Thanksgiving 2008

Well, the first of the major events without Donna has passed.

Originally, I had planned to be in Virginia for Thanksgiving. The cemetery had indicated that the grave marker would be in place in 6-8 weeks - I thought after the burial. However, I discovered that they meant after payment. So, hopefully, there will be a marker by Christmas - perhaps.

I suppose it was better this way. By coming to my parents for Thanksgiving, there were several advantages.

One, I had contracted some type of throat virus - that's what the doc called it. Even with a shot on Tuesday, I am still dealing with the effects of a sore throat (much less today) and stuffed-up head. Better here than on a 5-hour road trip.

Two, since Donna and I had rarely come to my parents for Thanksgiving, there were few memories to deal with, especially as my sister was the actual host for the Thanksgiving meal at her house.

There have been moments, as there have been the past 2 months (already, it's almost 2 months since the accident), but all in all, we have made it just fine this holiday season.

Now, there remains her birthday (December 18), Christmas, our anniversary (January 21) - it would have been 26 years, and Valentines. By God's grace, I anticipate that we will be sustained and make it through these events as well.

Dear God,
Thank you for Your own goodness, grace, and mercy.
Thank you for Donna and our more than 25 years together.
Thank you for family and friends who love and support.
Thank you for Jesus and His great sacrifice.
Amen!

God is VERY good!
Richard

Lonely

Today, my parents returned to their home. I turned, walked into the house with Abby, and said to her something like, "Now we're on our own." And it was a sad moment.

Wednesday, October 1, life changed drastically...Donna was killed in a one-car accident. Immediately there was the rush of others to help. The sheriff and a local pastor who took me to the hospital to see her; the myriads of people who came to make my house presentable to those who would drop by; my niece, parents, and sister and brother-in-law appearing. There was the need to find Abby (she was with her "mother" at the time of the accident and ended up spending the night in the woods).

Then, we moved to the funeral home to make arrangements. Next was the visitation on Friday and the funeral service on Saturday. Then on Sunday, we left for Virginia for a graveside service and burial on Tuesday with the need to go on Monday and finalize arrangements with the cemetery.

Next was the trip home on Wednesday and the need to start going through Donna's things.

Today, my parents returned to their home...and now here with Abby...

I feel lonely!

Richard

Dandelions

Dandy Lions
Dan duh Lie ons
Dan dell eeons

Interesting word combos, but I digress (yes, I started by digressing).

Last week, I cut the grass.

Actually, to be more precise, I cut the dandelions.

It was actually fairly easy as there had not been much rain, so the real grass had not grown (often as high as a foot or so before I get it cut). And nothing was bloated with nectar/grass sap/whatever it's called.

Dandelion flowers are actually very pretty. I love the yellow color. And the white puffballs are pretty as well, although much unwanted because of their readiness and willingness to float out and create another 'child' at the smallest breathe. (As to the leaves, not so much.)

I guess a lesson is obvious here. The beauty of the flower hides the danger.

(Wow! More digression!)

Anyhow, as I cut the 'grass' and pondered the predominance of dandelions and their ability to flourish with so little water, a thought occured to me:

If the folk in hell were to sweat, I bet dandelions would grow there!

Blessings,
Richard

A Skunk, a Retractable Leash, and God

As you will know if you have visited my website (DicksonHome.net) we have a miniature Schnauzer named Abby. Actually, she has her own webpage, click here to view it.

One of my jobs each night is to go outside with Abby so she can take care of "business."

This past Tuesday night as we went outside, Abby discovered something she thought interesting and took off running into the lot next door. I did see her do a quick jump, spin, etc., but didn't think much of it. She did more running and some barking, but these are all fairly usual for her.

As we continued our journey around the house, I noticed an odor in the air. Well, in our neck of the woods, "that odor" is one thing - a skunk. But, then again, that is not unusual either.

We continued our journey and went inside the house. The odor persisted in the house, but that also is not unusual when the smell is strong outside. However, I did wonder and I bent down to smell Abby. Well, it had been some time since her last bath so she didn't smell pretty, but nothing stung my nose, so I didn't think more of it.

