RP's Stuff and Things...

My wife.

2008-08-01T06:29:00.000-07:00

I was just sitting here this morning thinking about the love I have for my wife. the romantic-feelings and aspect is there, yes, but more than that the commitment and lifestyle of love that I have for her is more predominant.

a bit of prose that came to me in that thoughtful moment of reflection:
In the day when the sun rises and the showers fall, the corn creeks and grows while the stillness of the farm overwhelms. To stand on the porch and watch, hear, and enjoy as my imagination continues; the love of my wife and the love for my wife envelops me like a home made blanket on a cold wintry day.

just thought I would share, especially since I hadn't blogged in a few months. a pouring of my heart seemed appropriate.

A smiley

2008-01-22T08:49:00.001-08:00

feeling a bit combative, I thought I would share this "smiley". :)
I am not sure who the author is, but thought it was pretty kewl. you'll have to click it to see the animation. :)

Hoefling Exodus Tour 11/4-5/07

2007-11-30T07:40:00.000-08:00

Our trip was amazing. I am starting backwards and beginning with the last day first. besides the order, you will notice that I am putting Mary's journaling first, then I will add my comments. some may be long, and some shorter than others, if at all. I will begin with a link to the pictures for that day for each day we were on the trip. there are usually hundreds of pictures in each day's album. please be patient as it may take a LONG time to load if you are accessing the Internet via a MoDem.

Also, you will notice in the link that there are Google maps showing WHERE and when each picture was taken. some of the pictures may not have GPS information for various reasons, but about 90% do.

Another note about pictures, I took over 7000 pictures. I (ab)use the multi-burst capabilities of my camera, so I can be sure to get a "good" shot of the subject matter. It also allows me to take pictures in less than optimal lighting situations, with relative surity that one will catch the "still" image. Since I am not a professional photographer, my technique is to way-overshoot any given subject, so that I can get a got picture.

When I got home and downloaded them, I removed about 5000 as "trash" and kept a bit over 2000, and as expected, I got some great shots of each subject I was shooting (in my humble opinion). then I synchronized the GPS info with the images left for EXIF updating. This took me a couple days to figure out since DST changed the first day of our trip, and I had forgotten to change the time on my camera for that.

One other note about the journaling. Mary's notes became outlines towards the end, as our time-crunch began to increase and there was less time available to actually do any detailed journaling.

http://picasaweb.google.com/rambopreacher/Exodus1145

Sunday, November 4
Egypt Air Flight #748 departing Athens at 1:30 pm (3:30 pm arrival in Cairo, Egypt)
Transfer to hotel:
Ramses Hilton (2 nights)
1115 Corniche El Nile, Cairo, Egypt

Flight from Newark to Athens was on time – also very cold and mostly sleepless. Left Newark about 5:30, and arrived in Athens at 9:30 a.m. All luggage arrived with the flight, and we were ready to get tickets for our next flight before the boarding gates opened.

We were only on the ground for about four hours before continuing to Cairo. Airport security was much more lax – no problems clearing immigration or gate access. Athens’ airport is about the size of Des Moines. I thought we would have the some unique Greek shops while there – no such luck. Connecting flight on Egypt Air was a small plane – two hours flight time. We were bused from the tarmac – every thing at Cairo’s airport reminded folks of air travel 20 years ago – not much was automated or clean.

Luggage was all present and accounted for, and we started our 25 minute bus ride downtown to the Ramses Hilton. I believe the driving in Cairo will be the one thing that sticks with all of us after this trip. Cairo has 17 million people, 5 million cars, and 3 stoplights. Lane lines are merely suggestions, and three lanes often hold 5 rows of traffic. There were no pedestrian rights, and people often walked in the streets rather than the sidewalks.

Since there are no stoplights there are no crosswalks, so pedestrians cross wherever they can – usually between moving traffic. Most cars were about 20 years old, mostly European, and gas costs about $1 for 4 litres, as opposed to $2.79 a gallon when we left home. Eqypt is required to export no more than 30% of its oil.

After checking into the hotel (slowest process anywhere along the trip) we opened the doors to the best view I have had from a hotel room. It was about 5:30 p.m., and we were overlooking the Nile River and downtown Cairo from the terrace off our room. It was a great place to listen to the heartbeat of Cairo – or the symphony of horns, which are used in place of turn signals for almost every vehicle.

Supper could not come soon enough tonight. Buffet dinner at the hotel. Lots of choices – and the greatest variety of foods over the two nights we were there. The food was good, but very safe choice – nothing too spicy or out of the ordinary. The biggest adjustment for dining was to pay for water to go with the meals. It was recommended that we not drink the water, so we purchased large bottles for $3 each ($5.50 exchange rate).

To bed at 9:00 p.m. – wiped out. Egyptian sheets did feel extra wonderful - wish I could say they kept us asleep all night.

Monday, November 5
Morning at leisure, Giza Pyramids, Old City, Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue
6:30 wakeup call; 7:00 breakfast, 8:00 start (morning at leisure???)

Our first trip of the day is to Giza to see the Pyramids and the Sphinx. These are actually located very near the city limits of Cairo, instead of in the middle of the desert. Much to learn here – tourism is the main source of income for many. Almost everyone in our group ended up with Egyptian headdress and many “relics” of ancient Egypt. A few had $1 camel rides – this is the inexpensive part of the experience – getting off the camel can be very expensive. It was hard to enjoy the sites when we were constantly accosted by the vendors.

The pyramids were amazing to see, and we got some great pictures from a scenic overlook. Then on to the Sphinx and into town to visit gold and papyrus stores (supposed very cheap in Egypt).

After lunch, we traveled to the Old City/Coptic Quarter and visited the Hanging church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. The synagogue is said to be where Joseph, Mary and Jesus stayed while they were exiled in Egypt – 3 months at this location, and 13 months total in Cairo. During the Six Day War with Israel in 1967, the 12 pillars (representing each of the apostles) were documented as crying blood. During times spiritual movement in the church, and columns have been “warmed” by the Holy Spirit.

After the Coptic Quarter, we visited the Egyptian Museum (http://www.egyptianmuseum.gov.eg/home.html), which houses the remains of King Tutankhamen tomb. The Roman’s built the museum as a gift to the Egyptians, and the government has required that all those visiting must stay on the grounds for at least one hour. We could have spent the whole day.

King Tut’s tomb was found in 1923 in Luxor, Egypt. The site had not been raided because King Tut was the poorest of the Pharaoh’s and thieves did not think is was worthwhile to raid his tomb. He was Pharaoh for 10 years, between the ages of 8 and 18, when he died. He and all of his belongings were buried within 10 gold plated boxes in the tomb. Items included four beds, three chariots, many urns, and ship, food for the journey to the “other” life, and his thrones, which are about the size of kitchen chairs.

A copy of the Rosetta Stone is also at this museum. The most impressive artifacts were the walls and walls of hieroglyphs – truly amazing in detail, scale and scope. Most of the displays were not hermetically sealed, and the hieroglyphic walls could be touch – so amazing. The museum was only a block from out hotel, so a short ride back for dinner. Many went shopping – we showered to wash away the desert and downloaded pictures for the evening. Early to bed – still not over jet lag yet. I slept for an hour an then was awake for four – bad way to start the day.

My Notes:
this is the first (last) of the notes and comments for this trip. I have been posting the days starting from the end. The pictures for this section are grouped together for the 4th and 5th, so wanted to make my comments together for the one album.

I highly suggest using the map view, if your Internet connection is fast enough. the pyramids are a site to behold. and when you can see them from the satellite view as well as my pictures, it makes it more clear just how big they are.

I will say one thing about the people here. If they weren't sales people, they seemed to be friendly. the challenge for me was that just about everyone we came in contact with wanted to sell us something. one dollar, one dollar was heard a lot. the scams that were allowed at the pyramids was unacceptable, but at least we were warned ahead of time. I will not use this blog as a complaint session about this, but one couple from our group did get taken by a camel jockey, it nearly ruined their trip.

but back to good stuff. when we saw the Sphinx, it wasn't as impressive as I was expecting, it is closer to the city and so more hustle bustle around it. Pictures don't do it justice as to the size and proportions of it. to me it is very clear that the "original" had the head of something/someone else and the current pharonic head was carved out of that, simply because of the smaller proportion. that is pure conjecture on my part, but it sure seemed obvious to my common sense as I looked at it from the ground.

I couldn't help myself thinking about that this would be a great place to play paintball as we went through the ruins around it (in fact, this was a continuing thought in many of the places we visited). the large pillars, and sturdy rock walls., the terrain - it all pointed to me as a paintball field. :)

There was not really any Biblical significance to the area, but I have to assume that the Israelites were at least aware of these structures, and knew about them. they would probably have been further north in the Nile delta area. but to get to see a wonder of the world is something I will not forget. even if I make another trip over there, I will probably not revisit the pyramids. After all is said and done, I think that most of the things that I felt like I wanted more of was in Israel.

With that said, I need to reiterate that just because we were one of only two couples in the group that spoke English only, I don't feel like we missed anything from the tour. the volunteer translators did a great job.

Hoefling Exodus Tour 11/6/07

2007-11-30T07:30:00.000-08:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/rambopreacher/Exodus116

Tuesday, November 6
Depart Cairo and travel to St. Catherine at the base of Mt. Sinai
Wadi El Raha, St. Catherine, Egypt

5:30 wakeup call; 6:00 breakfast, 7:00 start
Leaving Cairo today for Mount Sinai region – all day drive. Today’s trip gave a great view of the variety of apartments in the city. Most buildings appear to be bombed out or falling down, and have many families living inside. Others are new, but only have a few floors built and an unfinished roof waiting for enough funds for the next floor. You can also see that many units are occupied before the building is complete – including outer walls. Windows appear to be completely optional, and no though is given to making the outside look finished, even if the apartments inside are very nice. Clotheslines seem to be the required hardware to make a house a home. Apartments are generally $100,000 for 2-3 bedrooms. All must be paid in cash or other collateral provided. Payment must be fully made in 12 years.

I was not feeling well today, so I didn’t leave the bus until we stopped for lunch. We did stop at the wells representing the 12 tribes of Israel. Only three have been uncovered. From here, you could also see the Red Sea. Also learned that we were not to give money to any of the children along our route. They would only ask for candy, but could easily make more money in a day than their parents did in a week if we gave them our spare change. A big push is made not to give money, so that the kids will go to school rather than staying home waiting for the tour buses.

An interesting part of our trip today included the number of military checkpoints along the way. I would guess we stopped at least 10 times
Arrived at St. Catherine’s late in the afternoon, after traveling through a tunnel under the Suez Canal. This will likely be they most interesting hotel location. We are in the Sinai Mountains, at the base of St. Catherine’s monastery. The rooms are bungalows – three to four per unit, and about 40 units altogether. All are built in stone, and include a refrigerator that is not plugged in, the promise of someone available to fix a TV that does not exist, and twin beds. Outside is the real eye catcher – we are in a desert valley between two mountain ranges. There is another set of hotels about one mile away, and the monastery is the only other building we see. This is really off the beaten path.

Brent is in heaven – baklava at every meal so far.

My notes:
a day of driving.

We did stop at a location of some ancient wells that are said to be from the 12 tribes. there were three there. they say the others weren't discovered yet. it brought to my mind how that there is not much care for things that are Jewish or Christian. Even though we are tourists and bringing in a lot of their economy, it didn't seem that it mattered.

I am glad that we decided to make this trip. I really enjoyed the fact that Mary was with me. this is something we will remember for ever. even if we ever go back, it will always be the trip of a lifetime. For various reasons it is difficult to stay in a very "sacred" attitude, but it is easier when we are on the buss and there are no pushy souvenir sales and I can enjoy the scenery and imagine Israel traveling through this area led by Moses.

Hoefling Exodus Tour 11/7/07

2007-11-30T07:15:00.000-08:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/rambopreacher/Exodus117

Wednesday, November 7
Visit Mt. Sinai and St. Catherine Monastery. Take ferry to Jordan and overnight in Petra.
Taybet Zaman
Wadi Mousa, Petra, Jordan

6:30 wakeup call; 7:00 breakfast, 8:00 start

Our first trek today was to the monastery of St. Catherine (http://www.touregypt.net/Catherines.htm). St. Catherine (Katrin) was beaten to death trying to bring Christianity to Egypt. Her remains were said to be carried by angels to this location, and her remains are buried in the church. This location was a Christian stronghold in the 6th century through the Crusades. St. Catherine’s is now best known for the illuminated texts and icons held in its museum and library. Many of its holdings are gifts from the early centuries AD.

This is also the historical location of God appearing in the burning bush to Moses, a plant that regenerates itself for many years. The Mountains of Sinai are also were Moses received the 10 Commandments. (This is a mountain range, rather than one specific mountain).

