I've never claimed to be a scholar and I'm sure in the minds of many I'm nothing more than a simpleton but I can't help that is seems simple.
In the 1860's the church was united. Some came in and introduced some things that caused division (instrumental music, missionary societies, "higher textual criticism"). There is no doubt in any one's mind that the division would not have happened if the items were not introduced.
The group that brought in the things that caused division has continued to drift further and further away from that which resembles the church revealed in the Bible, it has also continued to shrink.
Some today are saying that the ones who stood patiently and waited for those who left to return need to repent and accept the things that caused division in the first place. This is leading to more fracture and division.
Why would we want to go down that road again? I'm told that in order to be seen as serious in the quest for unity I must compromise on the very things that caused division in the past. That just doesn't seem to add up...
Unity can be found by all returning to a church that in practice looks more like the New Testament church not less like it. I do not claim perfection (in fact I'm miles away from it) in my quest but I know that these innovations will not lead me closer to the practices of the New Testament church. So should I compromise the scriptures for unity? Where would that get me?
I'm not looking for a debate here. But in more than one blog my brethren who have determined not to accept these innovations are being labeled as the ones that are causing division. How can that be?
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
News from "Round Rock" and other stuff...
Hi friends. "Round Rock" here. This morning at Starbucks I was latched onto by a very disturbed man. He just started 
talking to me. I was trying to blog, to write a lesson, to plan a program and to answer an email from a person asking questions about our children's programs at Spring Meadows. I typed as he rambled. At some point he revealed he was an Indian Chief, that he was royalty too, kin to Lady Diana. He told me that the great spirit had spoken to me and told him to make me an Honorary Tribal Chief and to give me the name "Round Rock" (not to flattering considering that I'd already run my 6 miles this morning). How do I end up in these things? So, let's review, I have an honorary Doctorate, a symbolic key to the city of Hamilton, I'm an honorary African tribal chief and now I'm Round Rock, honorary Indian Chief. And none of these has yet netted me that Saturn Sky or an acre of land :)!
Now that my "ceremony" is over I can write what I intended to tell you about. What
an inconceivable day yesterday was at Spring Meadows!!! I suppose only God could have known. Yesterday we christened our new property by having two baptisms on the property the very day we broke ground. Somebody suggested we could build a baptistery and then build a church around it - I doubt he realized the serious truth he stated!
And, yes, we did reach our goal! We had either 306 or 312 in attendance (depends on if you count the expecting women as one or two - who knows there might be some twins?). We had right at 300 for Bible classes and probably a little over 300 at the picnic and groundbreaking (as several came for those festivities that were not there for our services). A day of days. A day for the record book. A day to store up in memory.
I want to thank all of you who came at my invitation - it meant so very, very much to me - to us all. Thank you for sharing in our journey and dreaming with us of what might be.
I'd love to "hear" your "groundbreaking" memories. It was a grand, grand day. To God goes the praise and glory. The best is yet to be - "the future is as bright as the Promises of God."
talking to me. I was trying to blog, to write a lesson, to plan a program and to answer an email from a person asking questions about our children's programs at Spring Meadows. I typed as he rambled. At some point he revealed he was an Indian Chief, that he was royalty too, kin to Lady Diana. He told me that the great spirit had spoken to me and told him to make me an Honorary Tribal Chief and to give me the name "Round Rock" (not to flattering considering that I'd already run my 6 miles this morning). How do I end up in these things? So, let's review, I have an honorary Doctorate, a symbolic key to the city of Hamilton, I'm an honorary African tribal chief and now I'm Round Rock, honorary Indian Chief. And none of these has yet netted me that Saturn Sky or an acre of land :)!Now that my "ceremony" is over I can write what I intended to tell you about. What
an inconceivable day yesterday was at Spring Meadows!!! I suppose only God could have known. Yesterday we christened our new property by having two baptisms on the property the very day we broke ground. Somebody suggested we could build a baptistery and then build a church around it - I doubt he realized the serious truth he stated! And, yes, we did reach our goal! We had either 306 or 312 in attendance (depends on if you count the expecting women as one or two - who knows there might be some twins?). We had right at 300 for Bible classes and probably a little over 300 at the picnic and groundbreaking (as several came for those festivities that were not there for our services). A day of days. A day for the record book. A day to store up in memory.
I want to thank all of you who came at my invitation - it meant so very, very much to me - to us all. Thank you for sharing in our journey and dreaming with us of what might be.
I'd love to "hear" your "groundbreaking" memories. It was a grand, grand day. To God goes the praise and glory. The best is yet to be - "the future is as bright as the Promises of God."
Monday, September 10, 2007
It's Here
We've waited a year for this and now it is here. On Sunday, September 23, we will have our "official" groundbreaking! It's gonna be a day of days and we want you here. OK for all those dear friends who have been talking about coming to see us or coming back to see us - here's your day. I've suggested a goal of 300 for the day. I need your help to make it happen. So, write it down and be here.
Remember, our worship service begins at 9, Bible classes are at 10 and then we will head out to the property for the groundbreaking. I need you here! Write it down - go ahead - do it now.
Let's make it a day to remember...so, are you coming, how many folks will you bring with you?
Remember, our worship service begins at 9, Bible classes are at 10 and then we will head out to the property for the groundbreaking. I need you here! Write it down - go ahead - do it now.
Let's make it a day to remember...so, are you coming, how many folks will you bring with you?
Monday, August 27, 2007
How's It Going...
It is rare that a day goes by that I don't have the question asked me several times a day - in person, by phone, via email. How are things going at Spring Meadows. Well, with the glory and praise to God I must say - unbelievable! It is His work and what is happening is solely to His glory.
Attendance wise: Five of the last six Sunday's we have been over 225 and have pushed 250 hard three of those days - we've been having to put chairs out every week lately. Last week we had slightly over 90% of our worship crowd stay for Bible class. We have had four of our members go on foreign mission trips this summer. We recently had nearly 200 on a Sunday night. In the month period between late July and August we had 9 baptisms. A few weeks ago we had over 60 children ages SIX AND YOUNGER! Wow. There is a remarkable spirit of unity, energy and love here.
On the building. As you know we are building on the first phase of the 35 acres on the corner of Duplex Road and I-65. We have our building permit and are beginning to move dirt. It is our hope to start work on the foundation next week or the week after. The building will be a multipurpose facility that could possible eventually be a part of a Christian school. It will seat between 3 and 5 hundred and will have 17 classrooms.
Our five elders are shepherding so very well. They are growing themselves. I often pray that they (and we all) will be bigger than we are - for this work!
But the best stuff is evangelism - it seems to be becoming rather natural here. A young school teacher invites a friend to her church - the friend ends up at the "wrong church" - which turned out to be the right church and ends up bringing her husband, the friend who'd originally invited her to the other church, who bring her husband, she later invites a her hair dresser, who comes and brings her child and her mom, and then brings tells a customer about this "neat church she has found" who comes and brings her husband and three children. Another lady is having a medical procedure and tells one of the nurses about the church and she comes and then brings her two children and now her husband. Another brings a friend from work. Isn't that how it should be? Natural. People in love with the Lord and His church talking to others about it...THAT'S THE GOOD STUFF!
We don't know what will happen in the future - only the Lord knows that and as we like to say around here - "don't limit God." None of us would have ever predicted anything like what has happened so quickly here.
Personally, Melaine and I feel blessed (we always have felt that way), we are loving this new challenge and enjoying it. The Lord willing we will close on our house sale next Tuesday (September 4), the same day our Andrew will be flying out for a semester in Italy. Thank you all for caring and for praying (how could it have gone any way but this way with so many of God's People praying for this work?)
Remember: "The future is as bright as the promises of God!" Amen.
Attendance wise: Five of the last six Sunday's we have been over 225 and have pushed 250 hard three of those days - we've been having to put chairs out every week lately. Last week we had slightly over 90% of our worship crowd stay for Bible class. We have had four of our members go on foreign mission trips this summer. We recently had nearly 200 on a Sunday night. In the month period between late July and August we had 9 baptisms. A few weeks ago we had over 60 children ages SIX AND YOUNGER! Wow. There is a remarkable spirit of unity, energy and love here.
