My life because of the cross

As I stood on that rugged hill,
I thought, how wicked it would be,
Christ gave his own life for sin's bill,
Yet the world forgot, I can see.

He shed his very own red blood,
And died on that old rugged cross.
Without his Father, all alone he stood,
Yet the world seemed it not a loss.

While on this old cross,
My Lord did cry.
He did the will of his boss,
So with him we won't die.

We can live with him forever
Because of that day ago so long
If we trust him, we will fear never,
And because of him I now have a song.

I'll sing that song through eternity
Because he died on Calv'ry
How greatful I can be
That one day, Him I'll see.

That song I'll sing forever of:
"Amazing Grace How sweet the sound,
that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now I'm found;
'Twas blind but now I see."

So many songs that it would take,
For me to tell of what all it means
What he did on that cross for my sake
I hope that of what I now do he will be keen.

I will not sing, I will not write,
I do not have the time
I can't wait until his face is my next sight.
So because of this, against him I can do no crime

I cannot tell all that the cross means to me
But Jesus died on that cross for you as well.
I know his face in Heaven I can't wait to see
He died for you, and His grace to you I cannot sell

Accept him today
You'll not be the same
For you I will pray (that)
In that book will be your name.

September 11th through the eyes of the Statue of Liberty

A single tear rolled down my cheek as I watched the scene that would change America forever. No longer would her people be able to walk down the streets unafraid. No longer would they be able to travel the globe freely. Soon they would look upon foreigners with distrust and prejudge many based on apearance. One great nation was being attacked. This attack on the American freedoms was felt most greatly by me.

“Why me?” you might ask. I was standing in New York Harbor when the first plane struck, and I was still there when the second plane disappeared into tower number two of the World Trade Center. I watched in horror as the two towers fell. My heart ached at the senseless loss of lives. I knew that this event would become part of America’s great history. I wanted so much to go and help those people, but for the body of water separating us, I could not.

Suddenly, I became aware of a tugging. It became a tug of war between good and evil! Unseen hands were trying to rip that precious Declaration of Independence from my grasp! I clung to it with all my strength and pressed it close to my heart. “No!” I cried.

I was hugging it to my heart! The broken chains about my feet were closing in once again to lock me into bondage, but some unseen force of patriotism was saving me, and keeping the chains fallen away. A breath of hateful wind caused my flame, my eternal flame, to flicker, but only for a moment. The dust from the crumbling towers was trying to snuff out the flame in defeat. But again an unseen act of unity or maybe the American spirit rekindled that light. Such an attack on our great nation, and me, must not go unpunished! Evil must not have its way. America must fight back when she realizes this was no accident. We must be united as one to defeat this great foe.

My crown began tingling, as I felt the eyes of the world on me. The world, holding its breath, was waiting, watching, andwondering. “Will this great nation rise again?”

“Yes! She will!” was my triumphant reply.

"Give me your tired, your poor, wour huddlede masses yearning to breath free; send those, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me; I lift my lam beside the golden door."

For at that moment President Bush was standing a-top the rubble at Ground Zero saying, “The people who knocked down these buildings will hear all of us soon.”

“U.S.A., U.S.A., U.S.A.!” was the chant screaming its way through all of America. Her people, as one, came together to support and defend their freedoms! They were not going to allow these terrorists to destroy the land that they loved. “God Bless America!” was their unanimous cry. These Americans were not going to turn the other cheek. They were going to defeat terrorism and defend those gripped by it.

Dear fellow Americans,

Today, I am still standing here proudly in New York Harbor, reflecting and remembering the events that once shook America six years ago. May we never forget September 11, 2001. May that anger of being attacked burn in our hearts until terrorism is snuffed out forever. May we never forget the freedoms given to us by God and fought for by our forefathers. May we defend and protect these freedoms with all of our strength and all of our might. Never forget, my America, that day, September 11, 2001.

Yours Truly,

“The First Lady of the World”
Lady Liberty

Christian One Liners: Things to ponder

Don't let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews.

Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors.

It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.

The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.

When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.

People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.

Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.

Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.

If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.