Brent was wearing shorts today, and was not able to enter the temple because his knees were showing. He climbed the mountain outside the monastery, and took pictures looking into the grounds.

We left the monastery by 11:15, so we could arrive at the docks in time to catch the 2:00 ferry to Jordan. You have to be checked in at least two hours prior to departure to make the trip. When we arrived at noon, we were told the ferry had mechanical problems, and would leave at 3:00. We went to a restaurant on the Red Sea for lunch and a walk along the shore – a great break and beautiful location. The sea was so blue and clam and warm. Brent enjoyed wading through the water and picking sea shells and rocks. The camel riders and jewelry sellers were right on the shore with us – inside the hotels has been the only place we haven’t seen them.

By 1:30, we were back at the dock to clear immigration and to await the ferry – and await - and await. The last ferry came in at 6:00, loaded by 8:30, and arrived in Jordan at 9:30.

You know, when Kaylene talks about foreign transportation systems, it seems funny when she is so upset about everything being late. I total understand her frustration now. Although we docked at 9:30, they did not start unloading the passengers until 10:30. WE loaded the bus, drove ¾ mile, and unloaded the bus for immigration check through. It was 1:00 a.m. before we were on the road to Petra, and 2:00 before we were checked into our rooms. We all were very thankful to make it to the hotel tonight. Unfortunately, this was also the day we needed to get up early for our tours. Three hours of much needed sleep tonight.

My Notes:
The Sinai mounts are beautiful. being from Iowa, mountains are not something we get to see or enjoy. :)

When we went to St. Katharine's Monastery, I didn't go in, since I was wearing shorts, and I wasn't warned that wearing shorts is not allowed. I took lots of pictures as I climbed the cliff area next to the Monastery to get a better view of the area and the trails they used to go up the mountain.

I suggest that when looking at the pictures that you also look using the map view. the region is incredible, thinking about trying to manage a small group of a couple million or so people through a land like this, and having them camp and live.

when we went to the port at Newibia to cross the red sea (Persian gulf side) on a ferry as part of our Exodus tour, we had to hurry and wait ( a couple times :) ) something I will not soon forget. In any case, it did give us a chance to relax by the red sea. I had picked up a few sea shells, and was able to go wading in the water, that was not even cool, in fact the water was warm. we got to see someone go out a ways further down the coast and was working on his nets in the water. I thought he was fishing, but it appeared that he was repairing the net in the water to help make it more maneuverable, I suppose.

we went back and after waiting a long time and going through customs, we got on the ferry and made the journey crossing the red sea. I didn't get to take pictures of this as it was late at night by now and I wasn't allowed to go out of the inside of the boat to take pictures anyway.

Hoefling Exodus Tour 11/8/07

2007-11-30T06:46:00.000-08:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/rambopreacher/Exodus118

Thursday, November 8
Petra, Mt. Nebo, Moab, Jerash and cross border to Israel. Overnight in Tiberias
Sheraton Moriah (2 nights)
Habanim Street
Tiberias, Israel 14103

5:45 wakeup, 6:00 breakfast, 7:00 start

They could have recorded another episode of “Night of the Living Dead” at our hotel outside Petra today. Great, rustic resort, but we spent so little time there, no one got to use or even see all of the grounds. This location matched St. Catherine’s hotel in uniqueness. Brent was so tired, he didn’t even get pictures of the rooms. This location was built like an adobe village.

Our first stop today was at Petra (http://nabataea.net/petra.html) – our second wonder of the world on this trip. A truly amazing location on the top of a mountain where a sea used to be located. Most of the stone is limestone, and as the sea became a river, it created a narrow canyon through the rocks, stretching about 1 mile to The Treasury. In 300 BC to 300 AD, this was inhabited by a village of Nabateans, who engineered a water filtering system, and made the most of the topography to protect their village from attack. The Roman Army did over take the village in the 1st Century AD, and paved the canyon with cobblestones. The views throughout the walk were spectacular – think about walking through the Grand Canyon, but only having about 30 feet between the two walls, 250 feet up.

Petra may be linked to Sela in the Bible, and may be the site referred to as the “people in the rocks” in Jeremiah; and a strong/fortified city of Edom in Psalms. Isaiah also references Seal and Ammon, a town nearby.

Petra is a fortified city, with caves high in the walls all along the trek. For our generation, it is probably best known for being featured in Indian Jones and the Last Crusade. The Treasury is the best know of the sites, which is three huge stories tall, all carved into the limestone face of the canyon. This was definitely worth the walk in and difficult walk out. We could have easily spent a day here There are many other carvings in the valley, and it is still inhabited. Our guide said it would take three days to walk the full length of the valley.

After a strenuous trip out, we continued onto Moab and St. George the Dragon Slayer Greek Orthodox Church. Four Christian and monotheistic religions started in this area. St. George’s is the oldest original church structure still standing. This area is know for its mosaic handwork, and a large portion of the floor in the church lays out a map of the Middle East during the early centuries BC.

Next, we went to Mt. Nebo, where God showed Moses the Promised Land. From here, you could also see the Dead Sea, the historical reference to where Jacob wrestled with the angel of God, and was named “Israel” from that point forward. Pastor Reyes gave a message on the twelve spies sent into survey the new land, and the murmuring of the Jews, the people of Israel. We prayed for unity in our churches and for peace in Jerusalem.

We also toured the Greek Orthodox Church at this site. The grounds included a sculpture of Jehovah-Nissi – The LORD is My Banner – a serpentine cross. This represents the serpent hung on a staff, which provided hearing to the people of Israel who had been bitten by snakes in the desert.

Dinner was at the base of Mt. Nebo. We also cross over from Jordan to Israel tonight – a 2 ½ hour process to travel 1 ½ miles. We feel like we are on the Exodus tour in the desert.
One comment on security and military personnel in Egypt, Jordan and Israel:

One member of our tour group described out progression through three countries by centuries. Egypt is still operating in the 19th Century – garbage everywhere, no traffic control, people living in unfinished buildings, heavy military involvement and visibility.

Jordan moves into the 20th Century – more relaxed military checkpoints, organized transportation, higher standard of living, not as many peddlers at the sites.

Israel was compared to the 21st Century – great highway system, no visible military, easy to travel, organized agriculture, roadside bushes and flowers. We have not bee uncomfortable about our safety at any point in our trip, and have found people to be friendlier as we have traveled from Egypt to Jordan to Israel. Israel’s checkpoint was to be the most stringent, but actually took less time start to finish then all of the others – and the agents were friendly.

Staying at the Sheraton Moriah hotel in Tiberius tonight and tomorrow – checked in at 10 p.m.

My notes:
I helped Mary with her journaling, so I will try to not repeat. Waking up in Jordan was a memory, I won't forget. :) after having been in Egypt for a couple days, I had been getting used to the smog and diesel/gas smell from all the cars in Cairo. here, the air was clean and the area was wakening. We arrived late, so I missed the scenery coming in.

Mary pointed out some Arabic writing on the wall at the hotel that appeared to look like it said "paintball" not sure what it said, but it kinda does look like it says paintball.

If you do the map view of the album of the pictures for this day, you can see that the Petra pictures are in a very mountainous area (south). hopefully that satellite view will help gain a better understanding of the Petra pictures. I had a great time with this area. though not much "Biblical significance" (at least not that many are aware of), I was amazed when I had been studying of the history of this place and that in the first century the Romans had repaved the road into the Petra area. and that some of that "paving" was still walked on.

The pavement was large rocks. I couldn't help but imagine roman engineers picking and then modifying rocks for this purpose, and that we were walking on the very same rocks. these rocks that were walked at about the same time as Jesus. I knew that this kind of thing might not be very prevalent in Israel, so I cherished this time. I know it sounds silly, but it was a special time for me.

again, referring to the satellite image and my pictures at the Mt Nebo area, you can see that it is a high place that overlooked the the promised land, from "this side" of the Jordan. I wondered if I was in the place of one of the 12 "spies", what kind of report would I have brought back some time before they got to Nebo. I don't know. I know my faith right now, and it's based on a salvation that is a gift. the Jews thought of the law as a gift, as I understand and especially their personal covenant and being chosen by God, but It is difficult for me to imagine that kind of relationship, that seemed to lack a personal paradigm.

Hoefling Exodus Tour 11/9/07

2007-11-30T05:28:00.000-08:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/rambopreacher/Exodus119

Friday, November 9
Sea of Galilee Boat Ride, Capernaum, Peter’s Primacy, Mount of Beatitudes, Casearea Philippi, Golan Heights and Jordan River Baptism
7:30 wakeup, 8:00 breakfast, 8:45 start

First overcast day here – amazing how chilly it gets if the sun is not out. Very busy day ahead.
Our first stop today is at the Temple of Pan, which is dedicated to many gods, and is said to be the location that Jesus told Peter that he would be the rock of the church. (Jesus = Petra – the rock; Peter = Petros – a piece of this rock). The setting is a cliff from where many niches have been carved to honor different idols. Jesus asked His apostles “Who do you say that I am?” at this spot, to distinguish between the false gods and the True Savior.

Pastor Reyes talked about taking the message out to our friends and families, and three women accepted tot Lord as their Savior at this location. This is also where the well that is the start of the Jordan waters is located.

After leaving these gardens, we went to the Mount of Beatitudes for a sermon on the poor in spirit (not needing worldly things, but recognizing they need the Holy Spirit daily – they shall see God).

Next, we went to the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberius, where Jesus called the apostles. We took a boat ride across the sea, stopping halfway across to work and praise God for all His works. The sun shone on us while we were in the middle of the sea – one of the few times it was out this day. Beautiful ride – songs and dancing. The crew of the boat were from Spain, and they enjoyed our company.
Lunch was on the sea – family style: salad, fries, fish, soup and dessert.

As we travel to different sites today, our tour guide Salo shared a great deal on the history y of Jews in Israel, and on other inhabitants of the land. Most of the region we were in was previously thousands of acres of swampland, which was drained and became the agricultural center for the country. Land was given by the government – if you planted Olive trees, the ground was your to occupy and harvest. Olive and banana groves are very common. There are many fruit orchards, too.

Our last stop for the day was at the Jordan River for a baptism service. Almost half of the 73 people in our group were baptized or renewed their baptism in the Jordan, including Brent and me. It appeared to be a very religious experience that took your breath away – but the looks on our faces were less of awe than of sheer reaction to the temperature of the water – BRRR!!!
Shopping and back to the hotel tonight
BANISHED DEMONS INTO PIGS?

My notes:
In Casearea Philippi, the Temple of Pan was a cliff side area where Jesus probably asked his disciples who He is. and Where Peter told Him that He is the Christ. when Jesus tells Peter that he is "Petros" and on Petra, he will build the church. the innuendo is more clear among the rock carvings and cliff area.

Something that I wasn't expecting was that at this location, there were 3 women that accepted Christ as Savior from our group. it was an amazing experience.

The ruins of Banias is a wonderful site. I only wish we had more information on the Hellenistic period, the last years BC when it was settled. In ancient times, it was a giant spring, gushing from a cave in the rock, which is the source of the stream Nahal Senir. The Jordan River arises from this spring and two others at the base of Mount Hermon.

From here, we went to the Mount of Beatitudes area. the garden was again, beautiful. As we were lead to the garden and sat at a staging area, we listened to a sermon about the sermon, and was semi-interrupted by a nun (yes, a church at this site too), that was telling us that we had to leave because they were closing. I believe what that meant was that they were actually getting ready to have a service, and didn't want us being loud out in the garden while they had their internal service. but I am just guessing. :)

when we went to the shore of the Kineret (Sea of Galilee, lake Tiberius, etc, all the same place) the way to the port/dock was a kewl flowing "aqueduct". my pictures show this. the scenery was gorgeous at the lake and shorelines etc. some of my pictures show in the Google maps that they were taken from the middle of the lake. yes, we were on a boat.

An interesting "coincidence" was that as part of this boat trip, we stopped about half way across, and had a praise and worship type service. lots of rejoicing and praising God. the interesting thing is that the day had been overcast all morning, and yet about when we stopped to have some talk and praise, the clouds split apart and the sun seemed to shine on us in the middle of the lake. Maybe super-spiritualizing, but I believe that God was showing us His hand, as Jesus calmed the storm on this very same area in the first century.

We then got back on the buses and drove to the area that is said to be the location where John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. I don't believe that it matters where you are baptized. I don't even believe that God's Word teaches that we MUST be baptised in order to have salvation. but I do believe (as in paying the tithe), that it is something that a Christian should do.

I have been baptized before. It was an amazing feeling to be baptized in Israel, and especially in the Jordan River, not to mention the same area that Jesus might have been baptized. The significance is that the Jordan represents "death" and the Israelites crossed death into life when they entered the promised land. The Christian symbolism is strong here as well.