Then, we went into the bedroom, where Donna commented on the smell and how strong it was. OK, short story long, Abby HAD got it, at least some of it - enough to make her unpleasant to be around. So, Donna sprayed her with some "smell better" stuff and lit a Yankee Candle tart.

Well, Wednesday came and I went to work. Later in the day, Donna revealed that she couldn't take it any longer and had given Abby a bath - actually 2 baths.

So, when I got home (and she did smell much better when she greeted me at the door), it was again time for me to do the nightly honors. However, with "the odor" already present in the air outside, I knew we didn't want to risk the previous night's adventure with a clean Abby.

Out came the halter and retractable leash and then the trip outside.

Abby, of course, wanted to explore so I willingly went with her, but in those areas (especially along the back fence) that I wasn't sure about I held the leash so that she could not enter those areas.

Our retractable leash allows about a 15 foot distance from "holder" to "restrainee" so Abby had a circle with about a 30 foot diameter that she was FREE to roam, and I was moving so this circle was constantly being expanded for her. However, she generally stayed at the far end of the restraint and wanted more.

Then, I thought about God!

There is a continuing struggle in theological circles about God's sovereignty and human freedom.

I did wonder if God's sovereignty might not somehow be like that retractable leash. He is in control. As His child, He puts restraints on my life, both for my protection and for His glory. Yet, He willingly lets me to wander and explore "freely" as long as I stay within the realm of what He allows. Of course, I often push to the end of the restraint and want more freedom, but God knows what is best and so He lovingly holds the leash steady and keeps me from the danger that I would so readily get into.

Hmmm...a skunk, a retractable leash, and God...

I wonder!

Blessings,
Richard

It Was a Miracle

It was nothing short of at least a minor miracle, if not a major miracle - Donna was able to be in church with me this past Sunday, May 11.

First, there is the pain that she lives with. On Saturday, Sunday attendance was looking doubtful as she experienced pain, discomfort, the effects of medicine, whatever.

Second, there is the hurt that she has experienced, even those things one runs across in a new church that bring up old wounds that are not yet healed.

Third, it was Mother's Day - a day full of pain for one who has so wanted to experience motherhood and has been denied, as well as a reminder of the loss of her mother just before Mother's Day several years ago.

But, there she was, struggling at times to get ready so early in the morning, but walking out the door and getting in the car to travel the distance.

There she was, seated at the piano, taking part in worship leadership through 2 services.

There she was, on the pew beside me, crying through the sermon as she thought of her mom and the child she would never have.

The service was made easier by the fact that there were no babies to dedicate and no special recognition of those who WERE mothers (as opposed to those who WERE NOT mothers).

There were roses in the big pot at the front given to support the American Cancer Society's Walk for Life (now a cause for Donna as a survivor of melanoma), one which honored her and another which honored the memory of her mother.

So, as we sang the Doxology, her own voice raised in song and praise, I give praise to God for this, for ...

It was a miracle!

Blessings,
Richard

Check It Out

Besides encouraging you to check out my other blog Music Musings, where my posting is more frequent than here, I would like for you to check out DicksonHome.net.

I have added links to Top New Stories and a Today in History section so that it is not the same thing everytime you go to my website.

Thanks so much and ...

Blessings,
Richard

A Basic Christian Library

What are some of the books that one might find in a basic Christian library?

I have posted some recommendations with links for your consideration.

There are Bibles, reference books, and devotional books. I also included a link to "The Chronicles of Narnia" since there is much interest in the movie "Prince Caspian" that is coming out in theatres.

It is a long page with a lot of information, but I hope it will prove helpful.

You can find my recommendations on my website, Dickson Home, by clicking here or on the link on the sidebar and then clicking on the menu link to "Recommended Reading."

Blessings,
Richard

(Note: this is a duplicate of the post on Music Musings.)

Rebecca St. James Embarrassed

At least she ought to be!

I usually listen to Contemporary Christian Music as I travel to and from work each day. I generally like the style and it helps keep me awake. Therefore, I don't consider myself a classical prude when it comes to this style of music.

However, I often wonder what the musicians and producers are thinking. Don't they ever actually listen to this stuff they are putting out.

