. 'She's still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown.'


Couple in their nineties are both having problems remembering things. During a check-up, the doctor tells them that they're physically okay, but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember

Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. 'Want anything while I'm in the kitchen?' he asks.
'Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?'
'Sure.'
'Don't you think you should write it down so you can remember it?' she asks.
'No, I can remember it.'
'Well, I'd like some strawberries on top, too. Maybe you should write it down, so's not to forget it?'
He says, 'I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries. '
'I'd also like whipped cream. I'm certain you'll forget that, write it down?' she asks.
Irritated, he says, 'I don't need to write it down, I can remember it! Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cre am - I got it, for goodness sake!'
Then he toddles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes,
The old man returns from the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs. She stares at the plate for a moment.
'Where's my toast ?'


A senior citizen said to his eighty-year old buddy:
'So I hear you're getting married?'
'Yep!'
'Do I know her?'
'Nope!'
'This woman, is she good looking?'
'Not really.'
'Is she a good cook?'
'Naw, she can't cook too well.'
'Does she have lots of money?'
'Nope! Poor as a church mouse.'
'Well, then, is she good in bed?'
'I don't know.'
'Why in the world do you want to marry her then?'
'Because she can still drive!'


Three old guys are out walking.
First one says, 'Windy, isn't it?'
Second one says, 'No, it's Thursday!'
Third one says, 'So am I. Let's go get a beer.'


A man was telling his neighbor, 'I just bought a new hearing aid. It cost me four thousand dollars, but it's state of the art. It's perfect.'
'Really,' answered the neighbor . 'What kind is it?'
'Twelve thirty.'


Morris, an 82 year-old man, went to the doctor to get a physical.
A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young woman on his arm.
A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, 'You're really doing great, aren't you?'
Morris replied, 'Just doing what you said, Doc: 'Get a hot mama and be cheerful.''
The doctor said, 'I didn't say that. I said, 'You've got a heart murmur; be careful.'

One more. . .!


A little old man shuffled slowly into an ice cream parlor and pulled himself slowly, painfully, up onto a stool. After catching his breath, he ordered a banana split.
The waitress asked kindly, 'Crushed nuts?'
'No,' he replied, 'Arthritis.'

Calvin & Hobbes - Week of Jan 26th

http://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/2009/01/26/

To view strips after Monday, use 'Next day.'

Today's Prayer

“Sacrifice, which is the passion of great souls, has never been the law of societies.” -- Henri Frederic Amiel

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 NIV

Lord of All Creation,
Help to live above the common and to seek the higher . . . giving myself to the good and well-being of others. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Terry Cartwright, Pastor, New Heritage Church, Allen, Texas

A Christian

Thanks, Neal.
----------------
Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.' Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet.'

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, 'Here, you gave me too much change.'

The driver, with a smile, replied, 'Aren't you the new preacher in town?'

'Yes' he replied.

'Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday.'

When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, 'Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.'

Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians, and will put us to the test!

Always be on guard -- and remember -- You carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself 'Christian.'

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

I'm glad a friend forwarded this to me as a reminder. So, I choose to forward it to you - my friend. God bless you; I hope you are having a wonderful day!

If you don't pass this on to anybody, nothing bad will happen; but, if you do, you will have ministered to someone.

The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not PROTECT you...

Stay FAITHFUL and Be GRATEFUL!

Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival, Chicago, Nov 2007

Here are some links to this GREAT festival with most of the greatest living guitarists. Clapton plays a set at the end with an entourage including Doyle Bramhall II and Derek Trucks with appearances by Robbie Robertson, Steve Winwood, and Buddy Guy. The 3 songs with Steve Winwood are some of the greatest guitar-playing I have ever seen!

DVR the whole thing when it reruns on PBS!

Video: "Who Do You Love," with Eric Clapton and Robbie Robertson.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/shows/crossroads2/video.html

Description of Great Performances show

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/shows/crossroads2/

Longtime NC State women’s coach Kay Yow dies at 66

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/womens-basketball/news?slug=ap-obit-kayyow&prov=ap&type=lgns

Kurtis the Stock Boy

This story is true, but some details are wrong. See the link after you read it.
http://www.snopes.com/glurge/warner.asp


In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock boy, was busily working when a new voice came over the loud speaker asking for a carry out at register 4. Kurtis was almost finished, and wanted to get some fresh air, and decided to answer the call. As he approached the check-out stand a distant smile caught his eye, the new check-out girl was beautiful. She was an older woman (maybe 26, and he was only 22) and he fell in love.

Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the punch clock to find out her name. She came into the break room, smiled softly at him, took her card and punched out, then left. He looked at her card, BRENDA. He walked out only to see her start walking up the road. Next day, he waited outside as she left the supermarket, and offered her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she accepted. When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again, outside of work. She simply said it wasn't possible. He pressed and she explained she had two children and she couldn't afford a baby-sitter, so he offered to pay for the baby-sitter. Reluctantly she accepted his offer for a date for the following Saturday. That Saturday night he arrived at her door only to have her tell him that she was unable to go with him. The baby-sitter had called and canceled. To which Kurtis simply said, "Well, let's take the kids with us." She tried to explain that taking the children was not an option, but again not taking no for an answer, he pressed. Finally Brenda, brought him inside to meet her children. She had an older daughter who was just as cute as a bug, Kurtis thought, then Brenda brought out her son, in a wheelchair. He was born a paraplegic with Down Syndrome.

Kurtis asked Brenda, "I still don't understand why the kids can't come with us?" Brenda was amazed. Most men would run away from a woman with two kids, especially if one had disabilities - just like her first husband and father of her children had done. Kurtis was not ordinary - - - he had a different mindset.

That evening Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids, went to dinner and the movies. When her son needed anything Kurtis would take care of him. When he needed to use the restroom, he picked him up out of his wheelchair, took him and brought him back. The kids loved Kurtis. At the end of the evening, Brenda knew this was the man she was going to marry and spend the rest of her life with.

A year later, they were married and Kurtis adopted both of her children. Since then they have added two more kids.

So what happened to Kurtis the stock boy and Brenda the check-out girl? Well, Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner now live in Arizona, where he is currently employed as the quarterback of the National Football League Arizona Cardinals and has his Cardinals in the hunt for a Super Bowl win. They play the Steelers next weekend.

Is this a surprise ending or could you have guessed that he was not an ordinary person.

It should be noted that he also quarterbacked the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.
-----------------------------------
Thanks, Brenda.

This email was cleaned by emailStripper, available for free from http://www.papercut.biz/emailStripper.htm

44 Presidents

See them, from Washington to Obama.

http://www.flixxy.com/presidents-morphing.htm

Thanks, JP.

The Joy Movie

http://www.thejoymovie.com/

Thanks, Larry.

Calvin & Hobbes - Week of Jan 19th

http://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/2009/01/19/

To view strips after Monday, use 'Next day.'

The UK Moves to Bailout Everything

http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1872550,00.html

Daily Devotional by Max Lucado, Jan 19th

 

Daily Devotional by Max Lucado “the One who came still comes and the One who spoke still speaks”   January 19 What Are Your Strengths?   We all have different gifts, each of which came because of the grace God gave us. Romans 12:6 (NCV)   There are some things we want to do but simply aren't equipped to accomplish. I, for example, have the desire to sing. Singing for others would give me wonderful satisfaction. The problem is, it wouldn't give the same satisfaction to my audience.... Paul gives good advice in Romans 12:3: "Have a sane estimate of your capabilities" (PHILLIPS). In other words, be aware of your strengths. When you teach, do people listen? When you lead, do people follow? When you administer, do things improve? Where are you most productive? Identify your strengths, and then.... major in them.... Failing to focus on our strengths may prevent us from accomplishing the unique tasks God has called us to do.     From: Just Like Jesus Copyright (Word Publishing, 1998) Max Lucado

 

Cussing in Church

A crusty old man walks into the local Lutheran Church and says to the secretary, 'I would like to join this damn church.'

The astonished woman replies, 'I beg your pardon, sir. I must have misunderstood you. What did you say?

''Listen up, damn it. I said I want to join this damn church!

''I'm very sorry sir, but that kind of language is not tolerated in this church.'

The secretary leaves her desk and goes into the pastor's study to inform him of her situation. The pastor agrees that the secretary does not have to listen to that foul language. They both return to her office and the pastor asks the old geezer, 'Sir, what seems to be the problem here?

''There is no damn problem,' the man says. 'I just won $200 million bucks in the damn lottery and I want to join this damn church to get rid of some of this damn money.

'' I see,' said the pastor. 'And is this bitch giving you a hard time??'

This email was cleaned by emailStripper, available for free from http://www.papercut.biz/emailStripper.htm

Thanks, Smitty and Beverly.

Blonde Joke

As a trucker stops for a red light, a blond catches up. She jumps out of her car, runs up to his truck, and knocks on the door.

The trucker lowers the window, and she says "Hi, my name is Heather and you are losing some of your load."

The trucker ignores her and proceeds down the street.

When the truck stops for another red light, the girl catches up again. She jumps out of her car, runs up and knocks on the door.

Again, the trucker lowers the window. As if they've never spoken, the blond says brightly, "Hi my name is Heather, and you are losing some of your load!"

Shaking his head, the trucker ignores her again and continues down the street.

At the third red light, the same thing happens again.

All out of breath, the blond gets out of her car, runs up, knocks on the truck door. The trucker rolls down the window. Again she says "Hi, my name is Heather, and you are losing some of your load!"

When the light turns green the trucker revs up and races to the next light.

When he stops this time, he hurriedly gets out of the truck, and runs back to the blond.

He knocks on her window, and after she lowers it, he says...

"Hi, my name is Mark, it's winter in Pennsylvania and I'm driving the SALT TRUCK!"
--------------------
Thanks, Randal.