On the building. As you know we are building on the first phase of the 35 acres on the corner of Duplex Road and I-65. We have our building permit and are beginning to move dirt. It is our hope to start work on the foundation next week or the week after. The building will be a multipurpose facility that could possible eventually be a part of a Christian school. It will seat between 3 and 5 hundred and will have 17 classrooms.
Our five elders are shepherding so very well. They are growing themselves. I often pray that they (and we all) will be bigger than we are - for this work!
But the best stuff is evangelism - it seems to be becoming rather natural here. A young school teacher invites a friend to her church - the friend ends up at the "wrong church" - which turned out to be the right church and ends up bringing her husband, the friend who'd originally invited her to the other church, who bring her husband, she later invites a her hair dresser, who comes and brings her child and her mom, and then brings tells a customer about this "neat church she has found" who comes and brings her husband and three children. Another lady is having a medical procedure and tells one of the nurses about the church and she comes and then brings her two children and now her husband. Another brings a friend from work. Isn't that how it should be? Natural. People in love with the Lord and His church talking to others about it...THAT'S THE GOOD STUFF!
We don't know what will happen in the future - only the Lord knows that and as we like to say around here - "don't limit God." None of us would have ever predicted anything like what has happened so quickly here.
Personally, Melaine and I feel blessed (we always have felt that way), we are loving this new challenge and enjoying it. The Lord willing we will close on our house sale next Tuesday (September 4), the same day our Andrew will be flying out for a semester in Italy. Thank you all for caring and for praying (how could it have gone any way but this way with so many of God's People praying for this work?)
Remember: "The future is as bright as the promises of God!" Amen.
"Mom-isms..."
If my mom was still on this earth she would have turned 70 a few days ago. She is eternally young in my mind: even though she had a lot of health problems she had a young, playful spirit. Mom loved to bowl, play volleyball and softball (she could hit the ball a mile) and had a number of 200 games in bowling. While we tormented her with kidding she loved to play board games or cards. And yes, I miss her.
I'm not sure what prompted it but something I said or thought made me start thinking today about my mom's sayings. She had a bundle of them - just thought I'd share some of "her" (my) favorites:
10. My stars and guitars (not sure to this day what that means).
9. (When we were pretty young and us boys were always fighting, as little boys tend to do): "You sit there and don't move a muscle".
8. Your mama's as broke as a convict (we knew that meant she probably only had a couple of hundred dollar bills hidden somewhere :)).
7. You're mama's little angel...
6. You're killing me...(of course, when we weren't being mama's little angels).
5. "mairzy doats and dozy doats and little lambsy divey A kiddle divey, too. Wouldn't you?" (mom sang a lot - silly songs and spiritual songs - I still don't have a clue what this one means).
4. "I can't watch..." (when Alabama would be playing football and it was really close she'd go in the other room so she couldn't see).
3. "Can't never could..."
2. Moms proud of you.
1. If you will ____ (whatever she needed done at the moment) mom will dance at your wedding.
I know I left out some really good ones - she said so many fun and funny things. What were/are your mom's favorite sayings?
I'm not sure what prompted it but something I said or thought made me start thinking today about my mom's sayings. She had a bundle of them - just thought I'd share some of "her" (my) favorites:
10. My stars and guitars (not sure to this day what that means).
9. (When we were pretty young and us boys were always fighting, as little boys tend to do): "You sit there and don't move a muscle".
8. Your mama's as broke as a convict (we knew that meant she probably only had a couple of hundred dollar bills hidden somewhere :)).
7. You're mama's little angel...
6. You're killing me...(of course, when we weren't being mama's little angels).
5. "mairzy doats and dozy doats and little lambsy divey A kiddle divey, too. Wouldn't you?" (mom sang a lot - silly songs and spiritual songs - I still don't have a clue what this one means).
4. "I can't watch..." (when Alabama would be playing football and it was really close she'd go in the other room so she couldn't see).
3. "Can't never could..."
2. Moms proud of you.
1. If you will ____ (whatever she needed done at the moment) mom will dance at your wedding.
I know I left out some really good ones - she said so many fun and funny things. What were/are your mom's favorite sayings?
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Why?
God is ...
...not a maniacal maniac
...not a colossal killjoy
...not a jerk
The commands/laws/instructions/rules for living that He gives are "For our good…" (Deut. 10:12-14; 12:28).
When God says not to lie there is perhaps more to it than just that He IS Truth. There is the fact that lying hurts both the one lying and the one being lied to. It is a stressful way to try to live life not telling the truth.
When God says not to steal it is not just that it damages His plans for how man should "get" it is that stealing harms every person involved. When someone takes what you have it discourages you, it can be frightening, it makes it where you can't "give" as much and it leaves the potential to sour you. It causes the one stealing to be disabled from their own productivity and leads them to misunderstand respect for others.
When God says not to commit adultery, it is more than just that He wants one man to be married to one woman, it's the pain it brings into so many lives. The quick and easy divorce hasn't brought happiness into the American life. The free love of the 60's has not minimized the pain of unfaithfulness. Both have complicated every aspect of life.
Bottom line...when it comes to how to live...God knows what He's talking about!
"and His commands are not grievous..." (1 John 5:3).
...not a maniacal maniac
...not a colossal killjoy
...not a jerk
The commands/laws/instructions/rules for living that He gives are "For our good…" (Deut. 10:12-14; 12:28).
When God says not to lie there is perhaps more to it than just that He IS Truth. There is the fact that lying hurts both the one lying and the one being lied to. It is a stressful way to try to live life not telling the truth.
When God says not to steal it is not just that it damages His plans for how man should "get" it is that stealing harms every person involved. When someone takes what you have it discourages you, it can be frightening, it makes it where you can't "give" as much and it leaves the potential to sour you. It causes the one stealing to be disabled from their own productivity and leads them to misunderstand respect for others.
When God says not to commit adultery, it is more than just that He wants one man to be married to one woman, it's the pain it brings into so many lives. The quick and easy divorce hasn't brought happiness into the American life. The free love of the 60's has not minimized the pain of unfaithfulness. Both have complicated every aspect of life.
Bottom line...when it comes to how to live...God knows what He's talking about!
"and His commands are not grievous..." (1 John 5:3).
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
How about you?
Melanie was talking to a rather depressed friend the other day. This is a family that attends church every Sunday (not with us, so don't try guessing). The lady said that she was recently talking to her husband and said "our children have never seen us involved in church service..." What a sad statement. I seriously doubt those children will develop a strong faith as a result of their parents and pray that they will have positive influences on their spiritual lives.
I wonder about you and your family. Is yours like the one above or this one?
"Would you do me a favor, friends, and give special recognition to the family of Stephanas? You know, they were among the first converts in Greece, and they've put themselves out, serving Christians ever since then. I want you to honor and look up to people like that: companions and workers who show us how to do it, giving us something to aspire to" (1 Corinthians 16:15-16 The Message).
I know you may not be able to change your whole family, but you can set the example of one who "puts yourself out, serving Christians." God made us where there is something that every individual can do in His Service.
God bless you in that effort - it's a rewarding way to live!
I wonder about you and your family. Is yours like the one above or this one?
"Would you do me a favor, friends, and give special recognition to the family of Stephanas? You know, they were among the first converts in Greece, and they've put themselves out, serving Christians ever since then. I want you to honor and look up to people like that: companions and workers who show us how to do it, giving us something to aspire to" (1 Corinthians 16:15-16 The Message).
I know you may not be able to change your whole family, but you can set the example of one who "puts yourself out, serving Christians." God made us where there is something that every individual can do in His Service.
God bless you in that effort - it's a rewarding way to live!
Thursday, August 02, 2007
A moose hunt?
I’m not exactly sure where or how to start this post – but it has been brewing for I’d say 25 years – so nobody take it too personally. I don’t react strongly to a lot of things (people purposely excluding others, anyone talking bad about my Lord’s church), but I have an instant “knee-jerk reflex” to negative anonymous letters (and now posts). It goes back a long way but the posts of the last several days have precipitated this specific post.
