Busy, Busy, Busy

Well, here we are at August 15th already!! June was the hottest and driest June on record. July was the hottest July on record. Between the two of them we had another record – ten days where the temperatures were 100° or over. Add humidity, and temps felt 105° to 113°. The previous record with temps 100° or more was 9 days. We didn’t break too many daily records, though. Some of the record highs were set in the 1950’s, one was set in 1900. But record or not, June and July were much too hot and dry – much of our grass burned up; some of it is coming back, but we’ll be doing some major reseeding this fall. We’ve done well in taking care of weeds, so we don’t have the green weed cover that some have.

August has been beautiful so far! Temperatures have been “normal” for August – mostly in the upper 80’s and low 90’s with showers, thunderstorms (some quite damaging, unfortunately) and just really comfortable for sitting outside on the deck or front porch. With the cooler temperatures, the cicadas are buzzing in full force. They began buzzing in early July – normally they don’t begin until mid-July around Dad’s birthday. But they haven’t been nearly as loud as normal – until now. Today has been overcast all day; we had a heavy shower on our way home from church – after eating at the Track Side Restaurant in Ashland first. A neighbor couple just opened the restaurant several months ago. Good food – reminded us of the Smokey Pig, which is no more. Anyway – enough about the weather! Except to say that it’s really nice to see things greening up again!

Things have been really busy at work – I’ve been going into the office every day and will probably continue to do so until things get back under control and running smoothly! The end of June Jennifer called me into the conference room for a meeting with her; Tom (president/owner of the company) and Marie (HR Manager) were there as well. Jenn informed me that they were going to be putting a hold on the database for at least 6 months while they try to get the company rolling again. Some poor decisions have been made in the past year, plus with the sluggish economy things that are normally brisk are not doing as well. So Tom and Jenn decided to make some drastic cuts. They decided to let all the accountants go and bring all their work in house. (All the accountants except the one corporate accountant worked from home and were part-time employees). They were going to give the accountants the opportunity to continue with the company if they would come in house and if they would take a 50% reduction in pay. That’s like a blow in the face, and none of them took the offer. So 15 accountants were let go, three non-accountants were let go (two gals who helped me with data entry on the database and one who was a corporate accountant assistant handling NSF checks, etc.) A third gal who helped me with database and human resources quit about two weeks before the heavy news came down – Kathy had seen the writing on the wall and had found another job working in the document control department of one of the local hospitals. One of the accountants, Sheryl, was given a reprieve at the very last minute – they decided to let her continue working from home with the properties she handles. She has two year round facilities – one in Texas, one in Maryland – and all the seasonals. Once we get everything going smoothly, she may also “lose” Stonebriar and Reisterstown, but the seasonals can be a real challenge!

The good news for me – they were going to keep me on!! J I think that’s partly because I was in the office four days a week – had I continued working at home as I was originally hired to do, I probably would have been let go as well. However, my entire job was to change. The idea was to bring all the accounting work in house and divide it between three employees plus Jennifer, the controller. Karen (a friend/sister from church who was instrumental in my getting a job with Rink Management in 2001) is doing the banking and receivables – she makes calls to the GM’s if they didn’t send proper documentation for PO’s, etc. Amy will do all Accounts Payable (both Karen and Amy have signing privileges). Jenn will code all the bills. “All” I have to do is data entry! I enter all the revenue and bills plus print the checks for 13 properties. I had a TON of questions the first week and I still have a lot to learn with Quickbooks – especially how to pull the files in, where to park them, when to delete them, and where to store them!! I’ve made some boo-boos, but Jenn keeps assuring me she expects it to take me six months to actually master it. Because I’m not doing all the accounting, just data entry, I’m really hoping it won’t take me that long. We shall see!

So that’s why I’ve been super busy! I’ve been going in every day because there are times when Jenn wants me to do a check run, etc. But once we get things fully organized and in place, this is going to run like clockwork! It’s been stressful the past three weeks, but it’s going to be so much fun when I finally understand what I’m doing!! And I still assist Marie with HR – New Hire paperwork, entering and filing incident reports, etc. Plus I’ve been given the go-ahead that the two weeks between closing when there isn’t all that much for me to do, I can continue maintaining the database, sending out labels for birthday mailings, etc. This month I sent labels out to three rinks because they contacted me and requested them. All three are Texas facilities – Stonebriar in Frisco, ICE at the Parks in Arlington, and Ice Skate USA in Houston.