Even God Enjoys A Good Laugh

Thanks, Fred.
------------------------------------------
There were 3 good arguments that Jesus was Black:
1. He called everyone brother.
2. He liked Gospel.
3. He didn't get a fair trial.

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Jewish:
1. He went into His Father's business.
2. He lived at home until he was 33.
3. He was sure his Mother was a virgin and his
Mother was sure He was God.

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Italian:
1. He talked with His hands.
2. He had wine with His meals.
3. He used olive oil.

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was a Californian:
1. He never cut His hair.
2. He walked around barefoot all the time.
3. He started a new religion.

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was an American Indian:
1. He was at peace with nature.
2. He ate a lot of fish.
3. He talked about the Great Spirit.

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Irish:
1. He never got married.
2. He was always telling stories.
3. He loved green pastures.

But the most compelling evidence of all - 3 proofs that Jesus was a woman:
1. He fed a crowd at a moment's notice when there was virtually no food.
2. He kept trying to get a message across to a bunch of men who just didn't get it.
3. And even when He was dead, He had to get up because there was still work to do.

Rebirth of the Eagle

Great story here. Thanks, Mark.

http://paulw.gray.googlepages.com/RebirthoftheEagle.pps

This video plays with Powerpoint Viewer or Powerpoint.

A Present

A great, encouraging video!

http://paulw.gray.googlepages.com/A_Present.pps

Plays with Powerpoint Viewer or Powerpoint.

Thanks, Brenda.

Pictures from 81 Years Ago

http://paulw.gray.googlepages.com/81yearsago.pps

Plays with Powerpoint View or Powerpoint.

Thanks, Snuffy.

Boot Camp Testimonies

I highly recommend the Life Enrichment or the Marriage Boot Camp.

Daily Devotional by Max Lucado, Jan 16th

Daily Devotional by Max Lucado “the One who came still comes and the One who spoke still speaks”   January 16 Set Apart   Anyone who wants to be a friend of the world becomes God's enemy. James 4:4 (NCV)   John the Baptist would never get hired today. No church would touch him. He was a public relations disaster. He "wore clothes made from camel's hair, had a leather belt around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey" (Mark 1:6). Who would want to look at a guy like that every Sunday? His message was as rough as his dress: a no-nonsense, bare-fisted challenge to repent because God was on his way. John the Baptist set himself apart for one task, to be a voice of Christ. Everything about John centered on his purpose. His dress. His diet. His actions. His demands. You don't have to be like the world to have an impact on the world. You don't have to be like the crowd to change the crowd. You don't have to lower yourself down to their level to lift them up to your level. Holiness doesn't seek to be odd. Holiness seeks to be like God.     From: A Gentle Thunder Copyright (Word Publishing, 1995) Max Lucado

Note to a Dog

The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.

Dear Dog: The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest. Feel free to consume that which has fallen from my plate onto the floor.

The hallway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me down the hallway is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy afford to buy a bed bigger than the one I have. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will sleep on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. You can actually curl up in a ball, you know. You do not have to stretch out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the door in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness to you, I have posted the following message on the front door of our house:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT MY DOG:

(1) He lives here. You don't.
(2) If you don't want his hair on your
clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.
(3) I like my dog a lot better than I like most people.
(4) To you, he is an animal. To me, he is an adopted child who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and thankfully ...doesn't talk.

Remember, dogs are better than kids because they:
(1) eat less,
(2) don't ask for money all the time,
(3) are easier to train,
(4) normally come when called,
(5) never ask to drive the car,
(6) don't hang out with drug-using people;
(7) don't smoke or drink,
(8) don't want to wear your clothes,
(9) don't have to buy the latest fashions,
(10) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and
(11) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children!!

HAVE A "DOG"-GONE GOOD DAY!!!
----------------------------------
Thanks, Brenda.

Calvin & Hobbes - Week of Jan 12th

http://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/2009/01/12/

To view strips after Monday, use 'Next day.'

Today's Prayer, from Terry Cartwright

Deep listening is miraculous for both listener and speaker. When someone receives us with open-hearted, non-judging, intensely interested listening, we connect spiritually.” --  Sue Patton

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba,[b] Father." 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

Papa in Heaven,

I praise you that I am your child . . . I thank you for communicating with me, for allowing your Spirit to touch mine.  I confess that I don’t always listen . . . change that in me so that I hear your voice at all times.  In His Name,  Amen

 www.newheritagefamily.com

 

Obama Email Viruses

Obama Acceptance Speech email has virus. Also Obama Sex Video.
http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/obamaspeech.asp
http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/obamavideo.asp

Tony Dungy Retires

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-colts-dungy&prov=ap&type=lgns

Just a Dog

Click on the image to enlarge for reading.

Lucky

Anyone who has pets will really like this. You'll like it even if you don't and you may even decide you need one!

Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.' Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a week end visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.

Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease...in fact, she was just sure it was fatal.