As I believe that the act is not an actual cleansing of original sin, nor is it some other kind of cleansing of sin, but I believe that this is an outward, public expression of being Christian. As Christ had died, "buried", and rose from the dead, so too, we associate with that by dying, being burred, and raised from that death in the Jordan river in Baptism.

I know that this is a doctrinal issue for many, but for me it was a special time of renewal in my faith. As I mentioned earlier about the sun shining through, this time, about the time we were baptised (Mary and I went in at the same time, there were three pastors baptising at the same time), it began to rain. did I tell you that the last time I was baptized at Grays lake in Des Moines, Iowa, that it began to rain their as well, and the time before that at Easter lake, it began to rain their as well. Interesting.

Hoefling Exodus Tour 11/10/07

2007-11-29T08:59:00.000-08:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/rambopreacher/Exodus1110

Saturday, November 10
Cana, Nazareth, Church of Annunciation, Megiddo, Valley of Armageddon, Caesarea and overnight in Jerusalem.

Hotel Le Meridien, Dead Sea
Ein Bokedk, Dead Sea, Israel 89680
Tel. 011-972-8-659-1234

6:00 wake up, 6:30 breakfast, 7:30 start

Leaving Tiberius for the Dead Sea today. The first stops are in Capernaum at Peter’s Primacy and home. Peter’s Primacy is on the Sea of Galilee, and is where Jesus appear after the Resurrection and called Simon Peter to “feed His sheep.” The foundation of a 4th Century synagogue built on the foundation of a synagogue Jesus may have taught in and Peter’s “home” were nearby. It was rare to find a 1st Century synagogue, as most groups gathered in homes, city center or caves during that time.

Next, we drove to Cana, where we renewed our wedding vows with about 15 other couples. Recognition was also given to a woman who lost her husband earlier this year and is scattering his ashes in Jerusalem. A ceremony was also held for the single women for a blessing on their lives.

Nazareth was our next stop and we visited the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, which also houses Mary’s Well. Although we did not go to it, there is also a catholic church near this site that recognized the Annunciation.

Last stop of the day – through Megiddo and the Valley of Armageddon. This is foretold to be the location of the final battle in Revelation, where armies from the North, South, East and West will fight before Christ returns. This is a wide, flat valley, with access from all side, and mountains around for cover. Even Napoleon stated it would be the perfect place for a battle. At the overlook for this site, there was a museum showing the fortress at Masada, which we will see tomorrow.

Finished our day by traveling to the hotel at the Dead Sea – beautiful location, fantastic hotel. This is an oasis of hotels without a town, but it does have a small shopping center – with a McDonald's. All of the hotels have boardwalks down to private beaches on the sea.

My notes:
the church of Peter's primacy location on the sea of Galilee is a beautiful place. the traditional location of where Jesus appeared to the disciples after his resurrection and told them to fish on the other side of the boat and they drew in 153 fish. Jesus met them on the shore and made a fire and ate with them. this is where Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him, and Jesus told him to feed His sheep and take care of them.

when we visited the site of Peter's house and the synagogue next to it, I had already done a lot of research on these places. the archaeology continues to be interesting to me as a 4th century synagogue was built on a 1st century synagogue, perhaps one that Jesus taught at.

we then went to the city of Cana and Mary and I renewed our wedding vows. it was a moving experience for me. since we were with a large group of Spanish speaking folks, I was not expecting much more than a group renewal in Spanish.

turned out that they did have a mass renewal in Spanish. and then the two English speaking couples had separate renewal ceremonies. so it was more than special. I love my wife.

Next stop was the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, it was bee-ee-a-you-tee-ful! it was interesting that a mosque was right across the street and there are apparently several churches claiming the location of the Annunciation.

the valley of Armageddon and megiddo was a pastoral view. at the site of Megiddo, there was a message on end times given and the scale and scope of these things came to life as we could see across the valley's and see how it "could" happen.

Hoefling Exodus Tour 11/11/07

2007-11-29T08:07:00.000-08:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/rambopreacher/Exodus1111

Sunday, November 11
Judean Desert, Qumran, Masada, Dead Sea and Jericho
6:30 wake up 7:00 breakfast, 8:00 start
Today was Brent’s favorite day – visited Masada and Qumran, and ended the day with a soak in the Dead Sea.
Masada = strength, heroism
1st Century – fell to Romans – committed suicide rather than become slaves/captives

My notes:
On the way to the Qumran site, we drove by the dead sea and there were many beautiful sites and views of the dead sea area.

When we arrived at Qumran, I was expecting to see more activity of the archaeological nature. the site was much as I expected from my studies and reading articles etc. As expected, they directly correlated the Essenes and Qumran and the scrolls found in the various caves surrounding the area.

At least, unlike the visit to Kansas City. there was mention that this is theory and that other theories are prevalent as well. it was great to actually be able to see the dig and what was excavated. we were told that the earlier layers at this site was that this would have been a "port" on the dead sea, but it has lowered so much that the site is on top of a mesa-type area now.

The "scriptorium" and other places that were marked were expected as a "tourist" site and location. I still found the archaeological aspects very interesting for the various layers that were shown in some places. this was exactly the kinds of stuff I was wanting to see when we were deciding to come on this trip. the holy places are great and their sacredness means much. but for me, these real life-ways of "touching" the peoples of the past are most impressive to me.

to be at the same place and touch the same places and stones that they has touched and used. my mind was whirling as I imagined myself in a community that lived here. Essenes, maybe, maybe not, but a community that at least was in an area that was wilderness (and still is). perhaps a pottery factory. perhaps a "monk-like" existence. perhaps a secluded community that just preferred to be private.

Masada. visions of war, and conquest come to mind for me. when we visited the site, we took the cable car up to the site.

The Zealots that fled and headed to Masada after the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70ad, found themselves at a standoff with the Romans. the short story is that after 3 years or so of the Romans building a siege ramp to enter the stronghold, the troops entered the location and discovered that the 900 or so people that were there had pact-ed with themselves to kill each other and commit suicide rather than be held under Roman rule.

there was apparently a woman or two and a few children that survived. An interesting point here is that the location of the lots that were used to select the killing of themselves, was discovered. the ostracon (potsherds with writing, and in this case, names) that was found there brought home to me what the internal struggles that they must have felt as the siege ramp was beginning to see to be something that would be breaching their community.

this site and the representation here for the Jewish people began to be extremely important in their nationality, to never give up. this paradigm can be seen and understood even in modern Israel and the IDF and national understandings.

A partial description of my comments in the account given by Josephus of the tragedy of Masada: To escape capture by the Romans, ten men were chosen by lot from among the occupants of the fortress, 960 in number, including combatants and non-combatants, men, women and children, to slay the rest. From these ten one was similarly chosen to slay the survivors, and he, having accomplished his awful task, ran his sword into his own body (Josephus, BJ, VII, ix, 1).

We had time for a "dip" in the dead sea this afternoon. the thing that struck me the most was that the water was so salty that it wouldn't dissolve any more salt. walking up to the beach, and it looks like white sand. it was salt.

we were so buoyant, that it was weird as center of gravity was seemingly affected as we were in the water.

Hoefling Exodus Tour 11/12/07

2007-11-28T07:36:00.000-08:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/rambopreacher/Exodus1112

Monday, November 12
Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane , Bethlehem & Church of the Nativity
Hotel Jerusalem Renaissance
Ruppin Bridge at Herzl Blvd, Jerusalem, Israel 91033

6:00 wake up 6:30 breakfast, 7:00 start
Road to Jerusalem – also the road that of the Good Samaritan
Jews – Jerusalem = Moria, where Abraham was led to sacrifice his son Issac

9:50 – gray dome with three towers - site of the last supper
Muslims – Jerusalem is not mentioned once in the Koran. The Temple Mount (built 720 AD) is the historic location on Mohammad's’s dream (625 AD) of traveling on a horse to Mecca. All Muslims had prayed toward Jerusalem prior to the dream, then changed to Mecca – conflict.
City of David – overlooks Kidron Valley, where Judas hung himself
Church of Russian Czar – gold onion domes
Garden of Gethsemane – Mt of Olives – oil press
Christians = “one – coming from the root” as an olive tree does
1924 – Church of the Agony in the Garden
Mt of Olives – Bible
Platform where seven red cows were sacrificed (as opposed to many 100’s of other animals). Jews mixed ashes of Red cow with oil and flour, and this became the ashes used on the 10 lepers = beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3)
11:00 – Valley of Kidron – Hezekiah's tomb
City of David – Dung Gate
Caiaphas’ house – 11:00

Bethlehem is in Palestine
“House of Meat” – Hebrew
“House of Bread” – Muslim
80% of economy - tourism
Arabic language – 45,000 people

My notes:
Traveling on the road to Jerusalem, probably the same stretch of land/road that the good Samaritan story is based; I can see how that it would be a primary path, as the terrain is very mountainous and this would be an easy way to get from city to city. I also can see how that it might have been a place of people with malevolence in mind. cliffs, and "no escape" routes.

As I recalled the scriptural reference, I thought about the religious folk that would have passed by on the other side of the road (just as they might today, in order to stay "ritually clean".) I wondered, if given the circumstances what I would do. I came to the conclusion that I may not have been a good Samaritan. I may have tried, but I am not sure I would have gone to the same lengths as he did in that teaching.

I am not proud of that, but it is an honest evaluation. in fact this is something that God is working with me about. I am not a very good "people person". and for reasons I wont get into here, I actually prefer to avoid crowds and "strangers". I am much better than I was only a few years ago, but I still am working on this and with God's help will be much better as I continue to be obedient.

From across the Kidron Valley at about the Mount of Olives area, the Temple mount area is a beautiful site. the Muslim occupation and the dome of the rock doesn't seem to mean anything to anyone when observing Mount Moria area. It is beautiful, even though looking across all the graveyards.

I was amazed at the olive trees at the Gethsemane area (Mt of olives). the trunks are large and gnarled. we are told that many of the trees there were dated to over 2000 years and may have been there during the first century and Jesus time.

I was taken back again in my mind to the references of this area. that Jesus first shed blood here in apparent anguish of upcoming events, and His desire to be obedient as the sacrifice for my personal atonement.

The Church of Agony at that location was interesting. apparently the "stained glass" is actually Alabaster rock, and not glass at all.

When we went to Bethlehem, we had to go into Palestine area. the walls separating the metropolis areas were not invisible. the graffiti and posters that appeared to make fun of Jews on the Palestinian side were prevalent. It is no wonder there is conflict. it seems to be "personal" to them.

The church of the nativity in Bethlehem was very beautiful. I was particularly interested in the early century mosaics in the "sub" floor of the church. Again, there are "traditional locations" of this event, and as I understand at least 3 different churches proclaiming to be "the one". It is no wonder that from the outside looking at "Christianity", the other Abrahamic, monotheistic religious traditions tend to look at us with some disdain and disbelief. we argue among ourselves. we fight within, we judge each other's salvation and are so petty when it comes to things spiritual.

The night view from the hotel to Jerusalem, here is not spectacular, but it is very beautiful.

Hoefling Exodus Tour 11/13/07

2007-11-27T06:41:00.000-08:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/rambopreacher/Exodus1113

Tuesday, November 13
Temple Mount, Wailing Wall, Holocaust Museum, Yad Hashemona (Salo’s home) for lunch; Israel Museum, Shrine of the Book, Model City
Hotel Jerusalem Renaissance
Ruppin Bridge at Herzl Blvd, Jerusalem, Israel 91033
Tel. 011972-2-659-9999
6:30 wake up 7:00 breakfast, 8:00 start
Wailing Wall – archeology dig, separate men and women
Holocaust Museum – purchased Torah
Lunch at Yad Hashemona – Salo’s community – 100 families in commune/kibbutz living – Christian Jews
Israel Museum – Model City and Shrine of the Book, Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit – windy & cold!

My comments:
The temple mount area and dome of the rock was an awesome site. I asked the tour guide if he knew where the trench was that they dug with a backhoe, he did not know. I looked for it and based on what I saw on the web, it was the other side of the area we were located, and I wasn't comfortable going to the other side alone.

We could have entered the Al Aqse mosk, if I recall correctly, but we would have had to verbally proclaim that Jesus is not God. or at least that's what I am told. We entered the area from a wooden bridge, and over some archaeological digs. they were active,a s I could tell, but nobody was actually there.

we then went through the cotton gate to the "wailing wall". the last fragments of the second temple was this section of the wall, according to tradition. After a time f prayer at the wall; I prayed for Israel and for Christs manifestation to them and realization and "quickening". we went inside an area that had lots of "libraries", I assume most of which were Torah and Tanach.

there were a couple places that had thick glass or acrylic locations in the floor to see a couple stories down to the original foundation stones and the excavation areas below. it was awesome, and I wish I could have been able to actually go down there.