On to other things – John turned 61 August 4th. His sister Lucille was 67 the same day and niece Brenda’s birthday was the 5th (I’ll let her tell her own age if she is so inclined!) Because the 4th was a Wednesday, we celebrated on Friday, the 6th. We went to P.F. Chang’s with friends from church – Chuck and Joyce. Chuck will be 81 next month, Joyce will be 71 in December. We hadn’t thought about phoning ahead to make reservations, so we ended up sitting in the lobby visiting until our buzzer went off – about 45 minutes. We had a lovely, leisurely dinner and a bouncy server named Sarah – she asked us to call her Sarah 1 because there was another Sarah serving that night! John left for Ontario Sunday morning – there is major construction on the QEW and he gets caught in traffic for a couple hours, which delays his arrival into Kitchener to about 3:00 am. That’s not fun when he has to be in the office or at a meeting at 8:00! So he decided to leave before church rather than after. I got to church and saw Abigail with her camera hanging on her wrist – which made me think of my camera – I didn’t remember taking it into the house after we got home from P.F. Chang’s!! So after church I called Chang’s and sure enough! I had left my camera there. So I ended up driving back down the other side of Richmond, and across the “Rivah” to retrieve my camera. I stopped at Panera’s on my way home for a bite to eat.

The next big event coming up for us is our biannual family reunion in Indiana over Labor Day weekend. It’s going to be a sad one this year with four more family members gone – the biggest hole will be the one left by Aunts Dee and Ann who were killed in a single car accident in January. I still find it difficult to get my mind around it and realize they are really gone from us – temporarily, of course, but still gone from our presence.

I must go – no pix this time. Probably next time!

Trip to Oregon - Finished!

Okay, I'm back!! Finally! :) And back to Wednesday, July 21st, the last time I posted about our trip to Portland. We checked out of the motel at 10:30. The Lloyd Center was only a couple minutes from our motel -- we actually could have walked it. It's a big, beautiful mall; we found the ice with no difficulty. We watched Kool Kamp kids learning to skate. Took a bunch of pictures of the ice for people back in the office, then at 11:00 we went in to the office and asked for Pam. She came out and we enjoyed becoming acquainted with her. She showed us around the offices, then John took a picture of the two of us at the entrance to the rink. After we left her we went upstairs to the Food Court for a bite to eat. I ended up getting only an Orange Julius smoothie -- all the foods looked good, I just wasn't all that hungry. The smoothie was satisfying and held me until dinner later that evening.

The Ice at Lloyd Center in Portland

John at an Overlook of the Columbia River Gorge

Tuesday, July 20th

Mt. Hood

We left the mall and let the GPS guide us to US 26 East and then to US 97 South to Sunriver. Scenery was beautiful!!! We went around the southern portion of Mt. Hood again, then it wasn't long until we saw Mt. Washington, then the Three Sisters, and then Broken Top. It was difficult to get good pictures -- the snow caps on the mountains looked clear until I looked through the camera lens; then they tended to blend in with the sky.

In Sunriver John signed in for our room, we unloaded, then went back to the Lodge to register for the TCA conference. We had a lovely view of Mt. Bachelor from our room deck. The room was small, but sufficient. I had to sit on the bed to use my computer, but I did have good Internet connection -- that's getting easier and easier as the years go on. :)

At 6:00 we went back to the Lodge and outside to where the dinner was to be held. They began serving cocktails at 6:00 with dinner at 7:00. Kevin and Norma Cooper arrived shortly after we did. Kevin is Sr. VP of Finance for Erb. I forget how long he's been with the company, but it's a few years fewer than John. They live in Ontario, Canada. The guys enjoyed networking with employees from other trucking companies -- generally with trucking companies they have a relationship with. Norma and I caught up on our families, etc. The sun was setting over Bachelor Mountain as we finished our dinner. Kevin had registered a bit too late, so they were in a condominium just off the resort grounds, so they had to drive back and forth to the Lodge for meetings, etc.

Mt. Bachelor as Seen from Our Room Deck

Thursday morning I slept in -- it's always a challenge working on a three-hour time zone difference, so when I slept till 10:00 body time, it was only 7:00 Pacific Time. I didn't bother going over for breakfast, but did go over to the lodge around 10:00 PT. I didn't see Norma around, so I got a coffee and muffin at the café then went upstairs and found a comfortable chair where I could read, work puzzles, and people-watch. At 12:00 I decided to go sit outside so I wouldn't miss John if he walked by on his way from where their meetings were to our room. When he came by, we agreed that he would meet me back at the lodge after he had changed clothes and shoes, then we would meet Kevin and Norma for lunch around 1:00.

We had a nice lunch on the patio, then the four of us piled into the little two-door Ford Focus Kevin had rented, and we headed for Bend. In Bend we followed Norma's directions to drive a scenic route that took us between Mt. Bachelor and Broken Top. We stopped frequently to take pictures. It was a lovely loop tour. Back at the resort, we had time to relax a bit, then freshen up for dinner.