She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.

Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.

When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love.

Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.

Remember...live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget....the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care for us.

If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours! Live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

A small request: All you are asked to do is keep this circulating.

Dear God, I pray for the cure of cancer. Amen.

All you are asked to do is keep this circulating, even if it's to one more person,
in memory of anyone you know that has been struck down by cancer or is still living with it.

Stethoscope

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYI_aOyCn9Y

A Rancher's Rumblings from Texas Baptists Committed, Jan. 9, 2009

A RANCHER'S RUMBLINGS, January 9, 2009

Starting New Again

by David R. Currie, Executive Director, Texas Baptists Committed

(NOTE: You can also read this column online at www.txbc.org <http://www.txbc.org> - in addition to all previous editions of A Rancher's Rumblings, Baptist Reflections, and the TBC Newsletter.)

Many of you probably heard your pastor preach last Sunday about the new year as an opportunity for you and your church to look ahead and move forward. Such a sermon is timely and appropriate. But your church home isn't your only &quotfamily of faith" - I hope you consider TBC and me to be &quotfamily" as well. That's sure how I feel about you.

In that spirit, I'd like to talk to you, too, about moving ahead in the new year, but in my Currie Cowboy way, and I think you understand what that means - raw honesty and candor.

To be honest, I will not look back on 2008 with many fond memories. But, being a person of faith, I can't help but mix the good stuff with the bad as I reflect on last year.

Bad Stuff/Good Stuff - No Joke!

Bad Stuff: Mother went through a lot, including undergoing two brain surgeries to remove blood on her brain and having to leave the home in which she had lived for nearly 48 years.

Good Stuff: Now she is at Baptist Memorials in San Angelo, and I see her more often than I have in the past 30 years, as I eat lunch with her twice a week. As it turned out, we still had a wonderful Christmas at Paint Rock like always.


Bad Stuff: Since last Christmas, my wonderful brother-in-law lost both his Dad and Mom.

Good Stuff: Their passing was a blessing for them, for both of them had lost much of their quality of life, which was very sad for a couple that had once been so vibrant. I still remember the special time in Sweetwater, years ago, when my brother-in-law, his Dad, and I played golf together and won a flight. I'm a horrible golfer, and that will never happen again, but experiencing that with them was special. My brother-in-law's Dad was a giant of a man and very strong.


Bad Stuff: Many of us had a great deal of our retirement accounts wiped out and investments, if we had any, which is very disturbing and scary.

Good Stuff: Ah, ummm, interest rates are low on my ranch loans. But let's face it - financially, it was just a flat bad year, and I can't come up with any way to whitewash that fact.


Bad Stuff: As the year began, the BGCT was still working its way through a tough time, and many were worried about its future.

Good Stuff: The BGCT Executive Board hired a remarkable man to serve as Executive Director - Randel Everett - who lives out integrity, competence, and grace, and has a deep passion for the lost and being Baptist to the core. We continue to have a bright future as a denomination and convention. And yes, friends, just realize, the BGCT is free as a denomination, and that's something to get excited about.


Bad Stuff: TBC really struggled financially, and we would have struggled even more without the help of some very good friends and an end-of-year surge in giving.

Good Stuff: TBC made some very significant contributions to BGCT life in many ways last year and have put in place some programs that promise to have a great impact on the future of Texas Baptists. We also had a great Convocation in August, giving us the opportunity to show people the kind of work we're doing and how they can get involved in it. Besides that, we added Kerry Horn as Associate Executive Director, and Kerry is helping us connect with more pastors and provide the help and encouragement that they need.

Bad Stuff: I lost some good friends in 2008 and went to more funerals than ever before.

Good Stuff: Every friend I lost loved Jesus, so they only transitioned to a better life and a closer walk with Christ. Isn't that awesome when you really think about it!!!! But it still hurts, and I still miss them.

So where do we go from here?

John Claypool had great insight when he said that life is a series of exits and entrances. We exit one stage of life and enter another - birth to childhood; childhood to adolescence; adolescence to young adulthood; single to married for many of us; from no children to having children; student to career; adulthood to senior adulthood; and other stages as well.

So it is that we leave one year behind us and start a new one. This year - maybe more than since 1969, following 1968's assassinations, riots, and continuing war in Vietnam - we enter 2009 with a deep desire, and even a need, for something new and different and exciting and passionate.

I started the New Year by speaking on religious liberty at a local meeting on January 5. Oh my Lord, I loved it. I felt so alive, so passionate, so happy while I gave that speech and took questions.

If I have one request for 2009, it would be to give that speech at least 100 times across America. I want it so bad that I'll come if you will promise even 20 people in your living room. But I would love to do it in churches all across America on Sunday or Wednesday nights. Please call or email me, and ask me to come. Nothing makes me feel so alive and worthwhile as getting to speak and share on this particular subject. There's nothing more Baptist than religious liberty, because Christ is all about freedom, and Baptists are all about Christ.