How much longer do we have to listen to lyrics like "My-ee," "ho-lay," and "I ador-a-(breath sound)ore" (just say it and you'll understand that last one)? Even with the stylistic nature of contemporary music, singers ought to at the least be able to pronounce the words correctly! Some actually do!

This is Christian music - at least that is what we call it. If it is Christian shouldn't it be our best. It should definitely be better than what the world offers.

So, back to Rebecca St. James embarrassment. Frequently in the last few days, I have heard her rendition of the song "Breathe" - which I associate with Michael W. Smith. Maybe she was trying to catch the feeling of the title, but it throws me everytime she sings, "I-hi" - I have to say, "Hi" back. Then there is all of the air sucking sounds.

Let see if I can approximate what I hear:

"And I-high canuh live withou yooo (suck air)."

If the instrumentalists on the recording had been so sloppy, I feel they would have been fired. Where was the producer and what was he actually listening for? He should have been fired. And Rebecca St. James, well, she should be embarrassed. She has been in the business long enough to know better.

Come on Christian musicians/vocalists...be better. You can do it, and I feel sure that our Lord would be very appreciative of the extra effort.

Blessings,
Richard

DicksonHome

For those who have not done so already, I wanted to invite my readers to visit my webpages: DicksonHome.net. They can be reached by clicking the link in the sidebar or by clicking here.

You will find pages about "our girls," as well as sermon notes, and who knows what else. Feel free to browse around. Some of the content may not be recent, but you will certainly find out a little more about us in the process.

Blessings,
Richard

VERY GOOD NEWS

Dear Reader,

It is Easter Sunday and we have once again celebrated the resurrection of our Lord. I would be remis to not wish you all a very Happy and Joyous Easter.

One of my great joys is to announce the good news on Easter Sunday. I had that opportunity once again this year in our sunrise service. So once again before the clock tells us that another Easter Sunday has passed let's say it again.

Christ is risen! - He is risen indeed!
CHRIST IS RISEN! - HE IS RISEN INDEED!
CHRIST IS RISEN! - HE IS RISEN INDEED!

And that my dear readers is VERY GOOD NEWS!

Blessings,
Richard

Music Musings

I appreciate so much those of you who read these rambling thoughts even though the postings are few and far between. Please understand that I will continue to post here from time to time as my rambling strikes, but ...

For those who are interested, I have started another blog which I have been adding to basically on a weekly basis. It has to do more particularly with the church I am currently serving and the music program that I lead there.

I have posting thoughts on the Lenten season scripture readings and how they, the sermon, and the choral music selection relate to the church's Lenten theme. Readers may find it interesting.

The blog is called Music Musings. You can access it at musicmusings-rsd.blogspot.com or by clicking the link in the column to the right.

Thank you again for your support.
Richard

Best Laid Plans -or- Happy 25th

Well, it has been an interesting week, actually an interesting couple of weeks.

Friday, a week ago, ended with the Sons of Jubal Annual Retreat which this year involved an intense 2-day recording session. It was good, actually better than I thought it would be, but that's not the point of this story.

However, it, in part, helped lead up to an emotionally draining start to this past week. And this week ended, shall we say, very interestingly. Remember those best laid plans.

Ten years ago, Donna and I celebrated our 15th Wedding Anniversary with a small ceremony. I guess I should mention that Donna loves weddings. However, I asked if she could hold off on the big ceremony until our 25th. Well, she started them with the planning and preparations. She dreamed and planned and dreamed and planned and then dreamed some more. Along the way, the dreams changed or grew or whatever.

But, this past week, it caught up with us - the time arrived.

We had scheduled the big event for this past Friday, January 18th, at 7:00 p.m. A couple of years ago, while members at First Baptist Church, Toccoa, she had planned on having the ceremony in the new chapel, but with the new position at First Baptist Church, Jefferson, GA, one of those changes of plans happened and we scheduled it for that sanctuary with help and participation from members of our "new" church.

Then the week arrived and all was not done. Those last minute details got to be longer and out of hand. There was the rush to get it all done, but Donna was not physically or emotionally up to the task. She was simply worn out. Oh, she worked hard for the last two days with her friend Wanda helping out, but it was simply impossible to get it all done. Then there was the mad rush to get out of the house and on to Jefferson and the church. And, of course, in the rush, items - special items with a special place in the ceremony - were left at home (and with a 45 minute drive, were impossible to retrieve). We did remember some things like the plates and cups for the reception and we arranged for Wanda's husband to go by the house and pick up them up, but there were those other things that were not remembered until it was too late.