Lake Todd with Broken Top Mountain in the Background

Dinner Thursday evening was held at the High Desert Museum. We were bused there from the resort. Again, cocktails were served outside while a local Indian tribe entertained us with tribal dances. We were standing on the wrong side of the patio -- the drum was much too loud for my ears!! Dinner was inside the museum, catered by the resort staff. Foods at these conferences are always delicious and abundant! We lost Kevin and Norma in the crowds -- Norma wanted to tour the museum before eating -- so we enjoyed dinner with three people from a small trucking company in Fort Worth, TX; and three others from a Xerox company in St. Louis.

Indian Tribe of the High Desert Entertaining the TCA Group

John Posing in Front of a Teepee in the High Desert Museum

Friday morning John attended his final sessions while I packed up our things. They always have several gifts for us -- this year there was a lovely woven throw with the history of transportation woven into it. There was also a heavy wooden plaque depicting the history of transportation over the Oregon trail from the Pioneers to today. Unfortunately, it was rather large (11 x 14) and quite heavy as it was solid wood, so we decided to just leave it rather than packing it into our already heavy luggage. There's always a bottle of local wine from one of the sponsors, and we have to pack that in our checked luggage as well -- if we bring that home with us, I give it to my brother-in-law.

We checked out at noon, then began our trip back to Portland. This time we took a different route back -- from Bend we left US 26 and drove US 20 across the mountains -- a smaller highway and much more curvy, but we saw some beautiful scenery, saw acres and acres of mountains that had been destroyed by fires (tied right in with the book I had just finished reading comparing disasters in the US with actions taken by the US government against Israel.) We stopped in Sweet Home for lunch, then got on Rt. 228 through Brownsville to I-5. We arrived at our motel near the airport in good time.

Mt. Washington

We were up at 3:15 to leave for the airport -- the motel didn't have a shuttle to the airport (John thought they did when he booked it), so he had to take the car back before we could check in at the airport. Our planes were all on time -- although we were about half an hour late taking off from Dallas to Richmond. A latch had to be repaired before we could take off. The flight from Portland to Dallas was fascinating -- seeing Mt. Washington and the Three Sisters from the air was marvelous, although we didn't fly right over them. Then watching the topography change as we entered Utah, seeing the Great Salt Lake and the remnants of Lake Bonneville which had composed the Great Salt Lake many, many years ago. The Salt Lake certainly doesn't look like 80 miles long when you're flying 7 miles above it!!

We landed in Richmond at 6:30 EDT. Got our bags, called for the parking lot shuttle, got the car, stopped for gas, and were home by 8:00. John left after church the next morning for Ontario.
So that was our trip to Oregon. ..... It's been a super busy week at the office. There have been many changes, but this post is already too long to explain them, so I'll do that another day.
Shalom y'all!!

Portland - Part 2

This morning I will continue relating our trip to Portland....

After I posted yesterday morning, I walked across the street to the 7-Eleven I could see from our motel window -- we're on the sixth floor over the entrance. I didn't think to put a jacket on -- I had packed that in John's suitcase, but it's been so hot at home I didn't even think "cold"!! When you're used to temps being 75-80 and humid at 7:00 in the morning, 52° is downright cold!! And their was a fine misty drizzle swirling around me as I walked. I got a coffee and a bottle of grape juice -- one of my daily antioxidants -- then when I got back to the motel I stopped at the front desk and asked if my suitcase had come in. The lady said she hadn't heard that any had, but the gentleman said he'd check in the back. He came out of the back room pulling my suitcase!! Praise the Lord for His faithfulness! There was a (form) note of apology from American Airlines attached to the handle.

So now that I had my luggage I could shower and get ready for the day! John was finally able to get the car around noon, so as soon as he got back from that we headed out to find a Best Buy (I had gotten addresses online, figured out which one was closest to where we are, then plugged the addy into the Garmin. When we were flying out on Monday I tried to take some pictures from the plane, but realized when I turned the camera on that the battery was almost dead. I thought I had just charged the batteries, but either I hadn't or it wasn't holding a charge. Since that left me with only one set of batteries and tons of photo opportunities out here, I needed batteries, so we went to Best Buy and I got a set of 8 batteries and a new battery charger. This one is more portable than the one I have at home, so it isn't really money wasted.

From there we headed to drive through the Columbia Gorge -- John had gotten maps, directions, and notes on points of interest from the motel concierge. We got on the Oregon Heritage Road, stopping at interesting points along the way, enjoying the wonderful waterfalls, the beautiful views of the Columbia River and mountains. We stopped at the Char-burger for lunch -- the concierge had recommended their homemade pies. We sat at a table next to a window overlooking the river. The wind was blowing so strongly that an eagle had to struggle to fly into it. It was quite a site. Later a little wren was trying to fly to its nest next to the windows and was buffeted so much it could barely make it.

We finished eating and browsed the gift shop for a bit, then headed on east, then south to go around Mt. Hood. I had to think of how much my mom had enjoyed this area when she and her family wandered through here in the late 30's. She loved Oregon and northern California. I know she had spoken of Mt. Hood, but I don't remember her mentioning other volcanic mountains. Southern and eastern fruits could never compare to her memories of the luscious fruits in California and Oregon.