The holocaust museum was a moving experience. I found myself behind a group of German/Austrian tourists, I found that there were a few in the back that were making fun of the travesty being presented around them. the others were not like that, but there were a few in the back that I sensed that they felt that it was all a sham and made-up to get sympathy and to make money. I began to cry.

Yad Hashemona is the Kibbutz that the tour guide, Salo, a Messianic Jew, lives. we had lunch there and walked around there a bit. the Biblical Garden was a peaceful and beautiful place. there was a time of worship and praise (in Spanish :) ) and a message about end times being now.

Off to the Israel museum and the shrine of the book. a place that housed the dead sea scrolls in a hardened vault. I thought that the Isaiah scroll was going to be on display. what was there wasn't even a replica. it was a picture. I was a bit disappointed in the displays, but not the content. I think I was able to see more actual DSS fragments when Mary and I went to a museum display in Kansas City.

The model of the old city was very impressive, and larger than I was anticipating. the locations and buildings are traditional in architecture and location. as I am still formulating an opinion on the temple mount location and the area next to it as the Antonia fortress. but currently, I believe that it should actually be something a bit more south and the fortress should be much larger than shown. Even so, it is a wonder to see the model and the traditional views.

Hoefling Exodus Tour 11/14/07

2007-11-26T11:09:00.000-08:00

Our trip was amazing. I am starting backwards and beginning with the last day first. besides the order, you will notice that I am putting Mary's journaling first, then I will add my comments. some may be long, and some shorter than others, if at all. I will begin with a link to the pictures for that day for each day we were on the trip. there are usually hundreds of pictures in each day's album. please be patient as it may take a LONG time to load if you are accessing the Internet via a MoDem.

Also, you will notice in the link that there are Google maps showing WHERE and when each picture was taken. some of the pictures may not have GPS information for various reasons, but about 90% do.

Another note about pictures, I took over 7000 pictures. I (ab)use the multi-burst capabilities of my camera, so I can be sure to get a "good" shot of the subject matter. It also allows me to take pictures in less than optimal lighting situations, with relative surity that one will catch the "still" image. Since I am not a professional photographer, my technique is to way-overshoot any given subject, so that I can get a got picture.

When I got home and downloaded them, I removed about 5000 as "trash" and kept a bit over 2000, and as expected, I got some great shots of each subject I was shooting (in my humble opinion). then I synchronized the GPS info with the images left for EXIF updating. This took me a couple days to figure out since DST changed the first day of our trip, and I had forgotten to change the time on my camera for that.

one other note about the journaling. Mary's notes became outlines towards the end, as our time-crunch began to increase and there was less time available to actually do any detailed journaling.

http://picasaweb.google.com/rambopreacher/Exodus1114
Wednesday, November 14
Mt. Zion, Upper Room, King David’s Tomb, St. Anne’s Church, Pool of Bethesda, Via Dolorosa, Garden Tomb, Communion and Farewell banquet.
6:30 wake up 7:00 breakfast, 8:00 start
Mt Zion – the Last Supper (paschal feast – Easter/Passover – sour vegetables, flaky bread)
John 13
Luke 22
8:35 – upper room – bronze olive tree with grape vine – represented Jesus’ life and blood
9:05 – King David’s tomb
9:40 – Lion’s Gate / Stephen’s Gate (one of 8 gates to the city)

9:55 – St. Anne’s Church – Only woman present at Jesus’ presentation (circumcision)
Luke 2:21–36

Pool of Bethesda – John 5:1 – healing of the man by the pool (religion v. faith)

10:30 – Via Delarosa
Church of Condemnation – Jesus received the lashes
Stones on floor show Roman Soldiers games
10:50 – Spot where Pilot asked the people who he should release
10:55 – Jesus falls the first time – Armenian Catholic Church

Lunch

Garden of the Tomb – English!
Place of the Skull - 1800’s by English Captain Gordon; outside the wall of Jerusalem on a main road - where stoning's were likely held, possibly including St. Stephen.

John 19:17 – Golgotha

May be property of Joseph of Armethia – Cistern and wine press would be owned by a wealthy man. “Not a tomb, but hewn by hands”

This became a meeting area for 1st Century Christians with a cross and a baptistery

Communion here – wooden cups
----------
My notes:
the traditional location of the last supper was an interesting place. the olive tree and grapevine depiction was a bit confusing for me at first. the tree has cut-off upper branches that signifies that Jesus life was cut off. an the grapevine represents the lifeblood of Christ (grapes/wine).

It was interesting architecture.

The place that was the traditional location of King David's tomb, was a holy place and as with a few others like it, the men and women had separate entrances.

The lions gate was interesting, but with many of these places, it isn't the "original", but the reconstruction. it is ancient, but Jesus prophesied that "no stone would be left on another", as I recall for the temple, and when Rome sacked Jerusalem in the middle/late 1st century, it would have been destroyed.

The archaeological dig location of the pool of Bethesda area was kind of a mish-mash of various levels and was difficult to see what was there, and had to be pointed out, even with markers. this was one of my favorite places, probably next to Masada and Qumran.

When we went on the Via Dolorosa, I had tried to be prepared for it not being very "holy" or sacred, but when I got there, I was still disappointed. I can deal with the open markets there, but there was no sense of sacred at all, anywhere.

there were souvenir salesmen, and money changers that kind of "ruined" the ambiance. to further challenge was that there was a number of people in the group that could not help themselves and keep from "shopping". we ended up stopping about half way through (I think we go to about station 7 or so), and giving folks a "break" (so they could go shopping). we were told in the information packet for the tour that this was NOT a shopping trip, but it is difficult to not shop when it is so prevalently available (at least for some. :) )

We had Communion in the Garden tomb. the area is a traditional location of the tomb of Joseph of aramathea, and location of Golgotha. Finally a place where the information presented was in "evidence-form". they didn't insult my intelligence by saying that "this is the exact location of..." it was well presented, and understandable. I was very impressed.

Instead of commenting on the pictures here, after I get finished with the blogging of each day of the trip and as I get time, I will add comments to the pictures at the picasa site itself.

the final banquet was great. we got to meet the minister of Tourism for Israel. we received our Baptismal certificates and a certificate about our exodus tour itself. the Wedding re commitment (at Cana) certificates were not available. we have pictures of that day, so it was no big deal.

a beginning note (on the final day's notes) about the trip. Mary and I were unaware that the tour was going to be completely in Spanish. Honestly, had I known this - we probably would not have chosen to go. I am GLAD we didn't know!

Sister Olfa Reyes was missed, as she was essentially the main reason we decided to make this commitment and go. after she talked us into going (essentially), it never really dawned on my that this would be a Spanish-speaking tour and guides. The people on our group was friendly and we didn't feel like we missed much at all. I had been trying to learn Spanish for a few years, but had lacked a way to "practice" in conversation, so I had forgotten most of what I had studied. Being "immersed" in Spanish, was not what I had in mind when going to Israel - heheeeehehehee. the volunteers that helped in translating didn't seem to mind helping us. so it was enjoyable. had I felt that I was putting anyone out, it might have been a bit more stressful. as it was, everything worked out well.

it's past time...

2007-11-25T13:05:00.000-08:00

We got back from Israel a week or so ago, and I wanted to let you know that I am working on some blog updates. Mary journaled a lot and I will be posting that, as well as my notes and comments. the pictures are already up at picasaweb.google.com/rambopreacher . each day is a separate album. Feel free to go there to browse them and slide show them at your leisure. I will be making links to them as the blogs of each day progresses.

Remember this blog is post-trip. not real time. so much is based from memory and significance that I recall from the times and being there.

Oh, the trip was an "Exodus tour" trip, so we were in Egypt, then Jordan and then into Israel.

Independance Day...

2007-07-04T18:22:00.001-07:00

4th of July
Woohoo!!

some pictures of faces...
My MomAdahLisa, My granddaughter.
me and Forest, my Grandson.
Jordan and Mary, my son and wife!
MyLisa and Jason, my daughter and son-in-law.
and my dad.

and the fireworx!!

Can you believe it's nearly June!?!?!?

2007-05-29T17:30:00.000-07:00

Well, as it happens, I have been busy and just haven't had much priority time to blog. Most of my ranting and discussions and blogging can be found on various Internet forums, depending on their content will depend on the context/content of my posts. Not much of an excuse, but it's one I will use. :)

During the COGOP regional Ladies retreat that was in Des Moines a short while ago:
http://www.citylifeworshipcenter.org/images/0705LadiesRetreat/index.htm

I was talking with a Sister Olfa Reyes, and she was telling me about their Israel trip that the Spanish Voice of Salvation sponsors for the COGOP. I already knew that they did a yearly trip to the "Holy Land", what I didn't realize was that every 7 years, they do a special "Exodus Tour", that is an extended trip starting in Egypt, going through Jordan and into Israel:
http://www.pentestone.com/brently/exodus.pdf

Mary and I have decided that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and that we do not want to miss it.

on other recent news, a mission church that was formed out of our local COGOP for a group of Hispanic folks here, has officially become a church:
http://www.citylifeworshipcenter.org/images/070526LuzDelMundo/index.htm

The dedicatory service was great. I only wish I was fluent in Spanish. have been trying to study it from Pimsleur, but it seems that i have gotten really rusty and kinda in a rut since i have nobody to help me and practice being conversational with it.

Anyway - that's my blog for the day. I'll try to do better.

It's Christmas time again...

2006-12-03T18:24:00.000-08:00

Well, for me it's always Christmas time. the challenge I have is the gift thing. I give "Christmas gifts all year round and even say they are. well, okay, sometimes it cause I just can't wait to give them, and can't keep them hidden.

So when this time a year rolls around, I may or may not have accumulated gifts for everyone for the celebration of Christ's birth. I just do the best I can whenever I can however I can.

I thought that it was kewl that I started hearing "Merry Christmas" again this year. I think the motivation at some places was money, but still it is nice to hear instead of happy holidays.

It is a busy time of year and just wanted to drop in and mention a couple thoughts before the month got by me.

and if I don't get to it before then - Merry Christmas to all, and to all peace and goodwill.

Never fear, I am still here...

2006-11-14T15:35:00.000-08:00

I thought I would do better at this, but it is kind of difficult when I am so active on Internet forums. many of the posts I make are probably blog-worthy, but since I posted my thought on whatever that subject is on that forum, I feel like I am "cheating" if I retype it here. I don't know why, since I will often reference my blogs here, when I am posting on those same forums. oh well.

here's a link to a site that I thought was soo kewl, that I had to post it on several forums:
http://www.imj.org.il/shrine_center/Isaiah_Scrolling/index.html

I am no expert, but it is really kewl that I can take a character/word/phrase at a time and do my own translations (based on my limited Hebrew linguistics). I have books on teh dead sea scrolls, and have hebrew texts of some,a nd translations of others, but this huge scroll is the first I have seen with so much viewable text, it amazes me.

time, another time and half a time...

2006-10-06T06:34:00.000-07:00

When I decide to write in my blog, it is usually related to two of my favorite topics; my wife and family, or church. Well, three - sometimes paintball/CPPA. :) In any case, I just wanted to say that since I know that my wife lurks; once again I want to publicly announce my love for her. Mary, I love you. I am very glad that I got "Mary'ed". :)

The CPPA is comming along nicely, the National board is working out what to do with having a National Gathering, since the place we used for the last few years is now no longer available. we have nearly 4,000 members, and from many countries. Most recently from South Africa.

I am continuing to minister in my local church at City Life Worship Center (http://www.citylifeworshipcenter.org). I will continue to do whatever I can in serving the congregation and pastor to the best of the abilities that God has given me. I recently added another computer. this one is for the message duplicaiton ministry. we had a laptop that was used, but it was so slow that it finaly was just never used and orders began to pile up. The new computer is a desktop, and remains at church, so MyLisa has to go to church to do the work. I think it is helping to make things go more smoothly there.

The media ministry just acquired another CD burner for teh audio/PA setup. the previous one used CDDA cdr's and was not very consistant unless the more expensive brand AudioCD's were purchased. Of course that got to be expensive. so the more expensive recorder was purchased, but it can use the really inexpensive bulk, generic CD-r's! woohoo!! We also stopped recording to cassette finally.

I discovered something else I could do at church while things settle and continue as far as my being set forth in teh COGOP. I knew about it previously, but didn't know that it was actually being done anymore. We had our Regional Ministers conference the other week, and there were flyers about how to get a "teacher's certificate". When I got one, I discovered that except for reading a particular book, I could submit an application to be a certified teacher. okay, so it's not a "real" teacher's cert for schools, it is a COGOP standard, and with my degrees, was a no brainer as far as doing what I can, while waiting on God for what I can't.

General Assembly is over...