I appreciate all the comments. As I said, I was not happy about the decision to no longer allow people to post without going to the trouble of signing in. Some have given me fodder to mull over in my little brain: Especially opposing views. There were some very sensible comments some I agree with and some I don’t. But since the posters were anonymous I can’t respond to them personally to clarify prior to my response and I since I don’t know them I have no history from which to evaluate their intent, thereby setting the tone of my response.
One poster friend said: “I don't see what the problem with someone wanting to remain anonymous would be...what's the big deal?” Good question:
Every church I’ve ever worked with has had a sniper anonymous letter writer who sadistically and systematically did harm to the progress of the church. I meet with hundreds of preachers and church leaders every year. One “circle” group I meet with has had no subject over the last 10 years that has come up as often as the subject of anonymous letters. I’ve seen guys quit, I’ve seen grown, mature men cry, I’ve seen Satan work through negative anonymous letters. I know of NOTHING more “de-sailing”! Those who choose to work this way make themselves tools of the devil – I’m sure often unintentionally, but they are verbal terrorist blowing the heart out of others. I do not and I will not read anonymous letters. They present problems and offer no opportunity to solve them. I’ve NEVER read one that was accurate. In our culture unsigned letters speak of notes from terrorist (like the Unabomber) or kidnappers. I can’t communicate how hurtful such behavior is more clearly. Even as a result of one of the anonymous posts yesterday I had a call from a discouraged saint who was at the point of tears.
One of the many problems is it forces the reader judge and jump to opinions: See I have a sneaking suspicion that moose is an unhappy person who wants others to share in their misery – but I don’t know for all I know is what they wrote…Of the sort that they think they MUST find something wrong – something bad – something to worry about and they won’t be happy till everyone else is as miserable than they are. Now, none of that may be true but I can’t know as long as he/she hides. I wonder as I think about them: What do you have to fear? Do you not believe your statements enough to stand behind them? Is it not truth? And then I consider these questions: What if it is someone just wanting to cause dissention? What if it is the same person? The two posters could be one with different sign in names. I have an uncle who used to do that in chat rooms – show up as two people and ask himself the questions he thought should be asked and then answer them himself. What if the poster is just lying?
Now I want to address a few things in the comments section said by Any Nonny Moose and lightweight. I’d rather not address them openly but they by remaining anonymous give me no other forum through which to address them.
“what was posted was not harmful to SM in any way” I disagree. I think that which paints the Body of Christ in a bad light is harmful. See, the fact is, all we have to do is to start polluting the water for the spirit of this place to be besmirched.
“it showed an opposing view to the "everythings perfect" attitude that is in many of the comments on this blog.” Folks, I admit problems – yes I do (and we have some) – but I choose to see the very best-I love the church! Some refuse to see good happening – they find the cloud in every silver lining, they focus on the thorn and ignore the rose. Can we do and be better. Was what the original poster said of any merit – it was. And I have addressed it. And will further – but to get on and say things that may or may not be accurate serves no purpose. What did you hope to accomplish – “wowho…I convinced someone that not everything is perfect about the church. I slapped some sense of reality and discouragement into their silly little happy heads!” Well…good for you – aren’t you something? I know that sounds harsh…sorry. It’s how it strikes me and since I don’t know who you are I can’t check out what your intent was.
“that is the truth. it was not directly harmful or mean to Dale. in fact, he was not even mentioned” I do believe this is wrong. The original poster actually accused me of belittling or making fun of a person in front of the whole church on a Sunday (that is not the exact words but that’s how it came across to me and I can’t check it out). The fact is I did make a joke in the direction of that person – the two of us kid all the time – like I do with Tom on the length of his prayers and Kenny on being cheap and Eric on leading every song in the book every Sunday – and none of these guys take it wrong. In fact they hit back. It’s good natured bantering. You see – there is a degree of truth in each of them - the point of the barb is I love them anyway – in fact enough to totally overlook it. My friend Jerrie Barber says there is two ways to know if your “joke” has been offensive – 1. Are they laughing and 2. Check it out with them. So just to be sure, I did. . I wrote the guy that I was supposedly rude to and he said I have not been and that he too enjoys the kidding back and forth. If you could see the e-mail barbs we’ve sent to each other the last year you’d know. I love him and he loves me! Again, I don’t like being cast in a bad light (who does) but that was not the issue. I thought the post made THE LORD’S CHURCH look bad. I won’t knowingly allow that on this blog!
“Yo should check your comments guys, you defend something you have not idea about.” That’s mighty bold of you “moose” anonymously attacking people who are willing to sign their names. Also, what’s bad about coming to someone’s aid who you love. Why wouldn’t you? And further I don’t know that anyone (other than me) condemned the poster. How could we – we don’t know who it is!!!!!
“be careful about name calling” I would agree.
“I would ask Dale allow anonymous comments and deeal with the conversations as they come. if someone say something offensive, remove it. but don't remove comments just because they disagree with you.” I’m leaning this way. Of course it would be subjective. And I have not removed comments, ever, just because they disagreed with me. In fact I’ve only removed two comments of the 500 or so that have been made over the last year.
“one last statement about anymous comments and that is that when you dont allow them, you really only allow for people who will only speak about you in a positive way and agree with you. you can call them what you want but they are seen as sycophants.” This is a very fatalistic way to view life. You perhaps (but I don’t know you) reveal something about yourself. What you are saying in essence is that every statement not made anonymously is a lie.- what a miserable way to view life. I think unsigned comments lend themselves much more readily to lies. And I think it could be that by that very statement you are saying revealing that when you talk to someone face to face or in letter (when you sign your name) you are always telling lies.
Now to lightweight:
I think your comments are excellent. I mean that. I even agree with you. I’ve seen people who should be mature mistreat fellow Christians and it sickens me too. But by not signing your name I feel you harm your credibility for many of the reasons stated above. I also would rather you go to the people involved and at least try (I know it’s difficult and rarely successful) to help them grow and let them know they have hurt others. Thanks for your obvious tender heart in your approach but I do think you’d be more successful if you just tired the Matthew manner.
Now for a few other general comments in this now way to long epistle:
I would think that anything that could in any way be viewed as negative toward another or that if spoken plainly would hurt someone’s feelings is inappropriate. I suspicion most who post anonymous would too – else they’d sign their name. The text says we are to only speak that which is useful.
Knowing who it is helps me to know how to respond – I talk differently to my dad than my sons. I talk differently to a new Christian than one who should be mature (Hebrews 5).
I’d rather talk to you one on one than in a public forum on matters that could lead to negative contention. In other words if you have a problem with me come to me. I am not shocked when someone disagrees with me and I am often in the wrong. In fact if you listen to me preach for three or four years and never disagree I have to wonder a little.
When posting what I say can be misunderstood and what others comment may be as well. When you sign your name it gives the chance to clarify and/or correct. To deal with it. Anonymously you can twist what I say all out of context and I don’t know if you are just being mean or if we are just misunderstanding each other.
Wow this got long – I hope what I’ve said has been said in love – I’ve tried to make it that way. I know I was a little tough on moose – sorry. What I said I said not to start a fight but to make all consider what is said.
You can now reply and be as ugly as you want to be cause I don’t know who is saying it!
Remember this is "The Blog That Binds" it is not designed to bring people down but to lift them up. There's plenty in life to bring us down without Christians contributing to it.
Oh yes, one other thing. If I know who you are, regardless of your comments I will try to love you!
And let me do emphasize one last thing again: I will not allow my blog to run down my family or my Family!
I appreciate all the comments. As I said, I was not happy about the decision to no longer allow people to post without going to the trouble of signing in. Some have given me fodder to mull over in my little brain: Especially opposing views. There were some very sensible comments some I agree with and some I don’t. But since the posters were anonymous I can’t respond to them personally to clarify prior to my response and I since I don’t know them I have no history from which to evaluate their intent, thereby setting the tone of my response.