Donna was greatly saddened that all was not as she had dreamed it would be. Ten years of dreams altered by the last minute rush and the slipping of time.

For my part, small as it was, I thought it turned out well and Donna, well, she was more gourgeous than I remembered having seen her. Did I mention that she had gotten the wedding dress of her dreams (actually several years ago and at I price that even I thought was a bargain)?

Then after the ceremony, the reception, the photographs, and the clean-up, we were able to get away for our special weekend. We had planned a weekend in Atlanta visiting a few places that Donna wanted to go but for that first night, we rested. It was good, then we awoke to the promise of snow.

Now, you have to understand that Donna (and I) love snow, but now with the snow, more of Donna's carefully crafted plans were slipping (literally/figuratively??) away. So, with regrets we canceled our Saturday night stay, packed up, and headed home. Of course, this morning we learned that the snow was not nearly as bad as had been predicted and we probably could have continued with most of our plans (the zoo may not have worked out as the temperatures were very cold and it closes under those circumstances).

So ... what can we learn from this?

1. Life doesn't always go as we expect or plan. Sometimes we actually do have to just go with the flow and make the best of what we are handed.

2. The sweet is not in the details, but in the relationships. The details didn't match the dreams, but Donna and I did, in fact, before witnesses re-affirm our love for and commitment to each other. And, those who attended didn't seem to mind (or notice) that the topper for the groom's cake was missing - the one with the bride fishing for the groom - if you haven't heard that story yet, just ask me sometime when you see me.

3. God is still good. I can't pass up this opportunity. If you haven't guessed, this is a recurring theme.

So, now what are my plans?

Well, now I plan to try to take my bride to the zoo, the aquarium, and the world of Coke, but it probably won't be tomorrow and probably not all in one trip. I also plan to make up that second night away at some point, but probably not next weekend. And, my original plan is still in place - I plan to take my bride, on our anniversary, January 21 out to eat her favorite meal - sushi.

Who knows, even my plans may get changed, but love and commitment remain, not affected by changes in plans or dreams.

Donna, I love you! Happy 25th Wedding Anniversary!

Richard

Feeling Old, Vulnerable, & Very Grateful

You know how older folks often talk about young folks (teenagers usually) and how they seem to believe that "it will NEVER happen to them," therefore they do some of the craziest things. Well, today I feel like a teenager with a wake-up call.

I had the opportunity this week to attend Church Music Georgia 2007, sponsored by the Georgia Baptist Convention Music and Worship Department. It was very good. I especially enjoyed the sessions with Dr. Bill Green. I also had the opportunity to stay with my Uncle Billy and Aunt Tootsie overnight - thank you so much!!

On the way home today, I had to stop by my new church (sorry I haven't blogged about this, but I start at First Baptist Church, Jefferson, GA this coming Wednesday, August 1 - a very special day for those in the know) to pull some anthems to begin preparation for my first rehearsal with them. OK, if you don't know, it's my B-day - happy, happy! I have wondered today if I was going to make it. Anyway, I digress ...

Well, when I left the church, I came through Commerce and got on the Interstate. As I traveled, the rain got heavier and heavier - so heavy in fact, that I actually thought it prudent to begin to slow down. Obviously not soon enough ...

I hit some heavy water on a bridge and the car started going in a direction I hadn't intended. Up until now, I actually thought I was a pretty good driver. I did think to start trying to turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction, but my car and the water on the road had some strange ideas. First, I saw the guardrail on the right beginning to move closer to the car, then we suddenly shifted away, and I think I was looking back down the road I had just been out of my side window, then the median showed up and my car just headed down in the ditch and up the otherside toward the rails shielding the on-coming traffic. Of course, the car by this time was now facing in the opposite direction from which it had started, and just as the rail was looming up ... the car stopped.

The engine was still running, the lights were still on, the windshield wipers were still flapping their merry little tune, and the rain was pouring down.