2006-08-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

Now it's time for some interesting times in my life. Previous to the GA, I was not allowed to become a minister in the COGOP. I understood why and just did not understand why God had laid it on my heart to pursue this. I have been divorced and I am remarried. Previous to the last GA, that situation prevented me from being a minister. Many in the organization even believed me to be unsaveable because I was living in adultery, according to their paradigm.

On the other hand, there are many more (as we know now since the marriage document has passed and been accepted, I won't get into all that detail, but essentially says that God intended marriage to be between one man and one woman and for a lifetime of monogamous relationship. It further states that we live in a fallen world, and further that God forgives and is sovereign.) that agree with me in my salvation and did not only NOT condemn me, but I was nurtured and trained.

The first step of this journey was when I felt Gods calling me in this denomination. Again, I didn't understand why. Then a couple years later they had a General Assembly and the process for becoming a member was changed to have only one prerequisite - salvation, and the fruit thereof. This was left to the discretion of the local body and pastor. There were no other prerequisites as had been in the past, just salvation as is in the New Testament example.

Still attending faithfully, and supporting my local and regional and even at national levels of the Church of God of Prophecy, I continued to be obedient to God's calling me to the ministry. Knowing this direction that I believe God had me walking - I took some classes (books to read) and then took the tests that were prerequisites to being a minister in the COGOP. I nearly aced these tests. This was done a couple years prior to my even being allowed to be a member of the church.

So now I am at a place that I am just waiting, and continuing to be as obedient to God as I am able. Do I know what direction I am going? Not really. Do I know why I am here? Not really. I do believe that I have been obedient. After the last GA (2 years ago) with the membership recommendation passing (salvation prerequisite only), I had officially let my pastor and regional overseer know that I wanted to be considered to be set forth as a licensed/ordained minister in the COGOP. That was forwarded to the North American presbytery, and I was told that there was nothing they could do for someone like me in my circumstances (divorce and remarriage).

I had expected something like that, but through out all this and from the beginning of our independent church merging with this COGOP, I wanted to be obedient to God's leading and to be sure that I was doing everything I could to go in that direction. Not just prayer, but actions in my faith, taking the tests, becoming a member, requesting to be "set forth". I had even been under the mentorship of Bishop James Endecott for a while, and we became good friends. He has since been called to another church in another city two hours from here, but we continue to communicate and have fellowship and I continue to be under his mentorship leading (remotely, and unofficially).

Now that the marriage document and recommendations have passed, I am at a straight. I am not sure what to do, except continue to be lead by God and be as obedient as I possibly can. The challenge? There doesn't seem to be anything else that I can do. I have taken the tests, I have become a member, and I don't think it would be right for me to re-ask to be set forth to be licensed/ordained. I have done that already.

Abba, my abba-Lord; hear my prayer. I come boldly before you in the name and authority of your Son, and through His blood to your throne of Grace and Mercy. I am seeking your guidance and leading in my life. I have done all that I know, and it seems that the organization you have me in has even made the changes that were necessary to bring me this far, even though those changes seemed to be impossible, and impassible. I now continue to place my life in your hands. You are my Lord. You are my creator. You are my sovereign. You are my God. I merely want what you want for my and my life, even if I don't know what that is. Thank you for your leading me and for not restraining your Holy Ghost from my life. I need you Holy Ghost, and I do not want you to depart from me. Please help me to be obedient to God's leading and calling.

COGOP General Assembly was last week...

2006-08-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

here are some pictures of various times in the assembly:

My friend, Bishop James Endecott, and I went to the GA this year, just as we did two years ago and just as we do for other events. He drove, and I helped navigate and tried to keep us both alert while driving those 10-14 hours or so, depending on where we were going.

Driving from the Central Iowa area to the south east is an interestinug thing to do several times a year. after a while our words become fewer and furhter between. But what rich fellowship it was. Something that any pastor needs is someone they can talk with. Their wife (or husband if they are a woman pastor) is, and should be their best friend, but as a man, there are just times when we need to talk and express with another man.

With that said, I can't say what all we talked about, but I can tell you that sometimes it's just good to be able to verbally say sopme things that you know you can't otherwise. I fully agree with the Word of God that what's in our hearts we will express in words and deeds. in this case, teh challenge is that as we grow and mature in God, there are things that you ponder, and just would like to be able to express in a "critical" (as in academic critical thinking, not as in negativity) through and paradigm.

When trying to do this, it becomes necessary that your communications are with someone that is a peer, in your paradigm in at least the area of discussion. Otherwise we are speaking below a persons intillect and possibly insulting them by speaking "below them". Or you spend extra time trying to define terminology and other colloqualisms in context of the matter.

Any way, on to the GA. I will not try to give a reply or response to every detail of every day of every event. instead, I will just express my thoughts (and randomly, I might add) and perceptions.

Throughout the entire week, I met other fellow posters at the Jude2.com forums. J2 has been around for longer than I have, as far as the COGOP is concerned. In fact the last GA two yeasrs ago is when I first jouned. My pastor at the time (mentioned above) introduced me to the forum and I signed in sometime just before the GA, but didnt' really do anythign or read much. However when I over heard a bishop talkign to another about J2 and that it was for heathens and that that Pastor Gary (the administrator) needed to clean that thing up, I had to rush back to teh hotel room and log in and read adn participate. I have been a regular since.

It has been a very long time since I was touched by the Holy Spirit in a service. this happened to be nearly every service time at the GA. I was moved to the altar on a handful of times and that , again, hasn't really happened in a long time. I am so busy serving and trying to bless others in services, that I hadn't been blessed myself. Now, don't get me wrong, we have great services, but when I go to the altar as an example instead of being truly blessed and moved to do so, there is a huge difference. I was moved by the holy Ghost to hit the altar several times.

During one especially moving service by Brother Varlack, I had already been in a mode of self evaluation concerning a particular way I had been addressing some people and their attitudes. I had to repent. I may compltely disagree with them in the issue of divorce and remarriage, but that should hav eno bearing on them still being my family in Christ. While they may think that the issue bears directly on soteriological ramifications; my understanding of scripture isn't the same. They are my family in Christ even if they don't think I am to them.

I wanted the holy Ghost to help lead and guide me in all truth, even if it hurts.

I had made up my mind after Sister Cathy Payne spoke that I was going to stay in this church no matter if the particular document and recommendations had passed in the business meeting or not. I had decided that my calling to be where I am is from God, and that was confirmed in my heard many times last week, even though it looked like that particular document and stand was not going to pass and be accepted.

I may find it difficult to believe that someone can actually believe that a man is living in a polygamoius relationship if they had divorced their wife (even if she had an affair or had committed adultery herself), and later married another woman. But that doesn't mean that I don't agree with them in many other issues and doctrines. I do believe that God had created and intended marriage to be between one woman and one man in a lifelong, monogamous rlationship. However, I do also know that we are living in a fallen world. God's forgiveness is complete, though. His grace and mercy is unmerrited as far as we are concerned and when old things are past away and all things become new, this is a complete fogiveness. the price is paid for us.

When Bishop Fisher announced that section 3 of the marriage document and it's recommendations were to be held over, I was okay with that. I was dissapointed, but I wasn't negative towards it. Then when it was asked of the assembly if we wanted to bring it back up in this assembly on Sunday morning, I thought that was pretty good, but I was expecting that it probably still wouldn't pass.

Not having been exposed to their revised/customised version of roberts ules of order, and having an understanding that the assembly must be in "one accord", I didnt' get my hopes up. However, then it came time to discuss the matter, I realized (and later someone confirmed based on opur past procedings) that one accord does NOT necesarily equate unanamous decisian. that particular view was something that I had also been concerned about because if there were many thousands of people there, the chances of there being unanimity was slim to none. none being the closer end becuase with that many people, there was bound to be one or more that would oppose, just for the sake of their having their few minutes of fame behind the microphone with dissention of opinion.

In any case, when it did come back up, the board didn't even come out. the General overseer proceded with the issue according to our own rules and agreed upon procudeures and the recommendations were passed. there were just over 90 people that would not submit or abstain to the GO, their prespeters, or the General assembly.

the following is a cut paste from the main website in this regard:
General Assembly NEWS - SUNDAY Review
08/27/2006

The Sunday morning session started with a great time of worship led by Rolf Woodard, North Carolina, and praise team. At the conclusion of the singing, Brother Fisher asked the praise team to lead us into singing the song, "When He Was on The Cross, I Was On his Mind." A sweet presence of the Lord entered the arena as the delegates sang the lyrics, "HE KNEW ME, YET HE LOVED ME. HE WHOSE GLORY MAKES THE HEAVENS SHINE. SO UNWORTHY OF SUCH MERCY, YET WHEN HE WAS ON THE CROSS, I WAS ON HIS MIND."

Following the worship time, the Assembly entered into a business session to once again discuss the BDP Committee's "Biblical Institution of Marriage" document. Bishop Fisher had received a unanimous acclamation to reopen this session after the counsel of the International Presbytery suggested he request the opinion of the delegates. Bishop Fisher asked for an expression by the State/National Bishops, asking them to stand if they were in support of the document, particularly items two through five of Section Three, which had not yet passed. After the Bishops expressed their support of the items, Bishop Fisher called for the delegates who were in support of the items to stand. A large majority of delegates stood in support of passage of the items.

Bishop Fisher gave opportunity to those who disagreed to stand, followed by an opportunity for those standing to abstain or submit to the General Assembly. Only ninety-seven remained standing. Bishop Fisher turned these over to the supervision and counsel of their State/National Overseer. According to the minutes of the church, when one accord cannot be reached, due to a few who will not submit or abstain, the moderator may remove the dissenting voices from the expression. Therefore, Bishop Fisher expressed his authority, as given by the General Assembly, to declare the passage of items two through five of Section Three.

Bishop Fisher gave an admonition to the General Presbyters and Bishops to be patient with those churches that will have difficulty accepting this new document. To the ministry he encouraged patience with the membership, and to the membership he encouraged the same. Finally, he reminded us "We are not a one track-minded Church." He encouraged pastors to preach salvation.

Following the business session, Bishop Fisher gave a challenge to the Church to put ministry to children, youth, men, and women at the forefront of their ministry. His challenge led into the appointments of ministry leadership, and gave presbyters the opportunity to make their National/State appointments. One change to be noted is the appointment of Bishop David Bryan to serve as the new Global Outreach Ministries Director, replacing the office vacated by new General Overseer, Bishop Randall E. Howard.

Following the appointments, the appointees gathered at the front of the arena and anointed the new General Overseer and his wife. Bishop Howard and the General Presbyters then bestowed on Bishop Fisher the title General Overseer Emeritus and prayed for he and his wife, Betty.

Following comments and the introduction of his family, Bishop Howard gave a challenge to the Church to join him starting October 1, 2006, for 100 days of prayer for he and the Church. He then shared four directives from his heart for the days to come.

One, he called us to reflect love one to another and to the world, avoiding any marks of arrogance.

Secondly, he called for each local church to focus on powerful, anointed ministry.

Thirdly, he said that our efforts must center on Jesus. It is Jesus that will draw all men to Him.

Finally, he called for our church to affirm callings within the Church, as well as our calling as the Church of God of Prophecy. He stated that the Church has a calling--a calling that God wants to use now.

Following a closing prayer by General Overseer Howard, the Assembly Mass Choir sang as delegates lit their candles across the arena, symbolizing their acceptance to allow their light to shine bright that the lost may find Christ.

I am glad I chose to continue to be obedient in His calling me in this direction.

It's August...

2006-08-01T06:15:00.000-07:00

I love my wife.

yea, yea, I know maybe that's corney, but I really do love her. One thing that Mary and I had discussed early on in our relationship was what I believe concerning that little verb. My personal definition and feelings about love as it pertains to the male-female spousal relationship; is possibly not the same as many people.

I believe that love is primarily a choice. Yes, there are emotions and feelings involved, and the erotic, and sexual connotations. Those things are not, at least for me, the main part of what it is to love your spouse. I choose to love her. Every day, I make a choice to continue to love her. What that also means is that when I tell her that I love her, I really mean it.

I have seen so many couples and one will say that they love the other and instantly, they "reply" with an in kind statement. In a few cases, I have even heard one spouse get angry when the other didn't reply in kind, or get upset that they didn't love them anymore because they didn't reply in kind. Bah.

I tell my wife that I love her many times a day, so it's not an "excuse" to not tell her the "L" word either. it's a matter of concious choice. my best friend, my wife, is who I love.

Independance day...

2006-07-06T05:48:00.000-07:00

Fireworks. a traditional display of patriotism for Americans. This shot from my back yard was actually from a neighbors fireworks display a few blocks over. Sitting in the back yard on teh 4th pretty much gives us a free fireworks display, even though it is illegal to buy or use fireworks in Iowa. the locals apparentlyjust make an exception for this one day a year, unless there are reports of unsafety.