God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?

Some minds are like concrete thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

Peace starts with a smile.

I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?

A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises.

We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges

Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.

Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.

Don't put a question mark where God put a period.

Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.

Forbidden fruits create many jams.

God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

God grades on the cross, not the curve.

God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!"

God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

He who angers you, controls you!

If God is your Co-pilot - swap seats!

Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!

The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.

The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.

We don't change the message, the message changes us.

You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.

And best for last:

The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.

VBS

I believe that one of the best ways to reach the children of America is through the old Vacation Bible School. I love to hear different themes that folks have used in the past whether they were a success or not. You can only use a western theme so many times. I was wondering if you folks would be willing to help me out by leaving a few different themes. No matter what the theme, feel free to leave it for me. I can use all the help that I can get. Thanks.

WOW! I can't believe the summer is gone!

This summer went by so fast. I cannot believe that and to think that I have already arrived back from California makes happy but sad as well. The people at West Coast Baptist Church made me feel as though that church was my home so naturally I made it my home. I was amazed at how many little things changed here at Fairhaven.

Yesterday, was a day of mixed emotions. I came to love my church back home in California so naturally when I came here, yes I was excited to be back, but it did not feel the same. I will always love Fairhaven expecially for what they have done for me and how I have been changed because of so many folks praying for me but something was different when I got here. It did not feel like home. Please do not misunderstand me, I feel so bad saying this especially after the rumors of the last year. Fairhaven is probably the best churches if not the best church in the world. The Lord has blessed so much. I just wanted to clear that up before moving on. Please if anyone feels that I ought to change the wording a little please let me know.

Anyways, it is sad that we have to clarify ourselves like that otherwise folks will take us out of context and say how we hate Fairhaven and that is not what I want because I do not hate it I love it.

Back to my point, for instance, just imagine going to a church for the summer that runs right around 300, and then coming to Fairhaven and walking into the auditorium. I walked in last night and I felt so small. I felt like the place was huge and it seemed as if it had grown over the summer. I know the building had not grown at all but it was just that feeling from being in a small church for so long. I came to love that small church atmosphere. I felt so bad last night thinking that my church back home was having church and I was not there in church with them. It was Wednesday evening and I was not in church. Well, I sure I will get used to having church on Thursday again.

Another thing that got me was the fact of how green everything is around here. I saw about two drops of rain all summer and the first night that I got back; it poured rain. It was so humid but when noticing all the greenery, I was reminded that in Southern Cal. we do not have that much greenery unless we water it consistently, constantly. We have grass but it definitely doesn't grow very tall. The only thing that grows tall is the weeds. Anyways, it is good to be back here for school. I am glad to be back.

I truly hope and pray that no one took this post in the wrong way. I cannot repeat myself enough, I am one hundred percent behind Fairhaven and my pastor here. It is just after being in a small church atmosphere, I fell in love with it.

Pray for our troops

Our American soldiers have sacrificed so much for the freedoms of America. The least that we can do for them is thank God for them and pray that he will protect them. I think of those who have given their lives for us in Iraq. For instance, my cousin, he is in Iraq and lost two of the men in his unit to a road side bomb. If you were to ask him his feelings of those things that had happened, he would tell you that he is willingly over there like all of our soldiers. Now, it is time that we here back home stand up and thank them for what they do. I am amazed at how much people down our troops. It breaks my heart to see people who do not even think of our troops. Even if one does not agree with the war, we can still appreciate our troops. They are out there fighting those who came into America on September 11, 2001, and killed those in the Twin Towers (World Trade Center). Please take time to read this following poem as it has touched myself deeply. It is rather lengthy but you will be touched by it if you read it with an open heart. May it be a blessing to you.

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter besid me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,

Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,

But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the

sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,

"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!

Put down you pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,

Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light

Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,

I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night." "It's my duty to

stand at the front of the line,

That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December.'

Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."

My dad stood his watch in teh jungles of 'Nam',

And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures, he's sue got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

I can live through the cold and teh being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,

Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.