And, I sat there.

OK, the airbags didn't deploy. No other cars were involved. I hadn't flipped like the vehicle we had seen a few months back (see prevous blog - God's Timing). I thought to turn the engine off. I knew I needed to get out and check for damage, but I sure didn't want to get out in that rain.

And what had been going through my mind? No, I don't believe I thought of imminent death. I thought "this is my best car" and "I wonder if the new tires are ruined" and "I thought I could drive better than that!"

So what did I do? I called Donna (of course, she decided that I needed her to come be with me) and then I called 911 (I supposed I needed a report in case there was any damage to the car). I did, finally, grab the umbrella in the car (of course, it was a small one) and get out to examine the exterior of the car. It actually looked fine. No apparent damage to the body and the tires were still intact and inflated - minus one screw-on valve stem cap. So ... the very wet me got back in the car to wait - for the sheriff and for Donna.

Well, the deputy finally arrived and make a visual inspection (very much like mine and with the same results). When he asked about a tow, I suggested - I had already thought about it, but decided I should stay put for the report - that I first trying driving out, if the car was driveable. It was and I had no problem going back through the ditch and with a little assistance watching for on-coming traffic, I was able to turn around and head back up the road.

I did begin "to hear" sounds so I did stop a couple of times to check them out, but didn't see anything out of the ordinary. I will have to make some decision about having it checked out for damage I couldn't see, but that's not for today. And, I did make it home. Donna also finally caught up with me at home.

So, now, let's review. I survived. The car survived and still looks good except for all the extra grass. I didn't flip - excellent. I didn't hit any of the impending guardrails - also excellent. There were no other cars involved - hallelujah - in fact, not one even stopped to check on me. The car was still driveable. I learned a very valuable lesson or two (or three).

So, now I feel older (even before B-day arrives) and I feel more vulnerable and ...

I feel very, very grateful. Whether there were angels pushing/pulling my car away from guardrails, holding off other traffic, holding the top to keep it from flipping, or if it was just God's gracious hand of mercy in a situation that could have been much more tragic, I am very grateful for the goodness He showed to me.

Thanks be to God for His matchless riches of mercy and grace to me!!

The Gist of Job

Nothing deep or heavy here, not even exactly studious. Just ...

as I've been reading through Job (that's the Bible book that rhymes with lobe, not that work related thing that rhymes with Bob), the thought came to me that ...

on a very basic level, this book is about ...

reconciling what we know about God with ...

the world that we experience every day.

In this back and forth of speeches given by Job and his "friends" there is always the argument of the character and nature of God and how that relates to the experience of loss and suffering that Job is facing.

This time through I've not yet reached God's speech, but it is comforting to know that regardless of my life's circumstances, God is still God.

Blessings,
Richard

God's Timing

Of course we were running late.

We were to be in Covington for the Sons of Jubal rehearsal at 2:00 p.m. and it was at least a 2 hour drive (per MapQuest). We decided to venture down the Interstate per MapQuest's recommendation, as opposed to cutting across country.

We did swing through the Krystal drive-through at Banks Crossing and chose to eat as we continued down the Interstate - I don't particularly like the route from Commerce to Athens especially since they are in some phase of road work.

Somewhere near the Gwinnet county line (which side I'm not sure), I looked up to see a trailer rolling down the median in our direction. As good samaritans started pulling over to lend a hand, Donna's nurse heart kicked in, so we also pulled over. Now, I had visions of death, having watched that trailer as it tumbled over and over, flailing dirt and grass, and dragging the vehicle that thought it was in control.

As we approached the vehicle, we smelled gas, and heard someone call out about whether or not the engine was still running, while courageous hands reached in to help the driver who was already in the process of crawling out. He was the lone occupant of the vehicle and he was walking (probably not the best choice), blood running down his face, as we approached.

Then we saw the other vehicle - a car. It was just beyond the first vehicle/trailer which blocked our view of it until we got closer. Seeing that others were helping the first driver, Donna and I headed immediately to the second vehicle.