In that spirit, let me encourage you to do one thing in 2009: Find your passion . . . what excites you . . . and give yourself to it with abandon. Make an impact. It will make you feel alive. You'll feel alive and like you are starting anew. Make it a wonderful year for you and yours.

Daily Devotional by Max Lucado, Jan 11th

Daily Devotional by Max Lucado “the One who came still comes and the One who spoke still speaks”   January 11   He ranks higher than everything that has been made. Colossians 1:15 (NCV)   Everything?   Find an exception.  Peter's mother-in-law has a fever; Jesus rebukes it.  A tax needs to be paid; Jesus pays it by sending first a coin and then a fisherman's hook into the mouth of a fish.  When five thousand stomachs growl, Jesus renders a boy's basket a bottomless buffet. Jesus exudes authority.  He bats an eyelash, and nature jumps.   No one argues when, at the end of his earthly life, the God-man declares, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth" (Matt. 28:18, NASB).     From: Everyday Blessings Copyright (J. Countryman, 2004) Max Lucado

First dog Barney bowwows out

Good question-and-answer from Bush's dog, Barney.

 

 

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First dog Barney bowwows out

via stories: National by ( ) on 1/11/09

The dog days of the Bush presidency have arrived, but first dog Barney is not going away quietly. In an exclusive exit interview with The Washington Times, Barney, 8, sounds off on his tenure in the White House, his relationship with the scrappy White House press corps, and his advice to the much-anticipated Obama puppy.

 

 

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20th-Century Shapers of Baptist Social Ethics: T. B. Maston

Also includes links to other reviews of the book "Twentieth-Century Shapers of Baptist Social Ethics," ed. Larry L. McSwain & Wm. Loyd Allen as reviewed by Michael Westmoreland-White of the Levellers blog http://levellers.wordpress.com/.

 

 

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20th-Century Shapers of Baptist Social Ethics: T. B. Maston

via Levellers by Michael Westmoreland-White on 1/10/09

This continues my chapter by chapter book blogging on Twentieth-Century Shapers of Baptist Social Ethics, ed. Larry L. McSwain & Wm. Loyd Allen (Mercer University Press, 2008).  I reviewed the book as a whole last October.  I began the chapter-by-chapter series in December.  Since then, I have reviewed the 3 opening chapters on "Foundations: A Legacy of Social Concern," covering the pioneers Walter Rauschenbusch, Muriel Lester, and Nannie Helen Burroughs.

The next section of the book is "Thinkers and Teachers" while the last section is on social activists, though these should not be taken as exclusive categories. Most of the teachers were also active in work for social justice and many of the activists were tenured academics and/or writing theologians.  I find that heartening, really.  I wouldn't want "shapers" of any tradition of Christian social ethics to be merely ivory tower academics (or ivory pulpit, big church preachers, either)–nor activists who are not also "thinkers and teachers" whether or not they are employed as such.  It speaks to the strength of this tradition that there is so much overlap.

The first chapter in this section concerns Thomas Buford [T.B.] Maston (1897-1988), the biggest influence on Southern Baptist social ethics in the Southwest and one of the 2 or 3 most influential "shapers" on white Baptists in the South overall.  Maston is the only "shaper" covered in this section whom I never met personally.  Since I came to Baptist life as a teen (and was introduced first to African-American Baptists and other Baptist traditions) and never attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Fort Worth, TX) where Maston taught generations of students, I come from outside the Texas/Southwest Baptist tradition that was shaped so decisively by Maston.  I have read and appreciated several of Maston's books, but I have to say that he has been the least influential shaper in this section on my own approach to Christian/Baptist ethics.  I know that for many whites in Baptist life in the U.S. South (whether or not they remain in the Southern Baptist Convention), this will make me an "odd duck." So, to this chapter, I bring more of an outsider's perspective than with many of the other chapters. (Not as much an "outsider" perspective as if I were a British or Canadian or German Baptist or an African-American Baptist or lifelong member of the American Baptist Churches, USA–much less as much as if I were an Episcopalian or Presbyterian or Lutheran or Catholic–but still more of an outsider perspective than many white Baptists in the South.) I recognize Maston as a significant voice in my broad Baptist stream, but not as dominant a voice as others in this book.  (Significantly, I have never met the author of this chapter, either.)

The chapter was written by William M. Tillman, Jr., one of Maston's many proteges–a Ph.D. student of Maston's at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) who served on the staff of the SBC Christian Life Commission from 1977-1981 (Maston's doctoral students often ended up in ethics-related parts of the SBC bureacracy), then taught at SWBTS from '81-'98 (taking over for Maston) until the fundamentalist takeover at SWBTS forced anyone with integrity from the school. Tillman was on the staff of the Baptist General Convention of Texas from 1998 to 2000 and then became the first T. B. Maston Professor of Christian Ethics at Logsdon School of Theology, Hardin-Simmons University (Abilene, TX), one of the "diaspora Baptist" schools of former Southern Baptists. So, if I come to this chapter as more of an outsider, Tillman definitely approaches Maston as an insider for whom Maston is the major influence in his approach to Christian ethics.  This affects the tone of the chapter. Tillman's praise of Maston is so effusive as to approach hero-worship.