One poster friend said: “I don't see what the problem with someone wanting to remain anonymous would be...what's the big deal?” Good question:
Every church I’ve ever worked with has had a sniper anonymous letter writer who sadistically and systematically did harm to the progress of the church. I meet with hundreds of preachers and church leaders every year. One “circle” group I meet with has had no subject over the last 10 years that has come up as often as the subject of anonymous letters. I’ve seen guys quit, I’ve seen grown, mature men cry, I’ve seen Satan work through negative anonymous letters. I know of NOTHING more “de-sailing”! Those who choose to work this way make themselves tools of the devil – I’m sure often unintentionally, but they are verbal terrorist blowing the heart out of others. I do not and I will not read anonymous letters. They present problems and offer no opportunity to solve them. I’ve NEVER read one that was accurate. In our culture unsigned letters speak of notes from terrorist (like the Unabomber) or kidnappers. I can’t communicate how hurtful such behavior is more clearly. Even as a result of one of the anonymous posts yesterday I had a call from a discouraged saint who was at the point of tears.
One of the many problems is it forces the reader judge and jump to opinions: See I have a sneaking suspicion that moose is an unhappy person who wants others to share in their misery – but I don’t know for all I know is what they wrote…Of the sort that they think they MUST find something wrong – something bad – something to worry about and they won’t be happy till everyone else is as miserable than they are. Now, none of that may be true but I can’t know as long as he/she hides. I wonder as I think about them: What do you have to fear? Do you not believe your statements enough to stand behind them? Is it not truth? And then I consider these questions: What if it is someone just wanting to cause dissention? What if it is the same person? The two posters could be one with different sign in names. I have an uncle who used to do that in chat rooms – show up as two people and ask himself the questions he thought should be asked and then answer them himself. What if the poster is just lying?
Now I want to address a few things in the comments section said by Any Nonny Moose and lightweight. I’d rather not address them openly but they by remaining anonymous give me no other forum through which to address them.
“what was posted was not harmful to SM in any way” I disagree. I think that which paints the Body of Christ in a bad light is harmful. See, the fact is, all we have to do is to start polluting the water for the spirit of this place to be besmirched.
“it showed an opposing view to the "everythings perfect" attitude that is in many of the comments on this blog.” Folks, I admit problems – yes I do (and we have some) – but I choose to see the very best-I love the church! Some refuse to see good happening – they find the cloud in every silver lining, they focus on the thorn and ignore the rose. Can we do and be better. Was what the original poster said of any merit – it was. And I have addressed it. And will further – but to get on and say things that may or may not be accurate serves no purpose. What did you hope to accomplish – “wowho…I convinced someone that not everything is perfect about the church. I slapped some sense of reality and discouragement into their silly little happy heads!” Well…good for you – aren’t you something? I know that sounds harsh…sorry. It’s how it strikes me and since I don’t know who you are I can’t check out what your intent was.
“that is the truth. it was not directly harmful or mean to Dale. in fact, he was not even mentioned” I do believe this is wrong. The original poster actually accused me of belittling or making fun of a person in front of the whole church on a Sunday (that is not the exact words but that’s how it came across to me and I can’t check it out). The fact is I did make a joke in the direction of that person – the two of us kid all the time – like I do with Tom on the length of his prayers and Kenny on being cheap and Eric on leading every song in the book every Sunday – and none of these guys take it wrong. In fact they hit back. It’s good natured bantering. You see – there is a degree of truth in each of them - the point of the barb is I love them anyway – in fact enough to totally overlook it. My friend Jerrie Barber says there is two ways to know if your “joke” has been offensive – 1. Are they laughing and 2. Check it out with them. So just to be sure, I did. . I wrote the guy that I was supposedly rude to and he said I have not been and that he too enjoys the kidding back and forth. If you could see the e-mail barbs we’ve sent to each other the last year you’d know. I love him and he loves me! Again, I don’t like being cast in a bad light (who does) but that was not the issue. I thought the post made THE LORD’S CHURCH look bad. I won’t knowingly allow that on this blog!
“Yo should check your comments guys, you defend something you have not idea about.” That’s mighty bold of you “moose” anonymously attacking people who are willing to sign their names. Also, what’s bad about coming to someone’s aid who you love. Why wouldn’t you? And further I don’t know that anyone (other than me) condemned the poster. How could we – we don’t know who it is!!!!!
“be careful about name calling” I would agree.
“I would ask Dale allow anonymous comments and deeal with the conversations as they come. if someone say something offensive, remove it. but don't remove comments just because they disagree with you.” I’m leaning this way. Of course it would be subjective. And I have not removed comments, ever, just because they disagreed with me. In fact I’ve only removed two comments of the 500 or so that have been made over the last year.
“one last statement about anymous comments and that is that when you dont allow them, you really only allow for people who will only speak about you in a positive way and agree with you. you can call them what you want but they are seen as sycophants.” This is a very fatalistic way to view life. You perhaps (but I don’t know you) reveal something about yourself. What you are saying in essence is that every statement not made anonymously is a lie.- what a miserable way to view life. I think unsigned comments lend themselves much more readily to lies. And I think it could be that by that very statement you are saying revealing that when you talk to someone face to face or in letter (when you sign your name) you are always telling lies.
Now to lightweight:
I think your comments are excellent. I mean that. I even agree with you. I’ve seen people who should be mature mistreat fellow Christians and it sickens me too. But by not signing your name I feel you harm your credibility for many of the reasons stated above. I also would rather you go to the people involved and at least try (I know it’s difficult and rarely successful) to help them grow and let them know they have hurt others. Thanks for your obvious tender heart in your approach but I do think you’d be more successful if you just tired the Matthew manner.
Now for a few other general comments in this now way to long epistle:
I would think that anything that could in any way be viewed as negative toward another or that if spoken plainly would hurt someone’s feelings is inappropriate. I suspicion most who post anonymous would too – else they’d sign their name. The text says we are to only speak that which is useful.
Knowing who it is helps me to know how to respond – I talk differently to my dad than my sons. I talk differently to a new Christian than one who should be mature (Hebrews 5).
I’d rather talk to you one on one than in a public forum on matters that could lead to negative contention. In other words if you have a problem with me come to me. I am not shocked when someone disagrees with me and I am often in the wrong. In fact if you listen to me preach for three or four years and never disagree I have to wonder a little.
When posting what I say can be misunderstood and what others comment may be as well. When you sign your name it gives the chance to clarify and/or correct. To deal with it. Anonymously you can twist what I say all out of context and I don’t know if you are just being mean or if we are just misunderstanding each other.
Wow this got long – I hope what I’ve said has been said in love – I’ve tried to make it that way. I know I was a little tough on moose – sorry. What I said I said not to start a fight but to make all consider what is said.
You can now reply and be as ugly as you want to be cause I don’t know who is saying it!
Remember this is "The Blog That Binds" it is not designed to bring people down but to lift them up. There's plenty in life to bring us down without Christians contributing to it.
Oh yes, one other thing. If I know who you are, regardless of your comments I will try to love you!
And let me do emphasize one last thing again: I will not allow my blog to run down my family or my Family!
Monday, July 30, 2007
Hmmmm....????
I made a decision tonight -it is not one that I am happy at all about but it is one I feel called upon to enact. Since I began blogging I have allowed Open Comments. At times there have been comments I have disagreed with and that is fine. There were two that were very harsh toward me directly -and while they hurt (sorry my skin still isn't that thick) I allowed them without comment. But today someone posted some thing that I believe were not necessary, that I do not believe to be totally true and that cast (in my opinion) the church in a bad light. And I don't take lightly to people criticizing the Lord's Bride or my Family whom I love.
The problem is that it is anonymous and that I do not know who or how to contact the person who said those things. I would like a chance to interact with them (and still would - they know my contact info -I don't know theirs). I like for anyone to be able to post but I see no way to respond when someone won't post their name and own up to their comments. See, one could say anything, claim anything, stretch truth or outright lie under the anonymity of the Internet.
I just don't believe there is good that comes from anonymous letters or postings. It leaves you wondering, it makes everyone a suspect and they usually hurt. I like the way a dear friend puts it - "I don't read anonymous letters unless they have money in them." To say it very frankly - they dishearten, discourage and take the wind out of my sails! They leave me with a sick feeling in my stomach for days and I become preoccupied with how to "fix" whatever it is but feel useless in trying to do so.
So, while I hate to do it, for now I'll go to where you have to log in to post - but any and all can still e-mail me. I know it takes a moment, but please register - and post - it's free and I want to hear from people who read these blogs.