Who stand at the front against any and all,

To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "Harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

But isn't there someting I can do, at the least,

"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done,

For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,

That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

- Author Unknown -

The importance of Prayer

Probably the most exciting thing that I have seen since I have been out here in California is the fact that every morning at six a.m., the men of the church meet to join together in prayer. Just being here for three months, I have had the privelege to see the Lord bless tremendously. The attendance has actually been growing this summer. Usually the attendance is lowered during this part of the year. Obviously, it is nothing that we are doing but only what God is doing to answer our prayers. We have been praying for so many financial needs and it seems that (and I know) that the Lord always supplies in the time that he plans. He has supplied everything for me and for the church. May I post into your mind if any one is on the edge of believing in prayer, Prayer works. Trust God and he will bless. Prayer Works.

THIS WILL GIVE YOU CHILLS

AFTER A FEW OF THE USUAL SUNDAY EVENING HYMNS, THE CHURCH'S PASTOR SLOWLY STOOD UP, WALKED OVER TO THE PULPIT AND, BEFORE HE GAVE HIS SERMON FOR THE EVENING, BRIEFLY INTRODUCED A GUEST MINISTER WHO WAS IN THE SERVICE THAT EVENING. IN THE INTRODUCTION, THE PASTOR TOLD THE CONGREGATION THAT THE GUEST MINISTER WAS ONE OF HIS DEAREST CHILDHOOD FRIENDS AND THAT HE WANTED HIM TO HAVE A FEW MOMENTS TO GREET THE CHURCH AND SHARE WHATEVER HE FELT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE SERVICE. WITH THAT, AN ELDERLY MAN STEPPED UP TO THE PULPIT AND BEGAN TO SPEAK. "A FATHER, HIS SON, AND A FRIEND OF HIS SON WERE SAILING OFF THE PACIFIC COAST." HE BEGAN. "WHEN A FAST APPROACHING STORM! BLOCKED ANY ATTEMPT TO GET BACK TO THE SHORE. THE WAVES WERE SO HIGH, THAT EVEN THOUGH THE FATHER WAS AN EXPERIENCED SAILOR, HE COULD NOT KEEP THE BOAT UPRIGHT AND THE THREE WERE SWEPT INTO THE OCEAN AS THE BOAT CAPSIZED." THE OLD MAN HESITATED FOR A MOMENT, MAKING EYE CONTACT WITH TWO TEENAGERS WHO WERE, FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE SERVICE BEGAN, LOOKING SOMEWHAT INTERESTED IN HIS STORY. THE AGED MINISTER CONTINUED WITH HIS STORY, "GRABBING A RESCUE LINE, THE FATHER HAD TO MAKE THE MOST EXCRUCIATING DECISION OF HIS LIFE: TO WHICH BOY WOULD HE THROW THE OTHER END OF THE LIFE LINE? HE ONLY HAD SECONDS TO MAKE THE DECISION. THE FATHER KNEW THAT HIS SON WAS A CHRISTIAN AND HE, ALSO, KNEW THAT HIS SON'S FRIEND WAS NOT." THE AGONY OF HIS DECISION COULD NOT BE MATCHED BY THE TORRENT OF WAVES.
AS THE FATHER YELLED OUT, "I LOVE YOU, SON!" HE THREW OUT THE LIFE LINE TO HIS SON'S FRIEND. BY THE TIME THE FATHER HAD PULLED THE FRIEND BACK TO THE CAPSIZED BOAT, HIS SON HAD DISAPPEARED BENEATH THE RAGING SWELLS INTO THE BLACK OF NIGHT. HIS BODY WAS NEVER RECOVERED.
BY THIS TIME, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE SITTING UP STRAIGHT IN THE PEW, ANXIOUSLY WAITING FOR THE NEXT WORDS TO COME OUT OF THE OLD MINISTER'S MOUTH. "THE FATHER," HE CONTINUED, "KNEW HIS SON WOULD STEPINTO ETERNITY WITH JESUS AND HE COULD NOT BEAR THE THOUGHT OF HIS SON'S FRIEND STEPPING INTO AN ETERNITY WITHOUT JESUS... THEREFORE, HE SACRIFICED HIS SON TO SAVE THE SON'S FRIEND. "
HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE OF GOD THAT HE SHOULD DO THE SAME FOR US. OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SACRIFICED HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON THAT WE COULD BE SAVED. I URGE YOU TO ACCEPT HIS OFFER TO RESCUE YOU AND TAKE A HOLD OF THE LIFE LINE HE IS THROWING OUT TO YOU IN THIS SERVICE." WITH THAT, THE OLD MAN TURNED AND SAT BACK DOWN IN HIS CHAIR AS SILENCE FILLED THE ROOM. THE PASTOR AGAIN WALKED SLOWLY TO THE PULPIT AND DELIVERED A BRIEF SERMON WITH AN INVITATION AT THE END. HOWEVER, NO ONE RESPONDED TO THE APPEAL. WITHIN MINUTES AFTER THE SERVICE ENDED, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE AT THE OLD MAN'S SIDE. "THAT WAS A NICE STORY," POLITELY STATED ONE OF THEM, "BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS VERY REALISTIC FOR A FATHER TO GIVE UP HIS ONLY SON'S LIFE IN HOPES THAT THE OTHER BOY WOULD BECOME A CHRISTIAN."
"WELL, YOU'VE GOT A POINT THERE," THE OLD MAN REPLIED
GLANCING DOWN AT HIS WORN BIBLE. A BIG SMILE BROADENED! HIS NARROW FACE. HE ONCE AGAIN LOOKED UP AT THE BOYS AND SAID, "IT SURE ISN'T VERY REALISTIC, IS IT? BUT I'M STANDING HERE TODAY TO TELL YOU THAT STORY GIVES ME A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE FOR GOD TO GIVE UP HIS SON FOR ME. YOU SEE...