We arrived back at the motel between 6:00 and 7:00. Neither of us was hungry -- the hamburger and fries we had at 2:00 had quite satisfied us -- of course John had finished his with a piece of marionberry pie.

This morning John went out around 7:30 for his coffee and to read -- it's now 9:30 and he's not back yet. I've showered, put my makeup on, and am ready for the day. We plan to check out of the motel around 10:45, then head to the Lloyd Center -- I called Pam yesterday and she's expecting us. Rink Management, the company I work for, manages the ice at the Lloyd Center. Pam is the Assistant General Manager. I've met the GM, Don Baldwin, a couple times when he's been to Virginia, but he's on medical leave right now. He had surgery on his ankle again last week. He knew we were coming out, and we were looking forward to spending some time with him. But it will be nice to meet Pam, too. I have spoken with her and communicated via email regarding birthday mailings and new hire paperwork, so it will be nice to put a face to a name.
So, that's another day in Portland. After we leave the Lloyd Center we will head for Sunriver.

Shalom, y'all!!

Portland, Oregon!!

So many of my friends are moving from Xanga to this site, so I'm going to be posting duplicates of my personal updates both here and there -- for a while at least.

I was planning to update last Saturday, but then didn't get it done, so I'm going to start today with our trip to Portland. We've come out here to attend the TCA conference (Truckload Carriers Association - Reefer Division). We'll be here in Portland until Wednesday afternoon, then drive across the mountains past Mt. Hood to the Sunriver Resort where the conference will be held.

We flew out of Richmond on time Monday morning at 7:00. Arrived in Dallas, walked to our outbound gate, then determined what we were going to do. It was 10:00, so we decided to have a bite to eat at one of the food courts. John had a breakfast sandwich, I had a grilled chicken salad from Popeyes.

Then I sat and read a while, listened to a Koinonia House message on my computer (didn't feel like spending money to get online to check emails). We had a four hour layover, so we had lots of time, but when you have to lug your carry-on luggage everywhere, it's not as nice. There was an incident with my red makeup/toiletry bag -- John had that and his own small file folder bag. (I had my purse and my computer case, although we sometimes switched off between the computer case and the red bag.) John sat in the food court sipping a coffee and reading, then went to the wash room. He picked up his bag and forgot mine! He did his thing, then wandered to where I was sitting. First thing I said was, "Where's the red bag?" Oops!! He went racing back to the food court and there was a security officer getting ready to take it -- someone had reported an unattended bag. John said, "Sorry, sir; that's mine." He wasn't asked to identify it. But my bag would probably have been blown up to make sure it wasn't a bomb. :(

Just as we were about ready to board our Portland flight they asked if anyone was interested in giving up their seat for $300 and take a later flight to Portland as the plane was overbooked. John raced to the counter and said we would take them up on that. They took our tickets and put our names down. We were the first to offer, so we ended up waiting ANOTHER four hours to take off. They gave us two $300 ticket vouchers to use within the next 12 months, two tickets for the next flight, and two $10 vouchers for lunch. We had to go to Terminal C for our next flight; the agent who gave us the vouchers told us the best food options were in Terminal D, so we took the Air Tran to Terminal D and had a lovely lunch at a Tex-Mex style restaurant. Then we took the Air Tran to Terminal C. Our flight was out around 4:30 Central time. We arrived in Portland with no problem at 6:00 Pacific time, then went to get our luggage. As we were coming down the escalator to the luggage carousels we heard our name being paged -- we were directed where to go to get our luggage that had come in on the plane we were originally scheduled to come in on -- well, John's luggage made it. Mine didn't. In addition to all my stuff, it has John's dress shirts in it.

John called the Crowne Plaza for a shuttle and we checked in and settled into a lovely room. We had a good night. It is now 7:30 Pacific time. John is out having a coffee before he goes to get the rental car. I'm dressed in yesterday's clothes. I think I'll walk across the street for a 7-Eleven coffee. I'm not going to shower until I've checked to see if my suitcase made it in yet. I need to wash my hair but my curling iron is in my suitcase.

So that's our trip so far. It's overcast this morning; temperature was 72° when we landed last night. It's supposed to get up to 85° today. Nice break from the 100's we're having back home this week! We had 3/4 inch of rain the other week, but storms have been going around us. Ashland had a nice rain Sunday evening during church, and over 3 inches were dumped on Interstate 64 from Goochland to Short Pump. We got lots of wind and thunder but not a drop of rain from that one. But God is faithful. He knows our needs and He will provide in His time.