Others were also approaching, but Donna, as a nurse took charge. The driver was still in his car. As Donna reached him, she began to access his condition and tried to restrain any neck movement until the EMS workers arrived. Her initial assessment showed that he appeared to be OK, but she, with her training, was not taking any chances. We did notice right away how scared he was and Donna sought to calm him. She inquired and received a positive response about his spiritual condition, and he reached to grab and hold his nearby Bible as she prayed with him.

Of course, emergency personnel soon arrived and began their work, but we stayed nearby until the drivers were both loaded onto the ambulance. We did grab our cell phone and contact the boy's (yes, only 19) family, even allowing him to talk briefly with them as the EMS worked to restrain him on the backboard.

Through the day, we continued to have contact with the family discovering that everything seemed to be OK with the young man.

Now if we hadn't been running late, if we had chosen to go across country, if we hadn't pulled over in Commerce to grab a bite to eat, if we hadn't been headed to a SOJ concert in the first place, then we wouldn't have been in that place at the right time for ministry to occur.

It doesn't really matter how many other "ifs" one could come up with - and there would be many - because, after all, it was a matter of ... God's timing.

Blessings all - remember you just don't know what direction your life will take today!

Richard

Good that Good Isn't Always Perfect

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left. (2 Chronicles 34:1-2 )

Chronicles records that Josiah did many things right. The words above are just a synopsis of a life lived well.

However, it didn't keep Josiah from acting stupidly by needlessly meeting Neco of Egypt in battle, thus losing his life.

It also didn't protect him from failure in raising his children:

Jehoiakim was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord his God. (2 Chron. 36:5)

Jehoiachin [some translations indicate grandson others 18 years of age] was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem: and he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord. (2 Chron. 36:9)

Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord his God, and humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet speaking from the mouth of the Lord. (2 Chron. 36:11-12)

It is good to know that when we blow it in our walk with God, even when we are trying to walk in His ways - when good isn't always perfect - that God's grace and mercy are sufficient.

Blessings,
Richard

Revival

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; (Psalm 19:7 ESV)

You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again. (Psalm 71:20 ESV)

Then we shall not turn back from You; Revive us, and we will call upon Your name. (Psalm 80:18 NASB-update)

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? (Psalm 85:6 ESV)

"Revival"

Revival, revival
Comes only from the Lord.
Restore our hearts,
Renew our strength,
Give power from above.

Revival, revival
Comes only from the Lord.
Pour out Your grace,
Show us Your love,
Revive our hearts, O Lord!

Copyright © 2007 by Richard Dickson

{Revival chorus written for revival services of Hill Street Baptist Church, Toccoa, Georgia March 11-14, 2007 with Rev. Wayne Hamrick as the evangelist.}

Not As They Should Be

The worship leader had assembled one of the largest groups from near and far for one of the grandest worship services ever to be held. Oh, the music was beyond grand and everyone was celebrating and rejoicing in the goodness of God. It seemed that there had never been a worship service like this one.

However, things were not as they should be. Something was where it should not have been and someone did something he should not have done.

The ark was on a cart!

Suddenly, the great celebration - the marvelous worship experience - came crashing to an end. Uzzah reached out, helpfully, with good intentions, and he was struck dead by an angry God.

Now, I wonder, was God pleased by the worship? If the ox hadn't stumbled, would the journey have been completed with no one the wiser and God pleased, or at least OK, with the worship (even though the ark was on a cart)?

I wonder also, if Uzzah had just let it go and the ark had come crashing to the ground, bursting open for all to see the contents, what would have been the consequence.

Scripture clearly indicates that God's anger was directed at Uzzah for reaching out to steady the ark (the event is told in 1 Chronicles 13). In the passage, there is no indication that God's anger was because of the ark being on a cart, although Uzzah would never have been in the position he found himself in, if the ark had been where it should have been in the first place.

How is our worship?

Is God pleased with our worship? We get excited when there is a big crowd ... when there is a lot of excitement ... when the joy and celebration are running high - wow, we think, THAT is worship.

But what if the ark is on a cart? What if something is not where it should be? What if someone does something they should not? Has worship occured? Is God pleased with our worship?

I fear that our arks are frequently on carts. We are concerned with so many things that sometimes we do that which violates the good pleasure of God. I can only be grateful, so very grateful, in my own experience, that God has been gracious, shown mercy, extended His love, and at least been tolerant of my failures, that my place of worship has not been called "Perez-Richard" - that God has not broken out against me in His righteous anger.