I WAS THAT FATHER AND YOUR PASTOR IS MY SON'S FRIEND."

California

I have thoroughly enjoyed my stay here in California. I truly do not want it to end. I have fallen in love with West Coast Baptist Church. We have such a close knit group of people and they definitely have made me feel right at home. Since the first day that I was here, I felt as though I was home. We are located in Vista, CA; located some thirty five minutes north of San Diego. The weather is great. It never gets too hot but yet it is warm enough to be comfortable in. I have been down to San Diego many times since my arrival but most of the time is simply to go to the airport. Up until last week, the only reason that I have been down there is for that reason. I have been to San Diego three times since then and none of those trips were to the airport, Hallelujah! The first of these trips was to do some business downtown, not very enjoyable and normal business. We had a rather long stay there as we were going to catch the 9:45 train but as we came around the corner of the train station; the train pulled out. We had to wait until 12:45 for the next train. Well, the food was good. I didn't really like walking around the mall. Last Saturday, we went to Seaport Village. It is beautiful. We (Elizabeth and I) enjoyed the time together. We walked around down by the water and then we sat and talked for a while down by the water front. After that, we went through the actual village. It is a pretty neat little village. I think that the most unique thing there was the man balancing rocks on top of each other. The other time that we went to San Diego was on Tuesday. Pastor Clark took myself and Elizabeth down to Old Town so that we could spend time together. We walked around the town. It was a really neat old spanish town. The only bad thing was the Cosmopolitian (spelling?) restaurant. We waited forever for our food while those who came after us came, ate and left before we recieved our food. It was good food, but it would have been better if I could have had some more water. We sat there for an hour and a half and I got one refill. Pastor did not recieve one refill in his cup of coffee. He was not happy. Well, it was a great time, anyways. I enjoyed the museum of the house, and restaurant, and many other rooms. We bought a few souvenirs for some folks back home. San Diego is a place that every one ought to go. I do not want to leave the church though most of all. I guess with the standards that we have, we must be close. California is the place to be right now.

I'm back into it.

I don't know how long I will continue to blog but I have been asked, "Why don't you write some more?" Well, right now I have no excuse. I am not too busy to do it. I have access to a computer. I have all the capabilities to continue blogging so I will. I pray that the previous postings will continue to bless people. I do not claim to be a good writer but I do want to be a blessing as much as I can.