In any case, what I wanted to blog about today is "inspired" from a teeshirt I saw on the 4th when my wife and I went to the store that day to get me a tripod so I could take some pics of the fireworks (see above picture).

The teeshirt had a bunch of stuff on it and was hard to read, but the big words were "not Latino", "Not Hispanic", I'm Mexican. then something about that they arent' the foreigners, but that the white people are.

I have several comments to make about my inspiration. The first is that it may not be this way everywhere, but it is my personal experience that raceism is strongest not with the anglo-whites, but with just about every other color/nationality. America is a land of the "muts". I am an American, not a WASP (white, anglo saxon protestant). I have heritage from American Indian and from Europe. I love my country, and the freedoms and lack of some freedoms for personal security that are not found anywhere else.

The next point is that I am appauled at the people in politics and others that try to spin the illegal alien issue by calling them undocumented or what have you. I completely understand the desire for wanting to get in on teh "American dream". But there are rules and laws to be followed in order to be able to participate therein.

I have very little sympathy for those that wnat to come in, illegaly, and then use OUR (not their) system to get medical and social attentions. I Understand that not every case is cut and dry and black and white as far as choices and what to do. My challenge is that folks that wnat to REMAIN Mexican, just as an example, but still be "American". If you wnat to be American, shouldn't you want to be an American?

One of the more delicate issues of this topic I have a challenge with is the Illegals that also proclaim a beliefe in Christ, Christians. Ther is no holy war or directive from God that requires folks to move to America, so it must be a personal choice. That choice may be founded in difficulties and complicated events and circumstances, but it is a choice, nonetheless.

As a Christian, I find that I am obliged to follow the laws of the land (unless they are contrary to God's Word and edicts, which arent' happening, and part of the reason America is America). I don't understand why a Christian that is not American, would WANT to continue to be illegal, and not seek and do what's necessary to make the changes in their life to become an American. (I know some that have, and so I know it is possible). but sometimes they don't even WANT to. I heard one Christian say that they are Mexican and will always be Mexican. not that they had Mexican heritage, and not that they are from Mexico. they are Mexican and why should he have to learn English!?

Now, don't get me wrong, I completley understand heritage and not wanting to lose that heritage, INCLUDING language, but America is an English speaking nation. I have been personally working to learn Spanish. why? so that I can better communicate with my brothers and sisters in Christ that are Hispanic. As I said, I don't believe they should not speak their language at all.

In any case. I do not and will not prejudge a non-American as not Christian if they say they are and show the fruits of that salvation, though continue to be ilegal aliens in America. They are my brothers and Sisters. I just don't understand the logic or paradigm that doesn't seem to get them to desire to be legal, assuming they want to remain in America.

Maybe it is because of the recent work boycott by the illegals and their supporters. I dont' know, but when I saw that teeshirt, It angered me. This is America, we are a nation of muts and halfbreeds, and the refuse of the world. We have freedoms, and a lifestyle that reflects those freedoms. I don't always agree with every jot and tittle of every decree in politics, but this is my country and if I didn't want to live here and be American, I would not live here; I have that freedom. :)

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2487638612433437293&q=Veterans

Preached yesterday...

2006-07-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

My first Sunday Service. As a teacher, this was very stressing time for me becuase I wanted to not go over, I wnated to present the word, and have it be applicable and fresh.

I went over by about half an hour (message time was about an hour), thoguh several came to me afterwoards and expressed that they enjoyed the message and that it touched them.

The message was about the Holy Ghost and Fire and a lifestyle of giving, based on Acts 4:31-37. I really wanted to get into the verb parsing and tense so that I could show that the giving was a continuous lifestyule and not just something that happened at one point in time as a pool of resources. I did express that, though.

One of my challenges when presenting Gods word is that I am "used to" having a scripture reference for any kind of comment I make in teh class-environment. "preaching" (there really is no difference, but...) tends to be less data intense, and more "believe me because I said so". therein lays my challenge. I have a personal issue with preachers that preach/teach and hav enot really done their homework adn are re-presenting something that they were taught and not somethign that they studied or were revealed by God on their own. so when it comes to me, I have a hard time with presenting without "source-citing", which is classroom-type teaching.

Oh well, I think it went well overall. and I believe that What God wanted for the congregation was presented.

CPPA National Gathering

2006-06-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

The National Gathering, an annual event of the CPPA happend last weekend. what a blast. from tthe pump-class top gun to the open class top Gun to all the rec play and special ramping games, and even the woodsball games.

Fun was had by all. the spam eating contest was a great time as well, and the winner receiving a $700 marker was a surprise by sime and expected by others.

I don't know how many showed up, but it was a great event. there were alot of girls there this year, and even enough to have a women only game or two. I tool lots and lots of pictures:
http://www.christianpaintball.com/images/SlideShows/0606NatGat1of2/
and
http://www.christianpaintball.com/images/SlideShows/0606NatGat2of2/

My grandson was there:

As well as my Grandaughter:

My Daughter and Son was there as well as my wife:

The service Saturday afternoon/evening was great and a challenging message was delivered, the Sunday morning church service and message was a continuation of that theme and was also a very good service.

The praise and worship music was great and the rock music, live band we had Saturday was especially good. I heard an older person say to their husband that they though the rock music was a great idea, even though "they didn't understand the words". They said that they knew it was Christian music though and we blessed to be there.

I missed teh woodsball games as far as taking pictures goes, and that is really the only thing I regret about the weekend. My son seems to be interested back in teh sport and played more games than I did! My daughter has been into paintball for a long time and though currently has a new family and doesnt' get to play much, she still stays in touch and plays a couple times a year.

I don't think anyone caught me on camera, but for a while on Saturday, I went around and shooting folks (in the hiney) with mny little nerf target shooter. that was fun to see peoples surprised faces to turn around and see it was me and that I didn't have a paintball marker in my hand! hehehhheee

In before the lock...

2006-05-03T11:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when I am on certain forums and posting there are threads that get created by certain users or "guests" that are inapropriate, but havent' been seen by a moderator yet. The inappropriateness is determined by the moderator and then the thread will be locked, so no further posting can take place, or it will be removed/deleted.

In teh case of it getting locked, it is still available for lurking/reading, but you cannot reply to it. In the case of this blog, I am making a post before a full month transpires from teh last update - so, "in before the lock" referrs to be posting this blog before the next month.

useless information, hungh?

Okay, so here's the meat of the post. Because I am so active on several forums, I sometimes forget to actually blog (as I have mentioned before). So I have been trying to get something in here at least once a month or so, so I can express my most rescent thoughts and ideas and stuff and things.

Here is a letter I wrote to the Pastors and media ministries directors for the churches in our organization, in our local region:

From: Brent and Mary Hoefling
Midwest Region Director, Media and Technology – COGOP

Dear Pastors, ministers and local media and technology workers;

When Mary and I were appointed as co-directors for the region in technology and media, we began with a goal. A vision, if you will. A vision that each and every church in the Midwest region will have its own website. I believe this goal is attainable and realistic. It does, however, require some assistance on your part.

A Web-presence, may not seem to be something that is necessarily a priority in the local church, especially if there isn’t someone local that can boost it. I do believe that once it gets started, that its popularity will grow. The statistics are staggering:

According to an article in Newsweek, August 1, 2005; "As of December (2004), more than half of U.S. homes were wired with the high-speed pipeline to the Net. Online audiences are surging."
In an article, also found in Newsweek, April 11, 2005; "75 percent of Americans use the Internet and spend an average three hours a day online."
And another article from Newsweek as well, from back in October 11, 2004 says much about the attitude; "...Three quarters of all Americans have access to the Internet, spending an average of twelve-and-a-half hours a week online...for those between 12 and 18, usage approaches 100 percent. Though e-mail is still the No. 1 activity, the study concludes that the Net has profoundly changed the way we spend money, keep in touch with our friends and get information (Internet users use the medium as their No. 1 source of news, despite worries about credibility)."

I could go on and on, I hope we can see that there is a very large audience out there and that though we may not see the Internet and the World Wide Web as a “ministry”, it might be wise to change how we view the Internet. I realize that you all understand that the Internet is a tool and that as with any tool, it can be misused, and abused. I hope, though that we also understand that if the tool is used correctly we can see some benefits in our churches and the Kingdom of God.

The two main focal points that we should be able to see are 1) a potential growth of the sense of community and family within the local churches, as these sites can contain personalized information and local activity schedules. And 2) an outward sense of mission and ministry. This second part can show what the church is doing, tell about your local vision and display examples of your ministry and meeting needs in the community.

The Internet is only one way of using technology in your local church. Most, if not all of us have some kind of technology or another already involved in your church services. I would like to encourage you to take a step back and look at that technology and see if it is being effective.
One of the points in Media ministries that I maintain, is that just because technology is widely available and there are many tools that can be used; we don’t necessarily want or need to use them. On the flipside is that technology is available and getting less expensive all the time and if we aren’t using the tools that are available to us, we may not be as effective as we could be.

There should be a balance in technology conservatism and a liberal use of the tools available. What is used and what can be used is different for each local church and there is no one “best way” to use technology in a church service. This balance is what we should be looking for, and if it means that we need to look at using more technology, then that should be pursued. If it means we are overusing technology, then it is quite possible that people will be overly distracted in a service.

When I was researching the use of technology in church services for my Master’s thesis in Media Ministries, I had discovered that the most effective use of technology, was less about the technology itself. Rather, the impetus should be placed on the people that participate in that technology.

A general “rule of thumb” is that the use of media and technology should be as transparent to the congregants as possible. For example, most churches have a Public Address system. This PA’s main purpose is to allow the church-goers to be able to hear and understand the service components as clearly as possible. This includes any music and speaking. The folks that are listening, shouldn’t have to think about there even being a PA there. It is transparent to them.

Some technologies are never going to be as transparent. The digital projector is an example. It displays information on a screen or wall for people to look at. The issue here is to continue to keep the rule of thumb in mind when using the technology. While some may disagree, it is my opinion that the words on the screen should be very readable and that any other motion and animations on the screen, especially during the Praise and Worship component of the service, should not be used, or at least kept to a minimum.

If you have any questions or concerns about using technology and media in your ministry and church, please feel free to send me an email and we can discuss your questions and comments. Mary and I can also be available to come to your church and visit and consult about using technology and media, if you would like. Please email me and we will work out a schedule.
Thank you for your time,
Brent and Mary Hoefling
Directors, Midwest Region, COGOP, Technology and Media

Did I cheat on that last one?

2006-04-07T06:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I copied and pasted some stuff I wrote a few years back. I felt I had to do something, my wife reminded me that it had been 6 weeks since I had updated my blog. hehhheeeee

Well, I "updated" it. :-)

Here is a more normal/updating, update for updating the blog as an updated bit of information to update those that are actually reading the updates in this particular blog:

Proverbs 11:30 (last half specifically):
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who is wise wins souls.

He that wins souls is wise. He that winneth souls is wise.

One of the interesting things that has struck me about this particular passage, is first that it is a "proverb" and so the context of the reference may or may not have direct correlation. In this case, I believe that there is a general correlation, that has to do with blessings (or not, as the case may be). the essential gist of what is going on here is that generosity will be blessed and stingyness is not going to be.

Is this blog about the Biblical concept of the Law of the Harvest? - nope. I just found it interesting that it is found in teh middle of scriptures that seem to be on that topic (in general).

So, the next thing that I find interesting and actually what I wanted to try to express is that I hear this scripture (last half anyway) allot fromteh pulpit: he that wins souls is wise. and they directly correlate that to their ministry or others bringing "winning" people into salvation. getting he unsaved, saved.

I find that interesting becasue the whole salvation issue (as we know and understand it in the New Testament, Christian church) is about the sacrifice that Christ paid, fulfilling teh law, and bringing atonement for our sin nature, and that if we accept this gift of grace, by faith, we are saved and can have a restored relationship with God through the intercessor, Christ Jesus.

In any case, the challenge is that in one message a minister will say that it is not "us" that does the saving, it is Christ, or it is God that does the saving. Then in another message they will talk about themselves "saving" people and use proverbs to tell people that by saving people, we are "wise".

I think that there is more here than meets the eye. I believe we are a trichotomistic being. Body, Soul and spirit. unfortunately many believe and are taught from the pulpit, (even if they don't believe it) that the spirit and soul are the same thing, and use the terms interchangeably. sometimes that is the easier way to reference them, however, I believe it can cause confusion.