OK, let's have a big crowd - or small. Let's celebrate the awesome greatness and goodness of our God. Let's have a grand worship experience. But ...

put the ark in the hands of Levites, not on a cart!!

[By the way, David, the worship leader, got it right the second time around - chapter 15 - and it was an even greater worship experience.]

To Know Him

"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death" (Philippians 3:10)

Do you ever get the feeling that others know Christ more than you? That to them, He is more real, more personal?

Then there are others, who profess Christ, but yet seem more careless (or to care less) with their relationship.

Hopefully, to know Him better is to only want to know Him better. And to know Him is to feel that you haven't even begun to know Him.

May God give us all the desire, the longing, the starvation even, to know Him more!

Richard

Mechanics and Miracles

I have the privilege of singing in the Sons of Jubal - the Georgia Baptist Convention men's singing group (actually the oldest group of its kind in the country). Last night, Thursday, March 1, 2007, we joined with our sister group, the Jubalheirs (forming the Jubal Chorus) in a concert at the First Baptist Church, Snellville, GA.

My wife (she is a member of the Jubalheirs) and I drove approximately 75 miles from our home to Snellville for the rehearsal time and concert through an awful rain. As we approached the last traffic light before the church, I put on the brakes to stop for the light. The car rocked and had difficulty stopping. Obviously not a good thing. Now, we were not only late for the rehearsal, but I was concerned about getting home after the concert.

Since we were already at the church, I pulled into the parking lot, stopped, got out and looked at the tire/wheel to check it, and drove around the lot a little to see if the problem persisted. After I sent my wife on in for her rehearsal, I called our extended warranty service to check on my next move. After consulting with them, it was determined that the next step was to get the car to a mechanic (does seem a no-brainer doesn't it). However, we were in a town far from home. So, I went into the church, carrying my stuff for the evening - remember I didn't know where my car would end up. After depositing my stuff, I starting looking for help in locating a good garage/mechanic.

The helpful staff directed me to the Minister of Missions, Terry Hopkins. I found him to be a very pleasant and helpful gentleman. Of course, in his experience he had run across a similar problem and was willing to bet MY life on his solution - read on to see that he was actually pretty accurate in his assessment. In a few moments, he directed me to a garage just across the street from the church, Holdens Automotive, and the owner, Mike Holden, who he stated was a good Christian man.

Mike and his staff were very friendly, inviting, and easy to talk with. Mike took the time to drive my car to see if he could sense a problem. Of course, the car did not misbehave (I know you've had that experience). But, he dropped me off at the church, and promised to look into the problem further and get back with me later that day.

As promised, he called about an hour before his closing time with the news that his staff had removed all the brakes and examined them. They could find nothing wrong with the brakes to cause the problem and surmised that with all the rain, some water had gotten into the brakes and the ABS (automatic braking system) and made that one stop difficult. After all that time and effort I asked for the cost and I can only say that Mike was very good to me.

At the end of the rehearsal, just before supper (actually only minutes after Mike's call), a fellow Jubal drove me across the street (remember rain, 5 lanes of traffic, near Atlanta, after 5 p.m.) so that I could get the car.

After the concert, we drove the car home with no further incident.

Now I will spec out my praise to God:

1. Safe journey from home to Snellville.
2. Trouble occured right at our destination.
3. We did get stopped for the red light.
4. The helpful staff of FBC, Snellville, especially Minister of Missions Terry Hopkins.
5. Mike Holden and Holdens Automotive (wish I had a link, but if you are in Snellville, GA, I would encourage you to check them out).
6. Holdens was just across the road.
7. Mike was a Christian.
8. The time and effort Mike and his staff put into making sure my car was safe to drive.
9. The price was right (at least for me).
10. The meal and other hosting of FBC, Snellville was great.
11. The concert was great.
12. I understand that at least 2 people came into relationship with Christ because of the concert.
13. Safe journey home after the concert.

"Praise God from Whom all blessings flow."
"To God be the glory, great things He has done."

For Mechanics and Miracles: I'm praising God!