I love open talk, even if it is sometimes critical - I've learned some of my most valued lessons from open criticism I do think people need to own up to their comments. So let me ask: Should I allow anonymous comments and leave them all? Should I delete the ones I think are inappropriate? Or should I just not allow them at all? TAKE THE POLL NEXT DOOR...
The problem is that it is anonymous and that I do not know who or how to contact the person who said those things. I would like a chance to interact with them (and still would - they know my contact info -I don't know theirs). I like for anyone to be able to post but I see no way to respond when someone won't post their name and own up to their comments. See, one could say anything, claim anything, stretch truth or outright lie under the anonymity of the Internet.
I just don't believe there is good that comes from anonymous letters or postings. It leaves you wondering, it makes everyone a suspect and they usually hurt. I like the way a dear friend puts it - "I don't read anonymous letters unless they have money in them." To say it very frankly - they dishearten, discourage and take the wind out of my sails! They leave me with a sick feeling in my stomach for days and I become preoccupied with how to "fix" whatever it is but feel useless in trying to do so.
So, while I hate to do it, for now I'll go to where you have to log in to post - but any and all can still e-mail me. I know it takes a moment, but please register - and post - it's free and I want to hear from people who read these blogs.
I love open talk, even if it is sometimes critical - I've learned some of my most valued lessons from open criticism I do think people need to own up to their comments. So let me ask: Should I allow anonymous comments and leave them all? Should I delete the ones I think are inappropriate? Or should I just not allow them at all? TAKE THE POLL NEXT DOOR...
Sunday, July 22, 2007
New blogsite launched today...here's the first post...
(This new blog will live at http://how-why.today.com/ or http://dalejenkins3.blogspot.com/):
I know - some of you are why’ers, some how’ers and some just what’ers.. So? Are you a "what" person, a "why" person? or maybe just a "how" person. This blog spot will be for "why, how and what " people. (I know you think I've lost it so I better 'plain myself).
A lot of folks don't want to know "why" something is as it is they just want to know what. “What” people: You don’t really care why, “Just tell me what must be done and I'll do it." That's my Melanie. I'm more of a "why" guy. Some of you, like me, delve deeply into the “why” question - you want to know, almost must know “why” before you will invest time or talent, much less treasure into an activity. ("Why'd you do it that way? Why do you want to do this? Why don't you do it this way? etc.). And then there are the "how" folks - "How'd you do that?" You want to be told plainly how it’s all done. Well, this is a blog for all of you, the How'ers, Who'ers and Why'ers, this is your source. As God continues to bless the Spring Meadows Church of Christ I get a lot of questions. We'll try to answer those here. Why are you doing this and why this way? How'd you do that? What all are you up to and what's next?
As most who would be reading this site know we (Melanie and I) began working with the infant Spring Meadows church about a year ago. It’s been a wild ride. We have been so blessed and the work has gone so well. I thank all of you for your prayers.
Some of you want to know why: why did a new congregation start in Spring Hill? Why did you decide to leave Granny White and go to a place where the auditorium was smaller than most of the classrooms at GW? Why are you all doing what you are doing how you are doing it? Why do you all do a mid-week prayer service?
Others want to know how: how’d you all outgrow two buildings and are struggling to get into your third? how do you do your Bible classes? how are things different there?
One of our cornerstones at Spring Meadows is that we strive to be totally open. So we'll try to practice that on this blog too. That means we’ll answer any question and that we’ll share any method. God has been good to us and that is why the work has prospered. All glory and credit go to Him alone. This is a practical site in which we will give some of the logistics, thought process behind and methods that have been incorporated at the Spring Meadows Church of Christ. Yes, I'll entertain questions on this spot. Just post them or e-mail me privately (dale@smcoc.net) and I'll give it my most honest and best shot.
I'll walk you through various processes - what’s, how's and why's of them - what we learned and what we might do differently if we had a chance to do it again. And you can post your ideas, thoughts or how you might suggest it all could be improved on.
One of the first meetings I was in at Spring Meadows one of the men spoke up on a matter and said: "people are watching what we are doing." And we've found they are - most have been very, very gracious. We know of at least one other congregation that is trying to get a jump start that has contacted us on a number of matters when it comes to starting a new congregation.
With as much humility as we can muster we say God has really watched over, had His hand on, BLESSED the Spring Meadows church. I suppose with all the "righteous" people who have continually let us know that they are praying for us all the time, it's not surprising. We'd have to work hard to mess up all those prayers. We are humbled and thankful. Please keep 'em coming.
Ask anything. Make your own suggestions. Share it with others. Welcome to Straight from the Spring - the Spring Meadows Story.
I know - some of you are why’ers, some how’ers and some just what’ers.. So? Are you a "what" person, a "why" person? or maybe just a "how" person. This blog spot will be for "why, how and what " people. (I know you think I've lost it so I better 'plain myself).
A lot of folks don't want to know "why" something is as it is they just want to know what. “What” people: You don’t really care why, “Just tell me what must be done and I'll do it." That's my Melanie. I'm more of a "why" guy. Some of you, like me, delve deeply into the “why” question - you want to know, almost must know “why” before you will invest time or talent, much less treasure into an activity. ("Why'd you do it that way? Why do you want to do this? Why don't you do it this way? etc.). And then there are the "how" folks - "How'd you do that?" You want to be told plainly how it’s all done. Well, this is a blog for all of you, the How'ers, Who'ers and Why'ers, this is your source. As God continues to bless the Spring Meadows Church of Christ I get a lot of questions. We'll try to answer those here. Why are you doing this and why this way? How'd you do that? What all are you up to and what's next?
As most who would be reading this site know we (Melanie and I) began working with the infant Spring Meadows church about a year ago. It’s been a wild ride. We have been so blessed and the work has gone so well. I thank all of you for your prayers.
Some of you want to know why: why did a new congregation start in Spring Hill? Why did you decide to leave Granny White and go to a place where the auditorium was smaller than most of the classrooms at GW? Why are you all doing what you are doing how you are doing it? Why do you all do a mid-week prayer service?
Others want to know how: how’d you all outgrow two buildings and are struggling to get into your third? how do you do your Bible classes? how are things different there?
One of our cornerstones at Spring Meadows is that we strive to be totally open. So we'll try to practice that on this blog too. That means we’ll answer any question and that we’ll share any method. God has been good to us and that is why the work has prospered. All glory and credit go to Him alone. This is a practical site in which we will give some of the logistics, thought process behind and methods that have been incorporated at the Spring Meadows Church of Christ. Yes, I'll entertain questions on this spot. Just post them or e-mail me privately (dale@smcoc.net) and I'll give it my most honest and best shot.
I'll walk you through various processes - what’s, how's and why's of them - what we learned and what we might do differently if we had a chance to do it again. And you can post your ideas, thoughts or how you might suggest it all could be improved on.
One of the first meetings I was in at Spring Meadows one of the men spoke up on a matter and said: "people are watching what we are doing." And we've found they are - most have been very, very gracious. We know of at least one other congregation that is trying to get a jump start that has contacted us on a number of matters when it comes to starting a new congregation.
With as much humility as we can muster we say God has really watched over, had His hand on, BLESSED the Spring Meadows church. I suppose with all the "righteous" people who have continually let us know that they are praying for us all the time, it's not surprising. We'd have to work hard to mess up all those prayers. We are humbled and thankful. Please keep 'em coming.
Ask anything. Make your own suggestions. Share it with others. Welcome to Straight from the Spring - the Spring Meadows Story.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Why Do You Wait?
"Why do you wait dear brother, oh why do you tarry so long. The Savior is waiting to give you, a place in His sanctified home..." Remember that strong old song?
I'm sure it's not a new question, in fact I've heard it for years myself, but it came up again recently. When a person decides they want to be baptized shouldn't they do it immediately?
I'm sure it's not a new question, in fact I've heard it for years myself, but it came up again recently. When a person decides they want to be baptized shouldn't they do it immediately?