I do not believe the soul and spirit to be the same. so in the case of this scripture reference, it is talking about the soul, as the heart of man, the emotions and thought processes. So by winning this "soul", it is a wise thing becuase then those that are "won" are then more able to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading into repentance and therefor salvation.

witnessing and sharing the Gospel is a form and type of what is a process of trying to win those souls. So is living a lifestyle that is something that others see is Christiana nd something they want and desire. Many Christians live a certain lifestyle that is not very different, if at all from those they are trying to "win". so when they "hear" the winning-process being spoken to them, they are thinking in their soul, (conciously and subconciously) that they aren't living it, so what difference does it make what they say to me.

I am not syaing that I am perfect, or that I don't make mistakes, but I am saying that endeavoring to be and live obediently to Gods Word is part and parcel of presenting that information to the souls of others so that they are won into a place that they can make a decisian for Christ.

He that wins souls is wise.

We can win souls.
God does the saving of the spirit.
We are not the Holy Ghost.

a bit of creative writing from 2001...

2006-04-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

I had a dream, actually a series of dreams,a nd continue to have like dreams -but I wrote a couple of them:

"Dream of flight" -

As I run to get enough speed for a take off, I notice the grass of the field, the green grass; not a dark, deep green, but a green that is typical of grass that has not been watered for a few weeks. It looks dry. I am starting to gain some lift, enough that I can maneuver myself so that I can be semi-parallel with the ground.

As I gain some altitude, it is possible to level myself out a bit so that I am not completely parallel to the ground, but just enough tilt so that looking forward is not uncomfortable. I have tried in the past to fly in a vertical position, and it works, but it is pretty uncomfortable with the wind blowing. I am not sure how far off the ground I am, since I have no electronic devices that will tell me that kind of detail, but it seems as though I may be 40 or 50 feet at what I will call my cruising level.

Flying around, doing some spins are becoming easier, but I still haven’t been able to get up enough nerve to do a loop. Maybe if I get more altitude, it would feel more comfortable. Looking around the ground, I can see the corn fields and some soybeans (obviously in the Midwest somewhere). I am not sure where I am, but I am not uncomfortable in this location and don’t feel lost.

I think my comfort level has something to do with being in the fields and wide open spaces. I believe I can fly and so I do. I am not sure why I have to run to take off, since there is nothing aerodynamic about my body and lift and thrust air pressures are not really involved. Probably, again, because I am comfortable with the concept of the running take off.

I have tried to fly in the city, but with little success. I can only guess as to why, but I have some trouble navigating the hazards. Phone poles, power wires, tall buildings and the like are all prevalent in the city and though I can usually take off, given enough “runway” (I still feel that I need to run to get going), but I haven’t been able to stay up for much longer than a few minutes or for a short trip, and I normally have felt pretty stressed (though not physically tired) at the end of these excursions.

I don’t know how fast I can normally go at this point, again, no electronics to measure speed. I don’t think I am going extremely fast, probably something less than about 50 miles per hour, tops. I don’t have much control of speed at this point. This is also why I don’t get around in the city too well.

Landing was a problem at first, the first few times, I had to slow down as much as I was able and lower my altitude to a level that would allow me to have a safe “crash-landing”. I didn’t dare wear dress clothes because I would end up rolling on the ground, crashing in a snow bank or if nothing else was available, making a tuck and roll on the concrete.

I can now land with extreme precisian. My ability to slow and land on my feet has taken a lot of practice and it doesn’t even require that I continue to run and slow down. I can slow to an almost hover before I land. However I must land when I start the process there are no "touch and go's". It is difficult to explain, but I think it is the hover process. In my mind, when I start hovering, I start losing altitude. I know that this shouldn’t have to be, but that’s what I have to deal with right now.

I know that with practice I will be able to have more control of my speed and altitude. And that’s where my question comes in: If I get too much altitude, this physical body will need oxygen. If I go too fast, this body will feel the friction and start to burn.

I don’t like being limited by the sky (“the sky’s the limit”?!?!). I think that God is gracious in allowing me to experience flight, I know that God doesn’t break His own Laws, but I also know that we may not have full understanding of those laws.

Why do I feel that my physical body needs oxygen? Why do I feel that an increase in speed will cause heat? Why do I feel that I must lose altitude when hovering? I believe all these answers can be found in an increased understanding of Gods Laws and a closer relationship with Him.

It all has to do with the beginning. What does God have for us, his children, and mankind? I don’t think that in the early days, God would have even allowed us to dream of flight if He didn’t intend that we could do it. Why would He “frustrate” us like that? I believe that I am in a similar situation as I was then. I know I can do it, but must wait on God. When I couldn’t fly, I didn’t “know” I could fly. Right now, I can’t do loops, control speed, or maneuver well, because I don’t “know” that I can.

I know I should have full control of my molecular structure, but I also feel limited that if I had full control, it would take too much effort to remain in a solid state. I thank God that there is much that is automatic and doesn’t require effort of thought to continue or so that it works.

Dreamed the night before it was written on August 14, 2001.

Dream of flight II -

I begin walking. There is nothing unusual or strange going on. I am just walking down the street, on a sidewalk. I don’t have a clue where I am, but I am comfortable that I am not lost. I seem to be going somewhere, but I don’t know where. Off to the left, I see some people gathering around a tree in a back yard, near the next house.

I quickened my pace to see what was up as the crowd seemed to be anxious. The anxiety seemed to be of a negative nature and I wanted to see if there was anything I could do. I am nobody special, I remember thinking that I could pray or help somehow.

There was a little boy up in the tree. He had climbed out the window of his house and somehow ended up high up in that branch. He was holding on, but as a young child of maybe 4, his grip was loosening and he was obviously getting tired. I thought to myself, “Why has no one gone to get a ladder or something to help?”

I don’t remember ever flying, or at least taking off where there were people around. I had always required a running start for some reason. But something had broken in me and I knew that if I didn’t do what I knew I could do, the boy would fall, and at least be seriously injured.

It seemed like I thought about what to do for an hour, when in fact it was probably only seconds. The boy had started to loosen his grip at almost the moment I walked up. I was behind almost everyone, so nobody saw me approach. As he started to lean, like he was going to fall, I did a vertical lift, with no "runway".

I don’t know how fast I shot up there, it seemed to be in slow motion for me, but I weaved between the larger branches and ignored the twigs that broke as I slid upward past them. I would say that it was about 30-40 feet. The window he got out of was on a third story attic walk out.

I was there very quickly, and when he saw me coming up, he seemed to get more strength. I think he was afraid, but whatever it was, he grabbed tighter around the branch he was holding and just stopped from toppling. His countenance told me that he was extremely afraid.

Ignoring the crowd below, I got a little closer and spoke. I told him to not be afraid, that I wasn’t a monster or anything. I told him that I was just a man and that I was there to help him get out of the tree. I smiled and he seemed to be somewhat less nervous. I reached out with my hand and after only a slight hesitation, he grabbed my arm and I pulled him in and held him to myself with a hug.

Instead of taking the same route back down through the branches, I flew backwards a bit to get out of the tree and away from the branches so that they wouldn’t scrape him when I descended. I slowly descended and when I came to the ground, I set him down. The little boy ran to his house and ran inside, not saying a word.

I wondered where all the people went. There was nobody around. I thought for sure I would be inundated with questions, at least. I was not. I felt a peace come over me, and realized that there never really was a crowd. I “saw” a crowd to get me over to the emergency in order that I could help the boy. No wonder they hadn’t done anything to try to save him before I came, there was nobody there and no one knew he was in trouble.

Several things come to mind, now. Several extraordinary things, and I had to give God the praise and I knelt right there in that yard, raised my hands and praised Him.

Besides the obvious of saving that little boy, I had achieved VTOL (vertical take off and landing). I had never thought I could do VTOL, and then it struck me – I also hovered. I had hovered in that tree waiting for the boy to allow me to grab him and take him back down. Maybe for only a second or a few seconds, but it was hovering non the less.

Previous to this encounter, I had never been able to hover. I had tried, but whenever I did, I started losing altitude and began to slowly descend. This time was different. Not only did I hover, I also did a fully vertical landing with the boy (payload). And it was all done with little effort on my part, it all seemed to be a reaction and an unconscious effort, though I do recall “steering” to avoid branches on the ascent.

After a couple minutes, I got up and went back to the sidewalk that seemed extremely familiar, and started back down the walk. I don’t know where I was going, but I know I had a destination.

dreamed the night before it was written on September 10, 2001.

I post, therefore... well, I posted...

2006-02-19T14:13:00.000-08:00

One of my more favorite places to hang out virtually has been taken down recnetly. Sometimes, the posts get repetative and there was always some newbee that felt that they need to bash somone or some religion or philosophy, but that was kept to a minimum by teh great moderators.

years back, I would use the usenet to communicate with people about a couple of my more favorite things to talk about - my relationship with God (Christianity) and also Paintball. seemingly unrelated topics, there were alot of people that had those two things in mind, and thus partly why I began that Christian Paintball Players Association.

The CPPA has a website at www.christianpaintball.com and forums. and ther eis a plethora of paintball related forums on the web.

One site, that focused on user-reviews of everything paintball, has forums as well, and in their off-topic forum was a religion/Philosophy forum. That is the forum that has recently been removed.

While the CPPA has forums, its purpose is to promote Christianity and paintball, and not necessarily discuss other religions. We try to promote unity within the various forms of CHristianity, and so the direction of posts that want to "slam" other denominations and sects within Christianity are quashed by the moderators as much as possible.

Since the CPPA forum is decidedly Christian, there is not much talk of other religions and philosophies, especially when there is so much misunderstanding of those other religions, and alot is because of the "demonization" of them by "christians". Unfortunately that means that the discussions are decidedly biases and usually not very accurate.

I liked the RP (religion/philosophy) forums at the other site becuase we could discuss many other religions and philosophies. the challenge became that there were only a relative few people that actually would discuss those topics, and not just "argue" them, or "bash" people.

So, while new posts were infrequent, there were alot of longly discussed topics. I am not exactly sure why teh administration of the site chose to remove that forum, but I respect their choice and will not second guess that choice. I will merely say that I miss it.

Unfortunately, I have many other forums that I visist every day, or at least "allot" and since the RP forum was really the only one I visited while there, I will not be back to that site, but for the occasional visit as I do with many of the other of the cornucopian paintball related forums on teh web.

I had met some folks virtually, that I will not soon forget, and will wager that one or two will remain in contact with even though we hav enever really met. One of them is an apparent reader of my blogs; so Seidrman (Seithman) - thanks for the extension of virtual friendship and the thought provoking posts and discussions. I also wnat to thank Pete for his ability to discuss the topic of evolution at a level that I consider on par with none-else.

So, while I have chosed to say good by to that particular forum, if you knwo where it is that I speak - I encourage you to stay if it is a forum that you would otherwise post or wnat to visit about paintball stuff and things.

and as I made in my last post at that site in their user feedback area when I discovered the removal of the RP forum; thanks for the fish, don't watch too much TV, and watch out for the mice.

Just because...

2006-02-13T07:41:00.000-08:00

February is alreya nearly half over and I haven't posted anything here. Oh well, I have an actual life. :)

One of the things that has been "sandpapering" me for the last couple weeks is all the hype over other places, such as myspace, and xanga,a nd many others. I visit forums and people seem to wnat to invit eoflks to their blogs and sign up for their own.

while some of these other places have other portals and things, they are still essentially blog-sites and I just don't get it. people that wnat to hav emany blogs and think thy can keep up with them? this is not something I guess I can grasp. why not just have one, and use it, so that there is a lack of confusion. (rhetorical)

The other day I was visiting a website/forum and was asked why I don't have a myspace yet. I basicaly said the above and their resonse was that oh- it also does blogs, but it has so much more. so I went and started browsing. Arghgghg I found garbage, more garbage, porn and all kinds of junk that I wouldn't wnat to be asociated with.

Not that blogger/blogspot doesn't ahve that stuff, but it is far and awy less prevelant than the myspace thing which seems to be it's reason for existing. - just my little rant and reminder that I am still alive (besides, didn't wnat February to slip by without a blog-post from RP).

2006-01-05T10:52:00.000-08:00

Though this is a kind of older picture (taken last year), I have been doing some reminising of the previous year, as I have been archiving the nearly 60 gig of (saved) pictures that I took last year.

The first thing I realized is that I am not a photographer, and this is only a hobby for me and in some cases part of teh ministry God has given me, as I snap memory captures for family and church-friends.

The next thing is that I usually average keeping about 1/3rd of the total pictures I take, so with 60 or so gig saved - wowzers, that's alotta pictures.

In any case, as I was remembering and going through some of these people and places, I realize that I am a very blessed man. The above picture is a case in point.

I love my son and my daughter, and am very proud of them both. But there is another family member that I am equally as proud and am glad to be able to call him my son-in-law (Jason is second from teh left, I am far-right).

He is far from perfect, and makes mistakes as many young adults do. But one of the characteristics I love about my daughters-pick is that he will own-up to his mistakes and do what's necessary, even at the expence of his own pride and ego, if that's neccessary.