Maston was born in East Tennessee to a poor family in hard scrabble circumstances.  (Of course, MOST of the South was poor in 1897!  Thirty years earlier the Civil War had devastated the economy and while the Reconstruction era meant progress for at least some African Americans, it was a time when Northern "carpet baggers" continued to plunder and exploit the white South. It is quite possible that "Jim Crow" segregation would have happened after Reconstruction anyway–but the exploitation by the carpetbaggers didn't help. It fueled Southern white resentment toward blacks and Northerners for nearly a century to come.) In high school he had a personal conversion and call to ministry, initially understood as a call to preach and pastor.  He graduated as a religion major from Carson-Newman College (B.A., 1920) where he met Essie Mae MacDonald, equally committed to ministry, especially missions. They married in 1921, a year after both enrolled at SWBTS in Fort Worth, TX.  (No explanation is ever given for why Maston went to SWBTS rather than the closer Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY as most ministerial graduates from Carson-Newman did. Nevertheless, it proved a fateful decision, beginning a lifelong relationship with the school and Fort Worth, Texas. ) By this time, Maston realized that his ministerial calling was not a pastoral one so he made the decision not to be ordained and, instead of enrolling in the divinity program, enrolled with Essie Mae in SWBTS' School of Religious Education. Both earned Master of Religious Education degrees and began teaching at the school while looking for opportunities in foreign missions.  Maston went on to earn a Doctor of Religious Education (DRE) from SWBTS in 1925. 

The Mastons' firstborn, Tom McDonald (Tom Mc), was also born in 1925. An injury at birth made Tom Mc a victim of cerebral palsy his entire life.  The Mastons' other son, Harold Eugene (Gene) fought clinical depression his entire life.  Their children had a profound effect on the family.  They could not become foreign missionaries without institutionalizing Tom Mc, so those plans were dropped. Essie Mae dropped her own career to give almost total care to her sons, although T. B. Maston's own deep involvement, including physical involvement with this care went well beyond that expected of fathers in that era.  They took their sons with them on extended overseas trips that were mission or education related.  Tillman claims that Tom Mc's physical problems and Gene's emotional struggles (if clinical depression is so little understood in our culture, today, how much more so then?) had a profound effect on Maston's theology and worldview and this is easily believed.  It gave him a sensitivity to suffering that, perhaps, goes a long way to explaining why his views on race, economic justice, and world peace, were so VERY far ahead of most of his cultural context–including that of his religious culture.

With his path committed to a life of teaching and writing on Christian education in church settings, missiology, and, increasingly, on discipleship and ethics, Maston continued to equip himself with further education. He earned an M.A. in sociology from Texas Christian University (1927) and, later, a Ph.D. in Christian Ethics (under H. Richard Niebuhr) at Yale University (1939). He also took summer courses at the University of North Carolina (192 and the University of Chicago (1929). At UNC, Chapel Hill, he was influenced by the renowned Southern sociologist, Howard W. Odum.  His courses in Christian ethics took him from SWBTS' School of Religious Education to its main School of Theology.  Maston basically founded the Christian ethics department at SWBTS–it was not a part of the original curriculum.

His developing social ethic was a Southern and post-WWI adaptation of the Social Gospel, but with several significant differences.  1) Whereas most of the Northern Social Gospel was tied to liberal theology, Maston combined a firm commitment to conservative Protestant orthodoxy (a mildly Calvinist form of Baptist thought) with social ethics that were fairly liberal/progressive on most issues.  No doubt the conservative theology was a genuine reflection of Maston's convictions, but it also fit his environment well. If you are going to challenge a church culture that is profoundly racist with a call for racial justice and reconciliation and a church culture of "rugged individualism" with a call for economic empowerment and social solidarity, it helps if none of your critics can challenge one iota of your doctrinal orthodoxy! 2) Like other Southerners who adapted forms of the Southern Gospel, Maston put far more emphasis on racial justice and reconciliation than did Northern counterparts.

Maston's biggest influence on Southern Baptists was on the issue of racism.  He wrote three books on the subject: Of One (1946); The Bible and Race (1959), and Segregation and Desegregation (1959).  Additionally, he joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP–name chosen when "colored" was considered the less offensive term than "black,") and the Fort Worth chapter of the Urban League.  He wrote hundreds of op-ed pieces for Baptist state papers and for secular newspapers on the topic, along with numerous pamphlets and chapters in many more books.  As early as the 1940s, he was calling on Baptist churches and agencies to voluntarily desegregate. 