I remember years ago when I'd direct camp invariably we'd have at least one child who would come to camp knowing that they were going to be baptized there. They'd decided a month or two earlier and wanted to be baptized at camp. On the other hand we'd have a child who would want to be baptized at camp and when we'd call their parents (a wise practice that we learned to do from someone who is wiser than I), and the parent would encourage the child to wait until they got home or later in the week when they could get there.
I'm told that used to people would wait in much the same way until a Gospel Meeting. Which in a rather ironic way would explain why Gospel Meeting in many places are not as effective as they were at one time. Camps have become the modern Gospel Meetings.
BUT: In the Bible it seems that baptism always came immediately upon the acceptance of Jesus as God's Son, or the recognition of sin in one's life. In Acts 2 it was both - they realized that "this same Jesus" was God's Son and that they had with "wicked hands...crucified and slain" Him. In Acts 16 the jail keeper was baptized "the same hour of the night". In Acts 8 the nobleman from Ethiopia was immersed, it appears, as soon as he saw water, after having Christ preached to him.
BUT: Believing what I believe (and I imagine most who follow this blog) about baptism and the significant step that it is - that is believing what the scriptures teach (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21; etc) - we've said it is the most important decision we make in life. And that day is the most important day of the person being baptized life. So would you missed the most important day of your child's life? And that question might raise a couple of more: Is a child ready to make such a decision - we don't send 10 year old's out into the world with cars, guns or wedding licenses. LaGard railed on this "green house" effect in "Radical Restoration". While LaGard made some very valid points, how do you sit a child in services of the church for week after week and have them hear lesson after lesson of how important baptism is from people holding the Word of God and telling you this is what God wants for your life and that without it a person will be lost and expect them not to want to be baptized. By the time I was 10 years old I'd heard the plan of salvation from the pulpit at services roughly 2000 times. The "age of accountability" - well, that's another blog for another day - one friend jokingly says that if the child's feet can't touch the bottom of the baptistery then they're too young! There's a lot you can do to help assure your child is prepared when they are ready to become a Christian (including my favorite of having them write a paper about why they want to be baptized - saving that paper for them to read later if the question should come up if they were ready), but the bottom line might be that when they are ready there isn't much you could do to keep them from it or convincing them to wait!
Another issue might be the "helicopter parents" of today. There are parents who think that their child will be warped if they (the parents) miss any event of their child's life! I sometimes wonder if that is more warping than the other. Trust me parents, be there if you can...but if you miss one T-ball game or social your child can still eventually function as an adult!!
The other question: Is that really the most important day? In a sense, yes. But isn't that mentality the same that leads people to think that if they've been put under the water they are fine and no need to really continue to grow? Wouldn't it perhaps be more important to teach that every day after that day becomes increasingly more significant. It is our attempt at faithful living for and faithful loving of God coupled with His grace that is required?
So would you wait? Would you be upset if your child didn't wait for a time you could be there (I heard of one parent who demanded the preacher baptize her little boy a second time because she wasn't there)? I've got a lot more thoughts on all of this but I'd like to hear yours...
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
DON'T WASTE BLOOD...
Sunday while partaking of the Lord's Supper something struck me. The reading was on Jesus blood being shed for us. I had a very small cut on my thumb last week and it bled...maybe a drop or three. I don't like giving my blood. Even a couple of drops.
I give blood but it better be for a good cause and it better not be wasted. Wish I'd kept up with how many times I've donated blood. How many pints/gallons I've given. I'm not a needle guy and once I fainted getting up too quickly from the "bloodletting" but I've continued to donate. And I certainly like the feeling that it gives me when I've given. But I don't want it wasted.
As Americans we are conditioned to believe that in a disaster we need to give blood. Truth is that is the time we probably need to least give blood. Only 5% of eligible donors give blood but in time of disaster there is such a "glut" so to speak that we can't even handle all the blood given. Blood has a "shelf life" of about 42 days. When 9/11 occurred literally 10's of thousands of gallons of blood could never be used - estimates are as high as 300,000 units that had to be discarded.
The Department of Health and Human Services actually wrote a statement asked that Americans stop giving and come back in 3 or 4 months. Because of the politics involved that statement was never released. When it came to light that blood had been wasted many Americans were outraged so much so that a slump in donations followed from which blood donor organizations are still reeling.
I don't waste my blood. But of much more value is the blood of Christ. One who turns on His sacrifice (Acts 20:28) and counts His blood as insignificant is in serious danger (please read Hebrews 10:26-31). When you forsake the services of the church, when you do not use the gifts he has given you for His work, when you speak evil of His church and His people...you are throwing away the blood of Christ. When you commune with Him and His Family you are a partaker of His blood which in turn flows through you.
Don't waste blood - especially His.
I give blood but it better be for a good cause and it better not be wasted. Wish I'd kept up with how many times I've donated blood. How many pints/gallons I've given. I'm not a needle guy and once I fainted getting up too quickly from the "bloodletting" but I've continued to donate. And I certainly like the feeling that it gives me when I've given. But I don't want it wasted.
As Americans we are conditioned to believe that in a disaster we need to give blood. Truth is that is the time we probably need to least give blood. Only 5% of eligible donors give blood but in time of disaster there is such a "glut" so to speak that we can't even handle all the blood given. Blood has a "shelf life" of about 42 days. When 9/11 occurred literally 10's of thousands of gallons of blood could never be used - estimates are as high as 300,000 units that had to be discarded.
The Department of Health and Human Services actually wrote a statement asked that Americans stop giving and come back in 3 or 4 months. Because of the politics involved that statement was never released. When it came to light that blood had been wasted many Americans were outraged so much so that a slump in donations followed from which blood donor organizations are still reeling.
I don't waste my blood. But of much more value is the blood of Christ. One who turns on His sacrifice (Acts 20:28) and counts His blood as insignificant is in serious danger (please read Hebrews 10:26-31). When you forsake the services of the church, when you do not use the gifts he has given you for His work, when you speak evil of His church and His people...you are throwing away the blood of Christ. When you commune with Him and His Family you are a partaker of His blood which in turn flows through you.
Don't waste blood - especially His.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
READ THIS BEFORE YOU VOTE!!!
The voting is over - I don't know who, if anyone, stuffed the ballots but we had 316 total votes. That's not too shabby. I never anticipated as many entries as we had and while one of the proposed titles clearly came out on top there were several that got a lot of votes. So here's what's next. This week I will post the top six vote getter's (six because that is how many got 10 votes or more). You will be able to vote one time and only one time. I want your comments. I want to hear WHY you think the name your propose would be the best. I'd recommend you read the comments before you vote. Find out who is saying what about their favorite name. Your choices are:
1. THE VISION or VISION 20:20 - Between these two names there were 119 votes. The obvious field favorite. VISION is part of our "tag" line "Spring Meadows Church of Christ - A Place of Vision" and if we went with the 20:20 part it could denote Acts 20:20 - "Daily and from house to house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ."
2. FIELDS OF GOLD: I'm not sure who nominated this one but it has gotten a very large number of votes (62). Meadows - Fields of Gold. I see the connection.
3. The Millennium Falcon - I know who suggested this one - I don't think they were serious and it is possible THEY PERSONALLY voted for it 51 times. Not sure what the connection would be - but if it wins it...no.
4. OUR CHURCH BULLETIN: Plain, simple....not exactly what we are known for, but it was a top five vote getter.
5. SPRINGBOARD: This one came from outside the our congregation but I like the concept. Our bulletin as something to "Spring" us forward.
6. PIZZA ANYONE: I also know who nominated this one. Pretty unique. It would keep folks on their heels and people might read it just out of curiosity. It comes from a sermon I preached early on here I titled "What do you want on your pizza?" Again, if it won it would be like us to come up with something that "out of the box".
There were other suggestions including: NO LIMITS! or LIMITLESS (I liked that one a lot too - a write in campaign for it could sway us. It is again another of those Spring Meadows sayings that has taken root). Spring Meadows Minutes and Foresight were also suggested.
OK, we really need to hear your voice on this one. Let us know what you think. We will be open for the next week on this one.
1. THE VISION or VISION 20:20 - Between these two names there were 119 votes. The obvious field favorite. VISION is part of our "tag" line "Spring Meadows Church of Christ - A Place of Vision" and if we went with the 20:20 part it could denote Acts 20:20 - "Daily and from house to house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ."