Reasons Why I Don't Wash

Someone else posted this recently. I've also received it as an email, but decided to share it here. Juanita

Reasons Why I Don't Wash

1. I was forced to wash as a child.

2. People who wash are hyprocites - they think they are cleaner than everybody else.

3. There are so many different kinds of soap, I can't decide which one is best.

4. I used to wash, but I got bored and stopped.

5. I only like to wash on special occasions, like Christmas and Easter.

6. None of my friends wash.

7. I'll start washing when I get older and dirter.

8. The bathroom is never warm enough in the winter or cool enough in the summer.

9. People who make soap are only after your money.

10. I don't like the songs that people sing in the bathroom.

11. I know how to stay clean without washing.

12. The last time I washed someone was rude to me.

13. What I do, or don't do, doesn't affect anyone but me.

14. I know someone who washes every day and still smells bad.

15. Washing was invented by people who knew nothing about science.

16. I'm so dirty now that if I washed, the drain would clog.

17. Cats, dogs, and chickens never wash, and they are happy all the time.

18. Prehistoric humans were happy all the time until the first soap salesman made them feel guilty.

19. If I start washing again, my friends will think I'm trying to conform to middle-class standards.

20. Washing is for women and children.

21. I will wash when I find the bathroom that is exactly right for me.

22. Washing is for people much dirtier than I am.

23. I only believe in things I can see, and I can't see bacteria.

24. I never wash when I have company.

25. Washing may have been okay in my grandfather's day, but it's not practical today.

26. I watch other people wash on TV.

27. We just moved here 6 years ago, and haven't had a chance.

28. I feel as close to washing in the great outdoors as I do in the bathroom.

29. Washday is the only day I have to sleep in.

30. I know people who wash but don't act very clean.

In case you still don't see the analogy, these are the kinds of reasons some people give for not going to church. Of course, if you don't have a relationship with God, you probably don't really want to assemble yourself together with other believers, or to be taught His Word, or worship the Lord.

While the Foundations are Shaking

From David Wilkerson -- June 21, 2010

While the foundations of the world are shaking and Satan roars like a maddened lion, and everywhere there is confusion, violence, and uncertainty, those who trust in the Lord, confident in Him, will stand still to see God's salvation with hearts and minds at peace. They can enjoy rest and sleep sweetly, unafraid of conditions around them.

I give you some glorious promises of God for all who trust in Him in these perilous times.

* "As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is tried; He is a buckler (shield of protection) to all them that trust in Him." II Samuel 22:31

* "Show Thy marvelous lovingkindness, O Thou that savest by Thy right hand them which put their trust in Thee from those that rise up against them." (Psalm 17:7)

* "Oh, how great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee; which Thou hast wrought for them that trust Thee before the sons of men. Thou shalt hide them in the secret of Thy presence from the pride of men; Thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues." (Psalm 31:19, 20)

* "Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." (Psalm 31:24)

* "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass." (Psalm 37:5)

* "The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: He is their strength in time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him." (Psalm 37:39-40)

* "In God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me." (Psalm 56:4)

* "Trust in Him at all times, ye people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." (Psalm 62:8)

* "They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever." (Psalm 62:8)

* "Whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe." (Proverbs 29:25)

The only safeguard against Satan's lies and evil devices is to face him with the promises of God. God's Word is still all powerful and the devil still trembles when we stand firm wtih this Sword in hand.

Today -- now -- take your stand.

Is There a Difference?

But against any of the children of Israel
shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast:
that ye may know how that the LORD doth put
a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.
Exodus 11:7
~~~~~~~~~

What?! Has God power over the tongues of dogs? Can He keep ours from barking? Yes, it is even so. He can prevent an Egyptian dog from worrying one of the lambs of Israel's flock. Doth God silence dogs, and doggish ones among men, and the great dog at hell's gate? Then let us move on our way without fear.

If He lets dogs move their tongues, yet He can stop their teeth. They may make a dreadful noise and still do us no real harm. Yet, how sweet is quiet! How delightful to move about among enemies and perceive that God maketh them to be at peace with us! Like Daniel in the den of lions we are unhurt amid destroyers.

Oh that today this Word of the LORD to Israel might be true to me! Does the dog worry me? I will tell my LORD about him.

LORD, he does not care for my pleadings; do Thou speak the Word of power, and he must lie down. Give me peace, O my God, and let me see Thy hand so distinctly in it that I may most clearly perceive the difference which Thy grace has made between me and the ungodly!
From "Faith's Checkbook" -- A Treasury of Daily Devotionals by C.H. Spurgeon

Song of Confidence

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

Thou wilt receive me:

Thou shalt stretch forth Thine hand

against the wrath of mine enemies,

and Thy right hand shall save me.

Psalm 138:7

Wretched walking in the midst of trouble. Nay, blessed walking, since there is a special promise for it. Give me a promise, and what is the trouble? What doth my LORD teach me here to say? Why this -- "Thou wilt receive me." I shall have more life, more energy, more faith. Is it not often so, that trouble revives us, like a breath of cold air when one is ready to faint?

How angry are my enemies and especially the archenemy! Shall I stretch forth my hand and fight my foes? No, my hand is better employed in doing service for my LORD. Besides, there is no need, for my God will use His far-reaching arm, and He will deal with them far better than I could if I were to try. "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the LORD." He will with His own right hand of power and wisdom save me, and what more can I desire?

Come, my heart, talk this promise over to thyself till tou canst use it as the song of thy confidence, the solace of thy holiness. Pray to be revived thyself and leave the rest with the LORD, who performeth all things for thee.

From "Faith's Checkbook" -- A Treasury of Daily Devotionals by C.H. Spurgeon

Feeding Sheep? ... or Goats?

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) gave the following admonition to the Church in the late 1800s. Yet, while Spurgeon died nearly 120 years ago, his words apply just as much to the Church today as they did then - perhaps even more so. The problem is not that Christians enjoy themselves (who wants to go to a boring, dry, dull church?) but that too often amusement is offered at the expense of preaching the Gospel and telling people the truth.
~~~~~~~~~~