Some could question how influential Maston really was on race.  The Southern Baptist Convention did not issue an apology for its role perpetuating slavery until the year 2000.  During the Civil Rights struggle, the vast majority of Southern Baptists were openly supportive of segregation.  (Many of these repeatedly tried to get Maston fired and his books banned from Baptist publishers and he received numerous pieces of hate mail.) Even today, the Southern Baptist Convention is one of the whitest denominations and African Americans who are associated with it play no significant role in its leadership or in shaping its views.  However, Maston, through his books and students did much to create an influential minority of white Baptists who were progressive on race–and I have heard numerous African American ministers of the right age express appreciation for Maston's work in this area.

Maston helped create the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission (with a name chosen that would not sound like the Social Gospel–often perceived in the South as "communist!") and its success led to the change in name of the Southern Baptist Social Service Commission (formed by Southern Seminary's J. B. Weatherspoon, a shaper not mentioned in this volume) to the SBC Christian Life Commission. (After the fundamentalist takeover in the 1990s, the name was again changed to that of the "Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission," but this is misleading since it no longer works for religious liberty in the classic Baptist sense. Its "ethics" now reflect that of the Religious Right). Maston's doctoral students often became heads of these agencies and others such as the Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs (now the Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty–an agency now free of SBC monetary support). Through his students, Maston slowly influenced Southern Baptists to be more concerned for economic justice and racial justice. He also published work on peacemaking, though he was not a pacifist.

Maston was also influential in shaping several generations of Southern Baptist thinking on the relation of the church to the world of politics.  From their beginnings Baptists (like the Anabaptists before them) believed that because God alone is Lord of the conscience, the state should not be able to regulate religion. Church and state should be institutionally separate and everyone should have equal religious liberty–including atheists.  Persuasion alone should be used in gaining religious converts–with no help from secular governments.  This emphasis on liberty of conscience combined in America, especially in the Southwest, with the value of "rugged individualism" to promote a profound distrust of governmental institutions and a firm desire for government not to meddle in religious affairs.  It also led to a kind of apolitical apathy on the part of many Baptists.

Maston and his students shifted this.  Recovering a biblical understanding of the prophets, he maintained the strong desire for institutional church-state separation, but pushed for the church to influence state and society in a moral direction.  Sometimes this influence would be "conservative," such as opposing legalized gambling and restrictions on alcoholic beverages and on pornography, but sometimes it would be "liberal," such as pushing for increased funding for public education, ending segregation, anti-poverty programs, a limited military budget combined with strong peacemaking efforts.  Maston and his students were fierce defenders of church-state separation. (He would have been horrified by today's atmosphere with government handouts for "faith-based" social programs, official representation to the Vatican, and the constant clamour by conservative church groups for tax-based "vouchers" for private, parochial schools!) But this did not translate into apolitical quietism.  They expected churches to be influential on moral issues to have a voice in public policy–but not to dominate it or have its programs enacted into law because they were Christian ones.  Tillman doesn't raise the question about whether or not Maston's influence inadvertantly led to the rise of the religious right. I often wonder, however, if much of the Right misunderstood the message of social responsibility which Maston and others promoted: They left their apolitical apathy and took to heart the message of influencing public policy–and missed the respect for pluralism and church-state separation along the way.

The influence of Maston on Southern Baptist thinking about family life was also profound–and here, he was mostly traditional.  His marriage showed a partnership and Maston pushed Southern Baptist husbands to care deeply for their wives and be actively involved in child rearing–but he stopped short of embracing any form of Christian feminism that I can see. (Some of his students went beyond him on this.) His view of family life is still (mildly) patriarchal–and Tillman misses this.  It is not surprising that Maston shared the near-universal condemnation of all same-sex sexual expression of his era, but Tillman doesn't question this conclusion and I do.

Another major influence of Maston's was to get Southern Baptists to read the Bible not just for doctrinal views, but to see the strong social and ethical themes.  His book Biblical Ethics, first published in 1967, has continuously been reprinted, though by different publishers.  It is a survey of the Bible (Protestant canon) from Genesis to Revelation with a focus on the ethical themes.  It remains an excellent survey, especially for laity.  When combined with his other books, God's Will and Your Life (1964), The Conscience of a Christian(1971–title chosen in contrast, perhaps, to Sen. Barry Goldwater's The Conscience of a Conservative, which launched the post-WWII conservative movement among Republicans?), Real Life in Christ (1974), Why Live the Christian Life? (1974), and To Walk as He Walked (1985), it shows a Christocentric and prophetic reading of Scripture that puts less emphasis on the legal materials.

Maston wrote, as do most of the 'shapers' profiled, for church audiences rather than academic ones.  This is a good communication strategy if you are trying not to impress other academics, but to truly have an impact on the ethics of churchmembers.  In Maston's case, however, it led him to completely neglect historical-critical matters in his biblical work (though maybe not behind the scenes in his own study?)–and that, I think, may have reinforced a "flat Bible" hermeneutic among Baptist laity and even ministers.