2. FIELDS OF GOLD: I'm not sure who nominated this one but it has gotten a very large number of votes (62). Meadows - Fields of Gold. I see the connection.
3. The Millennium Falcon - I know who suggested this one - I don't think they were serious and it is possible THEY PERSONALLY voted for it 51 times. Not sure what the connection would be - but if it wins it...no.
4. OUR CHURCH BULLETIN: Plain, simple....not exactly what we are known for, but it was a top five vote getter.
5. SPRINGBOARD: This one came from outside the our congregation but I like the concept. Our bulletin as something to "Spring" us forward.
6. PIZZA ANYONE: I also know who nominated this one. Pretty unique. It would keep folks on their heels and people might read it just out of curiosity. It comes from a sermon I preached early on here I titled "What do you want on your pizza?" Again, if it won it would be like us to come up with something that "out of the box".
There were other suggestions including: NO LIMITS! or LIMITLESS (I liked that one a lot too - a write in campaign for it could sway us. It is again another of those Spring Meadows sayings that has taken root). Spring Meadows Minutes and Foresight were also suggested.
OK, we really need to hear your voice on this one. Let us know what you think. We will be open for the next week on this one.
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Thursday, June 14, 2007
The Polls are Open...Let the Voting Begin!
Folks it's time to vote now! There are a full 22 potential names to choose from. Take your time and choose carefully. There are several REALLY good possibilities out there.
NOTICE: You can vote more than one time (I think a couple of folks figured that out on the last poll - we had 327 votes cast and while I wish that many people visited my blog in a week - I doubt it. We had some ESV/NIV loving folks in a friendly joust stuffing the "ballot boxes" :).
If you want to vote for two or three DIFFERENT ONES - you can't really decide which you like the most - go ahead. But please restrain yourself from voting multiple times for the same name.
If the voting is close between two or three names, we may have a runoff between those. Tell others and get them to vote. The more the merrier.
You do need to know that we may not take the "top" vote getter. i.e. if Jason's "Pizza Anyone" wins (yes, Jason, I figured out it was you!) - it may not be the new name for our bulletin (Not that that would be a good name - I'm just saying).
So...VOTE NOW. We will close the voting next Friday.
NOTICE: You can vote more than one time (I think a couple of folks figured that out on the last poll - we had 327 votes cast and while I wish that many people visited my blog in a week - I doubt it. We had some ESV/NIV loving folks in a friendly joust stuffing the "ballot boxes" :).
If you want to vote for two or three DIFFERENT ONES - you can't really decide which you like the most - go ahead. But please restrain yourself from voting multiple times for the same name.
If the voting is close between two or three names, we may have a runoff between those. Tell others and get them to vote. The more the merrier.
You do need to know that we may not take the "top" vote getter. i.e. if Jason's "Pizza Anyone" wins (yes, Jason, I figured out it was you!) - it may not be the new name for our bulletin (Not that that would be a good name - I'm just saying).
So...VOTE NOW. We will close the voting next Friday.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Ma Bell...
So I did what I've been threatening to do for 3 or 4 years now...I cancelled my home phone service! Yippee! I remember as a young family how frustrated we would get with the monopoly that was South Central Bell. They had us. As a minister I thought I had to have phone service. If the phone rang, 2, 3 in the morning I would answer it on the first ring - "of course I'm up" (In theory that was true - I had to get up to answer the phone). And there was no option except Bell. I think it was my first experience with hatred :)! She was the big bad wolf, the ogre, the big bad witch, the great evil one...perhaps those digits in our phone numbers are the mark of the beast...
Caller ID was a wonderful step. I could actually "decide" who I wanted to talk to and who I didn't...but with my sickness (not sure what the scientific name is :)), I still answer 95% of the calls. I always envied Mel, how she could let it ring and not even care. If they really need me, they'll call back.
Then (picture the clouds opening and music coming to a crescendo) a little light from heaven filled my soul - the cell phone was born! I loved it. I had one when they weighed more than my laptop and had to be cared in an almost backpack looking contraption.
But I still had "Ma Bell" (if you know that term you're dating yourself) with a noose around my neck. I'd advise young couples to not even have a home phone, just a cell phone.
A few weeks ago we were cutting expenses and getting ready to move (we hope anyway) and I casually mentioned something about cutting off the phone. Melanie (my wonderful, unpredictable wife) agreed that one was no longer needed.
So today (Wednesday), I called the modern Ma - now South Central Bell and proudly told the lady I wanted to cancel my service. She said, we will be happy to suspend it for you. "No, it's time to cancel". She spent the next 10 minutes trying to talk sense into my head. Trying to "talk me down". As if what in the world will someone do without a home phone. Ah, it felt nice to say "no" about 10 times! I was polite but full of joy as each time I refused her obvious "logic" as to why and how I could do something different other than cancel. It was a waste of time - I don't need them anymore. My cell phone is about all I use anymore and Melanie with hers. The dragon has been slain, the serpent sent to the sea, the giant's head cut off, the beast has been banished!
But it all got me to thinking. I've tried talking sense into people's heads before. People leaving the Lord's church, people making unwise decisions for themselves, their family, their future. But I wonder it it's not like with my conversation with "Ma". If the heart is already made up our efforts to force a change probably won't make a difference. So our real effort might be to try preventative medicine with people - help them avoid reaching the point where they don't care. If they ever fall out of love with the Lord, His church, their spouse ... it is next to impossible to win them back (See Revelation 3 and Hebrews 6).
Bye-bye Ma Bell - I don't think I'll miss you. (ERIC - change our directory info :)).
Caller ID was a wonderful step. I could actually "decide" who I wanted to talk to and who I didn't...but with my sickness (not sure what the scientific name is :)), I still answer 95% of the calls. I always envied Mel, how she could let it ring and not even care. If they really need me, they'll call back.
Then (picture the clouds opening and music coming to a crescendo) a little light from heaven filled my soul - the cell phone was born! I loved it. I had one when they weighed more than my laptop and had to be cared in an almost backpack looking contraption.
But I still had "Ma Bell" (if you know that term you're dating yourself) with a noose around my neck. I'd advise young couples to not even have a home phone, just a cell phone.
A few weeks ago we were cutting expenses and getting ready to move (we hope anyway) and I casually mentioned something about cutting off the phone. Melanie (my wonderful, unpredictable wife) agreed that one was no longer needed.
So today (Wednesday), I called the modern Ma - now South Central Bell and proudly told the lady I wanted to cancel my service. She said, we will be happy to suspend it for you. "No, it's time to cancel". She spent the next 10 minutes trying to talk sense into my head. Trying to "talk me down". As if what in the world will someone do without a home phone. Ah, it felt nice to say "no" about 10 times! I was polite but full of joy as each time I refused her obvious "logic" as to why and how I could do something different other than cancel. It was a waste of time - I don't need them anymore. My cell phone is about all I use anymore and Melanie with hers. The dragon has been slain, the serpent sent to the sea, the giant's head cut off, the beast has been banished!
But it all got me to thinking. I've tried talking sense into people's heads before. People leaving the Lord's church, people making unwise decisions for themselves, their family, their future. But I wonder it it's not like with my conversation with "Ma". If the heart is already made up our efforts to force a change probably won't make a difference. So our real effort might be to try preventative medicine with people - help them avoid reaching the point where they don't care. If they ever fall out of love with the Lord, His church, their spouse ... it is next to impossible to win them back (See Revelation 3 and Hebrews 6).
Bye-bye Ma Bell - I don't think I'll miss you. (ERIC - change our directory info :)).
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Two for one...
TWO POSTS IN ONE:
1. We plan on cutting off accepting potential names for our bulletin Thursday morning and that afternoon posting another poll for all to vote on their favorite. This is big stuff - "The Hamilton Herald" as well as Granny White's "AIM" were both named roughly 50 years ago. So let's do well with this. I've gotten nearly 50 responses so far (not all had recommendations for a name), so get yours in soon.