An evil is in the professed camp of the Lord, so gross in its impudence, that the most shortsighted can hardly fail to notice it during the past few years. It has developed at an abnormal rate, even for evil. It has worked like leaven until the whole lump ferments. The devil has seldom done a cleverer thing than hinting to the church that part of their mission is to provide entertainment for the people, with a view to winning them. From speaking out as the Puritans did, the church has gradually toned down her testimony, then winked at and excused the frivolities of the day. Then she tolerated them in her borders. Now she has adopted them under the plea of reaching the masses.

My first contention is that providing amusement for the people is nowhere spoken of in the Scriptures as a function of the church. If it is a Christian work, why did not Christ speak of it? "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). That is clear enough So it would have been if He had added, "and provide amusement for those who do not relish the gospel." No such words, however, are to be found. It did not seem to occur to him. Then again, "He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers .., for the work of the ministry" (Eph. 4:11-12). Where do entertainers come in? The Holy Spirit is silent concerning them.

Were the prophets persecuted because they amused the people or because they refused? The concert has no martyr roll. Again, providing amusement is in direct antagonism to the teaching and life of Christ and all his apostles. What was the attitude of the church to the world? Ye are the salt" (Matt. 5:13), not the sugar candy---something the world will spit out not swallow. Short and sharp was the utterance, "Let the dead bury their dead" (Matt. 8:22) He was in awful earnestness. Had Christ introduced more of the bright and pleasant elements into his mission, he would have been more popular when they went back, because of the searching nature of His teaching. I do not hear him say, "Run after these people Peter and tell them we will have a different style of service tomorrow, something short and attractive with little preaching. We will have a pleasant evening for the people. Tell them they will be sure to enjoy it. Be quick Peter, we must get the people somehow."

Jesus pitied sinners, sighed and wept over them, but never sought to amuse them. In vain will the Epistles be searched to find any trace of this gospel of amusement! Their message is, "Come out, keep out, keep clean out!" Anything approaching fooling is conspicuous by its absence. They had boundless confidence in the gospel and employed no other weapon. After Peter and John were locked up for preaching, the church had a prayer meeting but they did not pray, "Lord grant unto thy servants that by a wise and discriminating use of innocent recreation we may show these people how happy we are." If they ceased not from preaching Christ, they had not time for arranging entertainments. Scattered by persecution, they went everywhere preaching the gospel. They turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). That is the only difference!

Lord, clear the church of all the rot and rubbish the devil has imposed on her, and bring us back to apostolic methods. Lastly, the mission of amusement fails to effect the end desired. It works havoc among young converts. Let the careless and scoffers, who thank God because the church met them halfway, speak and testify. Let the heavy laden who found peace through the concert not keep silent! Let the drunkard to whom the dramatic entertainment has been God's link in the chain of the conversion, stand up! There are none to answer. The mission of amusement produces no converts. The need of the hour for today's ministry is believing scholarship joined with earnest spirituality, the one springing from the other as fruit from the root. The need is biblical doctrine, so understood and felt, that it sets men on fire.

Waxing Cold in the Last Days

By Ron Graham

“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Matthew 24:12. Jesus, speaking to four of His disciples about the times just before His Second Advent, tells them that because sin will be so rampant, so commonplace in the last days that the love people once had for one another will become, for the most part, nonexistent. The Greek word “polys” is translated into our English word as “many”. It’s used in numerous places throughout the New Testament denoting multitudes, great and very significant numbers. Imagine, if you can, a world made up of people thoroughly devoid of “love” for their fellow man.

I believe Jesus is alluding to the seven year tribulation period that will begin just after the Rapture of His Church. It stands to reason that this “loveless” generation Jesus speaks about as being full of iniquity (wickedness) doesn’t just appear one day after the Rapture, but that societies would gradually migrate toward degeneracy and ultimately to a crescendo of rampant and overwhelming depravity.