There is no doubt that T. B. Maston was a powerfully beneficial influence on Baptist life, especially that of white Baptists in the South (Southern Baptists and, today, much of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship)–and ESPECIALLY from the Southwest.  Coming from outside the direct line of influence of the Maston circle, I appreciate his work greatly–if not in the hagiographic and hero-worshipping tones of Bill Tillman.

      

 

 

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World War II and Omaha Beach Websites

My Father is a veteran of World War II and fought at Omaha Beach in the 146th Army Combat Engineers unit.  Here are some related websites.

His unit: http://www.146thecbwwii.org/146thNavigationPAge.html

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear friends,

I have updated my websites:

29th Infantantry Division Historical Society:
I have updated the rosters with 279 news names.


American D-day:
I added a new chapter “They did D-day one Utah Beach” with 78 new pictures of veterans.

Omaha Beach Memorial:
I have added 18 news pictures of veterans who landed on Omaha Beach.

Regards
Laurent LEFEBVRE
laurentlefebvre@americandday.org
laurentlefebvre@29infantrydivision.org

How Much Is There Beyond Our Differences?

Ever single person of faith should watch the video in this Bill Moyers show about the things which should unite the citizens of the world and its religions.

pwg

 

 

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How Much Is There Beyond Our Differences?

via Bill Moyers Journal by Bill Moyers Journal on 12/26/08

This week, the JOURNAL presented BEYOND OUR DIFFERENCES, a film that explores the commonalities that unify mankind's religious and spiritual traditions, focusing on the universal threads of hope for positive change and healing throughout the world's cultures.

We invite you to discuss in the space below.

 

 

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Bible Verse for the Year!

Luke 4:18-19
"The spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Let There Be Peace on Earth

Marriage is like drinking a Slurpee

Thanks, Snuffy.

Daily Devotional by Max Lucado, Jan 8th

Daily Devotional by Max Lucado “the One who came still comes and the One who spoke still speaks”   January 8 God’s Testimony   The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7 (NKJV)   A small seed becoming a towering tree. A thin stalk pushing back the earth. A rainbow arching in the midst of the thundercloud…. “God’s testimony,” wrote David, “makes wise the simple.”   God’s testimony.  When was the last time you witnessed it?  A stroll through knee-high grass in a green meadow.  An hour listening to seagulls or looking at seashells on the beach.  Or witnessing the shafts of sunlight brighten the snow on a crisp winter dawn….   There comes a time when we should lay down our pens and commentaries and step out of our offices and libraries.  To really understand and believe in the miracle of the cross, we’d do well to witness God’s miracles every day.     From: No Wonder They Call Him the Savior Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2003) Max Lucado

Today's Quote

"To see what is in front of one's nose needs a constant struggle." George Orwell

Comical? 2008 Year in Review

http://sendables.jibjab.com/sendables/202809/2008_year_in_review#/teaser/202809

Thanks, Tracie.

Obama's War

http://ricks.foreignpolicy.com/node/14892

Gen. David Petraeus: Afghanistan is a tougher nut than Iraq

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4587&page=3

A Lesson from Black Immigrants

http://dallassouthblog.com/2009/01/03/shawn-williams-in-dallas-morning-news-a-lesson-from-black-immigrants/

The Top 10 Stories You Missed in 2008

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/top10-2008/index.html

Calvin & Hobbes - Week of Jan 5th

http://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/2009/01/05/

To view strips after Monday, use 'Next day.'

Dallas Firms on the Worst and Best to Work For Lists

http://techblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/12/dallas-area-firms-among-the-wo.html

State of Neglect

The first article is now available in this Dallas News series about Texas state government and how its policies and services affect us. More will follow in the next 3 weeks.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spe/2009/state_of_neglect/

Federal perks, newly bought house in Dallas await Bushes on Jan. 20

http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1122820.html

Thanks, Snuffy.

Amazing Slingshot Man

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=9ieWrWLjii0

Thanks, Jeanette and Larry.

Daily Devotional by Max Lucado

 

Daily Devotional by Max Lucado “the One who came still comes and the One who spoke still speaks”   January 2 All God’s Children   If they could be made God's people by what they did, God's gift of grace would not really be a gift. Romans 11:6 (NCV)   To whom does God offer his gift? To the brightest? The most beautiful or the most charming? No. His gift is for us all--beggars and bankers, clergy and clerks, judges and janitors. All God's children. And he wants us so badly, he'll take us in any condition--"as is" reads the tag on our collars. He's not about to wait for us to reach perfection (he knows we'll never get there!). Do you think he's waiting for us to overcome all temptations? Hardly. When we master the Christian walk? Far from it. Remember, Christ died for us when we were still sinners. His sacrifice, then, was not dependent on our performance. He wants us now.     From: No Wonder They Call Him the Savior Copyright (Multnomah Publishers, Inc., 1987) Max Lucado

Uncle Jay Explains: Year-end!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWiXy55OHyY

Thanks, Randal.

Happy New Year Video!

http://llerrahmusic.com/viewcard.php?code=199219

Thanks, Larry.