2. "The Blog That Binds" welcomes a new, sister blog - "101 Good Words" It can be found at http://dalejenkins2.blogspot.com/
OK, here's the premise...we hear and read thousands of words each day: good words, bad words; words we wish we hadn't heard. This blog will be about giving you a good word. In fact exactly 101 good, uplifting, encouraging, positive words per post. They may be faith-building, or reporting. They may be about a positive program of work. It's a quick read, it'll take you a minute or two tops to read . I invite your thoughts-we'll occasionally share the thoughts of others . Visit often! If you'd like to be notified of new posts, contact dale@edge.net! That's 101 words - enjoy!
1. We plan on cutting off accepting potential names for our bulletin Thursday morning and that afternoon posting another poll for all to vote on their favorite. This is big stuff - "The Hamilton Herald" as well as Granny White's "AIM" were both named roughly 50 years ago. So let's do well with this. I've gotten nearly 50 responses so far (not all had recommendations for a name), so get yours in soon.
2. "The Blog That Binds" welcomes a new, sister blog - "101 Good Words" It can be found at http://dalejenkins2.blogspot.com/
OK, here's the premise...we hear and read thousands of words each day: good words, bad words; words we wish we hadn't heard. This blog will be about giving you a good word. In fact exactly 101 good, uplifting, encouraging, positive words per post. They may be faith-building, or reporting. They may be about a positive program of work. It's a quick read, it'll take you a minute or two tops to read . I invite your thoughts-we'll occasionally share the thoughts of others . Visit often! If you'd like to be notified of new posts, contact dale@edge.net! That's 101 words - enjoy!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Name our bulletin contest...
I LOVE CHURCH BULLETINS...
The best of them keep us up to date...let us inside a little even if we are not there...give a congregation a personal touch and a personality...tell us the good stuff.
I’m sort of a church bulletin aficionado. When I first started preaching I thought that was a great place to get material, articles, ideas, and just to keep up with our brotherhood. So I wrote the 10 largest congregations in every state and then every congregation of over 400 members. When I would be speaking somewhere or on vacation or traveling I would carve out about an hour and call churches in that area and request to receive their bulletin or newsletter. At one time I used to get over 350 bulletins a week. Of course I didn’t read every word of every one but I would scan each one for ideas and over time I learned which ones typically had good stuff in them. I had several favorites (other than one’s written by family members, who’s I naturally enjoyed). I only knew the man by reputation and didn’t know a single member there but I would read Brother Jim Bill’s every week – what a writer! And then there was Paul Roger’s in Centerville – another favorite. Then there were some that the design and graphics were fabulous.
I’ve been editing a church publication now for 25 years. There was the Kossuth News, The Informer at Eva, also The Informer at Hamilton Crossroads in South Alabama, The Hamilton Herald in Hamilton, of course AIM at Granny White and finally our little bulletin here at Spring Meadows.
BUT our bulletin doesn’t have a name. So here’s your chance. What would you name our bulletin? Be creative. Have fun with it. Give me two or three of your best suggestions. I’ll pick some from there and we’ll take a poll.
The winners will get a free online subscription to our bulletin :) at http://www.smcoc.net/
I HOPE WE GET A LOT OF SUGGESTIONS. You can post anonymously.
Log in and fire away!
The best of them keep us up to date...let us inside a little even if we are not there...give a congregation a personal touch and a personality...tell us the good stuff.
I’m sort of a church bulletin aficionado. When I first started preaching I thought that was a great place to get material, articles, ideas, and just to keep up with our brotherhood. So I wrote the 10 largest congregations in every state and then every congregation of over 400 members. When I would be speaking somewhere or on vacation or traveling I would carve out about an hour and call churches in that area and request to receive their bulletin or newsletter. At one time I used to get over 350 bulletins a week. Of course I didn’t read every word of every one but I would scan each one for ideas and over time I learned which ones typically had good stuff in them. I had several favorites (other than one’s written by family members, who’s I naturally enjoyed). I only knew the man by reputation and didn’t know a single member there but I would read Brother Jim Bill’s every week – what a writer! And then there was Paul Roger’s in Centerville – another favorite. Then there were some that the design and graphics were fabulous.
I’ve been editing a church publication now for 25 years. There was the Kossuth News, The Informer at Eva, also The Informer at Hamilton Crossroads in South Alabama, The Hamilton Herald in Hamilton, of course AIM at Granny White and finally our little bulletin here at Spring Meadows.
BUT our bulletin doesn’t have a name. So here’s your chance. What would you name our bulletin? Be creative. Have fun with it. Give me two or three of your best suggestions. I’ll pick some from there and we’ll take a poll.
The winners will get a free online subscription to our bulletin :) at http://www.smcoc.net/
I HOPE WE GET A LOT OF SUGGESTIONS. You can post anonymously.
Log in and fire away!
Friday, June 01, 2007
EPIC!
If you only read one book this year---my, if you only read one book the rest of your life! WOW! "EPIC - The Story God Is Telling" is stupendous. I’ve read hundreds-try to read 65 a year.
I most always read with a highlighter and pen in my hand. Marking, making notes, agreeing, arguing. When I find a quote I like I put a "star" out beside it. If it a real good quote I put 2 "stars". If I think I may use it sometime I will put 3 "stars". 4 and 5 "star" quotes rarely come along. In 25 years of reading this was I've NEVER a six star quote before now! I think in this book I put 3.
This is a book that men will enjoy (most every man I know would thrill at this one). I don’t know how women will respond to this but every man NEEDS to read this! WOW.
I want to buy a copy for everyone I know!!! You can find it pretty inexpensive on Amazon BUT you may want to spend a couple of extra dollars and go buy it NOW. And you will read it - you will not want to put it down. It is a short read - you'll be most upset because this tremendous story ends too soon. A small format and about 100 brief pages.
EPIC has the potential to help you understand what God is doing in your life. It is a story - a powerful one at that.
I must say EPIC is a grand book.
IMHO - Good stuff...
Just some random thoughts that I've collected in a file over the last year or so that seem "blog-worthy"- what are some of your favs - sign in and add on!
My Favorite Sermon – People can change. The easy thing is to give up – write them off…but the God thing is to keep on.
Everybody has the ability to invite somebody
Nobody visits by mistake
The 3rd largest unchurched nation in the world is America
Where’s your list - who are your trying to influence for the Lord?
If we weren’t here tomorrow would the community notice?
Ask around: “Do you know where the (Insert your congregation's name here) church is?” People cannot visit a place the don’t know exist!
Only one opportunity to make a good first impression. We must always be friendly, we must always greet people warmly -the one that gives us only one chance may be the one that needs the Lord the most that day!
Hit them from every angle we can - word of mouth, publicity, advertising, door-knocking, warmth!
Is your congregation a place where people want to bring their friends? If not, why not? Change it or find a place you can bring your friends to. If you can't bring your friends where you worship how are you ever going to lead them to the Lord's church? If you don't believe in it why would you ever expect your friends to.
Don't limit God! He is able to do incredibly more than you can ask or even imagine. Now imagine - then add to that! God will always stay one step ahead of you! I don't think I know of a more amazing thought.
The future is as bright as the promises of God.
I loved Trae because he always believed the best was yet to be!
My Favorite Sermon – People can change. The easy thing is to give up – write them off…but the God thing is to keep on.
Everybody has the ability to invite somebody
Nobody visits by mistake
The 3rd largest unchurched nation in the world is America
Where’s your list - who are your trying to influence for the Lord?
If we weren’t here tomorrow would the community notice?
Ask around: “Do you know where the (Insert your congregation's name here) church is?” People cannot visit a place the don’t know exist!
Only one opportunity to make a good first impression. We must always be friendly, we must always greet people warmly -the one that gives us only one chance may be the one that needs the Lord the most that day!
Hit them from every angle we can - word of mouth, publicity, advertising, door-knocking, warmth!
Is your congregation a place where people want to bring their friends? If not, why not? Change it or find a place you can bring your friends to. If you can't bring your friends where you worship how are you ever going to lead them to the Lord's church? If you don't believe in it why would you ever expect your friends to.
Don't limit God! He is able to do incredibly more than you can ask or even imagine. Now imagine - then add to that! God will always stay one step ahead of you! I don't think I know of a more amazing thought.
The future is as bright as the promises of God.
I loved Trae because he always believed the best was yet to be!
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