In the verse above Jesus speaks of love which will wax (or grow) cold. Since we are living in the last days just prior to His return I believe that the lack of love for our fellow man has begun to spiral toward that final climax. I suppose, then, that it shouldn’t be surprising to biblically literate students of scripture when we see such cold heartedness infiltrating our society. But was Jesus including believers in that mix of folks whose love would progressively wax colder and colder?

What has happened to the once well known demeanor of those who profess to being born again? It seems, to me at least, that the once loving, caring attitude held by those who faithfully follow Jesus Christ is diminishing as we draw nearer to the last days before Christ’s return.

I’m talking about our attitude towards one another as we discuss biblical doctrine or other Christian issues. Discussion boards and forums are alive with debates and at times heated arguments ensue which are filled with angry words one might expect to hear from worldly people, but not Christians. Christians belittling Christian’s using a tone of superiority that bodes only of pride. Where’s that come from if not from the world? Love thy neighbor as thy self seems to be losing its appeal in these last days. My brethren, this should not be so; loving one another is one of Jesus’ most frequently stated commandments for His followers to adhere to.

Because we can now enjoy much more frank discussions which span what once was considered almost impossible barriers, believers can now communicate with one another worldwide, instantaneously, and with little or no accountability. We can join and contribute to forums and use email to express ourselves and if we so desire we can accomplish this new form of communicating with complete anonymity.

As believer’s views are attacked by other believers they, in many instances, attack right back instead of responding in love. Over the past few years I’ve noticed an increased hostility amongst believers who disagree on Bible interpretation.

All of us are confronted almost daily with what seems to be knee-jerk reactions instead of well thought-out and studied responses made through a love for one another and thorough devotion to God’s truth. Where has all the love gone? It seems that among believers today when it comes to discussing God’s inerrant word, love has been jettisoned. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another” 1 John 1:7. How is true fellowship possible when the brethren continue in constant disagreement and strife?

Why must Christ’s Church argue so? This unholy trend is not hard to see as we peruse various Christian websites and forums. The anger that persists in discussions among believers is very disheartening. At times the very hostility that once was relegated to the heartless, unbelieving, and lost world has now crept into the lives of many believers. “Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.” Mark 9:50.

We’re witnessing a chasm growing between Christians today; there are so many different Bible interpretations being promoted that without well studied parameters (context is everything) many can’t distinguish clear and concise teaching from the erroneous. This inability to distinguish truth leads many believers today to argue amongst themselves on subjects such as doctrine and interpretation even though they may be completely wrong.

I believe this absence of love among the brethren can more easily be attributed to being conformed to the world than to a lack of Bible knowledge. Love is the bridge that will span any chasm no matter how big. Where is our Christian love? Are we to conform to the world or to Christ? “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son” Romans 8:29. The image of Christ is not seen in all this bickering.

The world is only going to corrupt its inhabitants, that’s all unbelievers can expect from this fallen, sin-filled world which they call their home. But believers don’t call planet earth home, we are only sojourners here and thus we should not become conformed to the world. Certainly we aren’t to have the same self-absorbed and prideful attitude as the unbelieving masses. If we allow the world to dilute our souls and corrupt our hearts and minds we will become as hateful and eventually just as loveless as many of those who have no hope. Then where does that leave our Christian witness?

God gives discernment to those who diligently seek His counsel; most believers know this to be so. There are those who will listen to a Bible teacher or a pastor and take everything they say as truth, never to be questioned. Are these teachers and pastors always correct? Not necessarily. In Acts 17:11 Luke tells us to search the scriptures daily to see if what we are being taught is truly following the scriptures (paraphrase mine). By searching the scriptures for ourselves we learn to rightly divide the word of God.

The problem and how it’s affecting the Church today stems from biblically illiterate Christians who only parrot what they’ve heard or been taught. Because many will believe the false teachers of the day they will argue a false doctrine to the exclusion of all else. And when these arguments get heated what emerges is bitterness and mistrust. Satan must be eating this stuff up.

It seems that believers are moving away from following Jesus’ commandment to love one another and beginning to embrace worldly debate as well as confrontation. There’s no doubt, Christians are becoming conformed to this world. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2.

I am completely aware of the need for correction today in the Church. But all correction should be tied directly to brotherly love. I’m convinced that Paul addresses the occasional need for correction in 2 Timothy. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. God’s word does the correcting when it is interpreted as His literal, inerrant word. We love one another and therefore we instruct and correct with loving convicted hearts. There is no room for contention and strife amongst believers.

As followers of Christ our words and our actions should emulate Christ. If we have a disagreement with a brother about a certain verse in the Bible or even doctrine, we should consider the ramifications of a prolonged and heated public argument on a forum, such as how others might be adversely influenced. Discussion is one thing but when the discussion turns heated something is out of whack. “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.” 1 John 2:9. In a public setting, such as a Christian forum, we should never allow heated arguments to develop.

So to what may we contribute much of the bitterness and prideful attitudes being displayed today by believers? The very fact that believers are allowing some of the most depraved visual effects to permeate their minds these days is quite revealing. The more we are confronted with evil passing itself off as entertainment the more our minds will become influenced and guided toward darkness. Television and movies are both culprits in guiding believers away from God. The internet has also become a huge influence in the lives of many believers and non-believers alike. Garbage in garbage out as the old saying goes. Although information is plentiful on the net it isn’t all edifying to the saints. We must beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing.

The unbelieving world is always placing Christians under a magnifying glass. It seems what they want more than anything else is to trip us up. The way we handle ourselves in a discussion can affect the non-believer either positively or negatively. As the world watches us they should see Christ in us. But when the world sees us arguing, when they see our debate become so heated and filled with bitterness, that we now look no different than the rest of the world, the rejection of Jesus Christ becomes a whole lot easier. Instead of the possibility of gaining a new brother or sister in Christ, we’ve just tossed them back into the enemy’s camp.

There’s always going to be disagreements along the lines of Bible interpretation and Christian doctrine. All of Christendom, for one reason or another, simply won’t agree. If we are truly born again then we are brothers and sisters in Christ and Jesus is watching our every move. He can’t be pleased with the current trend towards bickering which in most instances ends up in an attitude of bitterness aimed at others in His family.

“And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.” 1 John 3:23. John, twice in this verse, places the emphases on the fact that Jesus gave us a commandment, first that we should believe on His name and secondly we’re to love one another. We would do well to heed all His commandments.

Anytime we are in a discussion with anyone, love must never be replaced with anger. Anger will lead to hate. Jesus’ words come crashing down upon us whenever we forget one of His most basic tenets. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” John 14:15. Love one another.

Nothing constructive can be achieved through all the bickering and anger associated with believers debating different Bible interpretations. It will only lead to bitterness and that’s something no believer should allow into their hearts. Bitterness, hate, strife, confusion are all strongholds where the enemy will certainly take up residence.

As faithful believers we should always be prepared to take loving correction whenever it applies and even rebuke if applicable. But outright bitterness as an approach to one another in what started out as a simple discussion brings reproach on the Church as a whole. Arguing is wrong and divisive, and it might stumble a brother “He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.” 1 John 2:10. Even worse is how this constant arguing will send unbelievers scurrying for cover anywhere but to the side of a Christian. “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Matthew 24:12.

Even in His Church? God forbid!

ASSURANCE

You will never meet a fear

that Jesus has not conquered;
You will never face an enemy

that Jesus has not defeated;
You will never have a need

that Jesus cannot meet;
You will never face a temptation

that Jesus cannot overcome;
You will never have a burden

that Jesus cannot lift;
You will never face a problem

that Jesus cannot solve;
You will never have a wound

that Jesus cannot heal;
You will never know a bondage

that Jesus cannot break;
You will never know a circumstance

when Jesus is not sufficient;
You will never experience a moment

when Jesus does not care.

Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Hebrews 12:2 KJV

http://roy.dayspring.com/2010/02/assurance.html
http://roy.dayspring.com/

HAND IN HAND

I can remember when my first born son was learning to walk. Everyone in the house was full of excitement. We cheered him on as he pulled himself up on the coffee table and walked around it keeping his palms on it for support. We applauded when he began to make his way down the halls leaning against the wall and going hand over hand as he toddled along. Every time we stood him up in the middle of the floor, however, he would only take astep or two before falling on his butt. Then he would look scared, frown,and crawl over to the safety of his favorite wall to pull himself back up.

For a while there it looked like he would never walk without both palms planted firmly on it. Then one day we decided to give him a hand, literally. We began to take turns bending down and offering him a finger to hold onto while he walked. When we did this his fear disappeared and his smile returned. He seemed happy to walk along forever hand in hand with us. I spent a lot of time over the next few weeks walking like this with him. Thankfully, he finally did learn to let go and walk on his own before my back gave out.

In my own walk through life I sometimes find myself falling on my butt, too. I know that Heaven’s angels are cheering me on and urging me to get up and keep going no matter how many mistakes I make and how many times I fall. Still, sometimes I find myself crawling instead of rising. Happily, though,there is always a hand there ready to help me back to my feet. God’s loving hand is always there ready to help us up and get us going again. His back never gives out either. He will walk hand in hand with us all through this life and into the next. If you stumble and fall then don’t be afraid. Just reach up and take your Father’s hand. He will always help you up. He will always be with you too, step by loving step. He will walk with you hand in hand down life’s dark and winding road and into Heaven’s shining light.

By Joseph J. Mazzella