Jason is a great kid (well, you know what I mean, after all I am a bald-old-guy), and a good Christian and Disciple of Christ. I can tell he wants more and wants to learn more of God and grow his relatioship with God, as well as do whatever is right and necessary for his family.

I love him like my own son. Speaking of kids... MyLisa and Jason are expecting another child in a few months, so I get to spoil another grandchild! They know that He is a boy and will be naming him after MyLisa's grandfather - Forest. What a great name.

in kind of a closing remark, also just wnated to say that I actually posted another blog in less than a month of the previous one!! woohoo!!!

Growing older, but not gonna grow-up!

2006-01-04T07:45:00.000-08:00

Well, a milestone in mylife is happeing tomorrow. I am turning 45.

While that may seem young to some, it is old to others.

For me, I don't feel old at all, I play paintball, watch cartoons and am still very active.

The challenge I have is that this may be the back-side of my life, over the hill and starting back up the next one. I was born again in 1981, rather late in my life as I just turned 20. I felt a calling on my life, almost immediately, though I was never told or taught what that meant.
I began my Christian walk in an evangelical church, and then moved to Baptist, after a short stay there, I found a local independant pentecostal church and discovered that the Holy Spirit activity was not "of the devil" and that it was for me!

Still searching for more, and a closer relationship with God, I moved to another church, again another local independant church. The pastor was ex-Church of God. I had found a church "home".

Attending Bible College and taking online classes and secular college at a local university, I began a long process of learning more about Jesus and my faith.

A couple decades, and several degrees later, I still had nobody that could help me in the ministry. I did have one Koine professor that encouraged me to be a teacher myself. But that was it. I felt a calling, but becuase I had been expsed to so many ministries in my life, it seemed that every one of these folks had a certain point in their life (usually, when they were younger), when God "called" them and they became "ministers", pastors, evangelists teachers, etc.

I hadn't had any kind of "calling", only a "feeling" that I didn't know how to express. No mentor, no guide. by now (about 20 years "in the ministry"), I had held just about every position in a local church except praise/choir leader and pastor.

I had seen people ("in the ministry") come and seen them go. many would come in wanting to be in the "limelight" and hold a pulpit position, only to fall away and even "backslide" in some time of personal strugle or challenge. Most of those issues, I had been through myself and just didn't understand how it would cause someone to lose their faith.

Since our church had merged with the local COGOP ( a few years ago, and my COGOP membership not quite a year old now), I had a new pastor (of the COGOP) that "took me under his wing" and actually been mentoring me in the ministry! no more trying to figure it out on my own and guessing. Finaly someone that understood what I have been feeling and helped me to understand that this was God's calling on my life.

The challenge is that had really only happened in the last few years. So now, here I am late in life, wondering what could have been and feeling like I "missed it" all those years. What affect have I made on this world, or at least my sphere of influence?

If what I do, makes me what I am, then I don't feel like I have done anything.

That pastor had taken another pastor position in the region a few months back and I have been missing him, his friendship (I had never had anything like that before), fellowship, and his mentoring. Then I got a call from him yesterday.

I have no reason to feel dissapointed. I am being effective in area's I don't necessarily realize. The CPPA, is a ministry that though I am not as active in as I would like, I did found and organize, and now there are several thousand members - All who love Jesus. an accomplishment in itself.

The call from my friend was very helpfull for me, as I didn't seem to realize just how much influence i had in various areas in the local church (and other local churches), the region, and even at a COGOP national level - whether or not I am a "liscensed" minister for the church.

So, hapy birthday to me. :) I pray that whatever I do and am, continues to lift up Christ whether I am recognized or not. No matter how much I want to make a mark, doing what I can to help others recieve Him, is my goal - "mark" or not. Christ is central in my life, and First priority in who I am.

I am truly blessed.

It's "that time of year" again...

2005-12-06T06:56:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

There I said it. Does that mean I dont' respect the Hebraic traditions of Hanukkah and their celebrations? Does it mean I don't respect those that celebrate the Afro-American Kwanzaa or the African Kwanza? no, and no. It means that I celebrate the Xmass.

I don't have any problem at all with someone telling me "happy holidays" or "seasons greetings", especially if I dont' know them or they don't know me. The end of the year has many celebrations or many peoples. it is not just about Christmas. why do "we" think it must be and get offended when a place of business chooses to be more generic in their greetings and advertisements?! (rhetorical)

As a Christian and if I were to still have my sole propritership busines, I would probably have Christmas sales and the like. But then, by business is a Christian run and Christian-managed business, it's my perrogative. If I was the sole owner of a large business, say for example like Wal*Mart, I woudl still have Christmas event and advertisements, but again - that would be my personal choice. I dont' expect that others should do the same thing.

In any case, I just don't see the fuss of all the issues "Christians" have with the political correctness (PC) of this time of year. It is nice to see the manger scene in public places and hear "Christian" music played on intercoms in public places, but it's not like church - they don't have to do those things, it is just nice that they do, and if they don't - it doesn't affect my personal relationship with Christ or how I feel about the Xmass.

I know some people that are Jewish and they still celebrate "Christmas" with a tree and presents and everything. I also know others that celebrate their Hanukkah week. and yet more that do both! At this time, I can't recall anyone I know that celebrates either Kwanzaa or Kwanza, so can't comment there.

I do know that if I am greeted with a Happy Holidays, I do not take it as being disrespectful to the Xmass. Howeve, if I am in the midst of Christians, I will say Merry Christmas and hear it as well; no matter where I am, at the store, at work, or whereever.

So, here 's the deal - we don't live in a theocracy, adn we (Christians) aren't the "boss" of everyone - why would we think that our Christmas celebration should be universal? At least it is still a national holiday. you know even if that changed, it wouldn't change me or my mind. I would stil celebrate the birth of my savior. I know, I know it isn't even the right time of year, let alone probably not the day, especially since the original celebration this time of year was catholicized/Christianized.

but it is a set time of year where I can publicly declare and celebrate the manifestation of God, our Lord, creator and Yaveh Elohim - as a miraculous birth from a virgin woman.

And before I get mugges and flame-o-grammed for saying Xmass, and be accused of trying to take Christ out of Christmas - pease read this compilation of posts I made over the last couple years on teh subject to various forums:

Xmas, or Christmas. This is an issue that seems to come up every year.

Webster:
Xmas \kris-məs also eks-məs\ noun
[X (symbol for Christ, from the Greek letter chi (X), initial of Christos Christ) + -mas (in Christmas)](1551)

Xristos=Christ in Koine Greek, and the use of just the capital X us sometimes used in many theological circles (depending on the knowledge level of Greek in that group). However, it is the "mas" part that is confusing to some. It really should be X-Mass or Xmass, with 2 s's, to be more correct in the usage. Mass is from Latin and literally means the ending of a service, but when capitalized it also means the celebration of Christ (in many forms). Depending on the dictionaries and lexicons used.

My local church celebrated Christmas (Jesusmas, is how Bea Youngs calls it - hehehe - I like it) with a special music and drama special called "Xtreme Xmass". There were many (mostly older) folks that didn't like the title and said we were taking the Christ out of Christmas. After I explained it to them, they had no problem seeing it.

I have not found any specific evidence one way or another, but it is my feeling that the original use of "xmas" was an abbreviated term, and had nothing to do with Xristos. And was later "turned into" an acceptable term. Kind of like the term "Christian" was originally derogatory in use. Words are funny that way.

Many "Christians" even believe (for example) that "X-mas" is offensive, even though it is a (perhaps) more accurate word-usage of the mass for the Xristos, God's anointed. But Most "Christians" wouldn't recognize a Chi from a Xi, let alone historical origin.

At one time I too, was offended when I saw people use Xmas and Xtian, many years ago. However, I soon realized, once I began to actually study the Bible that X is often used in theologian circles as the shortened form of Xristos, Koine Greek for Christ.

It has been used that way since the early church fathers. Xtian is not taking the Christ out. Xmas is not removing the Christ either. In fact, it is actually "more correct" to the "original", as a cross-language word-usage. It isn't latin, it's Greek. Yes the "Mass" is from Latin (Messa), However, Xristos, is not.

I often tire of "Christians" that want to be so legalistic in their views that they leave no open-mindedness for anything other than what their pastor told them or what they learned in Sunday School.

I sometimes get ultra-conservative (from an onlookers POV), but at least I try to do the research and study it for myself to know and not just take the word of some man that happens to be "preaching" to me

(Christianity)
I have a few thoughts on the subject.

I don't prefer to call myself a Christian, because I am not nearly as "Christ like" as I would like to be. Though I don't mind being called a "Christian".
Sometimes I wish that some "Christians" would just "shut-up", rather than say anything. Being defensive is no answer, and if a "Christian" isn't studied enough to defend (not "defensively") what they believe, then they need to hit the books/Bible a bit more.
Xtian and Xmas are not offensive, even if it is said purposefully as such. X=Xristos=Christ, X is used as an abbreviated term for Christ in many theological circles, if you are offended by it, you may need to do some self evaluation of why and pray about it.
Science and Christianity are not opposed to each other. Evolutionism does not disprove creationism, and creationism does not disprove evolutionism. Evolution is not a "dirty word" in Christianity. I believe that mankind (anthropan) has evolved from our creation, though we were created initially as man. God formed us from the non-living, in one (24 hour) day (or less) time.
Having some experience in other religions, and having studied many others, Christianity is what I have found that is the most consistent, believable, logical and understandable.
Believing your priest, pastor or Christian teacher at face value and not comparing their teaching with scripture is a bad thing. People are fallible, God is not.
The very light of nature in man, and the works of God, declare plainly that there is a God; but his Word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their salvation. The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the word of God, the only rule of faith and obedience.
God is a Spirit, in and of himself infinite in being, glory, blessedness, and perfection; all–sufficient, eternal, unchangeable, incomprehensible, every where present, almighty, knowing all things, most wise, most holy, most just, most merciful and gracious, long–suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.
One who has received the gift of salvation is not necessarily a disciple of Christ. However all Disciples of Christ, have received His gift of salvation.
I am Armenian, in that I believe that we have free-will to choose to accept the gift and to know the difference between good and evil and choose either. I am Calvinist, in that I believe that God knows the outcomes of our various choices and even to the matrix of the choices of the choices we make. I am protestant, in that I believe in scripturea sola. I am catholic, in that I do believe in a theocratic government and hierarchy.
I believe that God is love and that He loves. He doesn't "need" us, but He does "want" us. He loves us without respect for whether or not we love Him back. He loves us, because He loves us.
I believe that there is much truth to be gained/gleaned from just about every "religion".
Lewis Fawcett (IIRC, about 1961 or so) said this about "religion" and I agree wholeheartedly in the intent - Recipe for a Real Religion:

Get religion like a Methodist
Experience it like a Baptist
Stick to it like a Lutheran
Conciliate it like a Congregationalist
Be proud of it like an Episcopalian
Simplify it like a Quaker
Glorify it like a Jew
Pray for it like a Presbyterian
Work at it like the Salvation Army
Propagate it like a Roman Catholic
Enjoy it like a Negro.

Sometimes we miss the trees because we are concentrating on the vastness of the forest. and we try to either hide our candle under a basket, or on the flipside, we sometimes try to hold our candle high for everyone to see, but do not guard it against the various winds of doctrine

When I was a child, I thought and spoke as a child. Though more mature, I still sometimes speak as a child, but my thoughts are no longer those of a child.

more random thoughts and stuff...

2005-11-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

Been a while..
Well, it's been a while since I last posted a blog, so I thought that I would write some things up and catch up a bit.

Blogging, journaling and diaries...
One of the things that I dislike about blogs in general is that some people use them as a diary and many times share more information that might seem prudent, at least to me. I think that Blogging is a good thing, but hope that people realize that they are "public" (assuming they are set up that way).

Church stuff...
Because my new pastor has some weird working hours (He works full time outside of being our pastor, currently), I have the extreme privilege of presenting the message every Wednesday for church.

I had been afforded pulpit time for some time now by being allowed to teach on the third Wednesday of each month, so having this opportunity each and every week is quite an opportunity. Opportunity for me? I don't know. I do know that it allows me opportunity to share some messages that I believe are fresh and appropriate for our congregation (at least those that attend on Wednesday's).

My initial messages (once a month) was on "The Names of God", or "We can know God". A series on building relationship with God, and the fact that God has presneted Himself in ways that relate to us and so that we can have at least a level of understanding of him in a relationship. The other messages I have been teaching is based on two sayins that I commony use - "All Disciples are Christians, but not all Christians are Disciples", and the other half, or the rest of the story is "salvation is free, but discipleship costs everything"!

I may not be a very good "preacher", and my presentation style may need work, but I do the best I can for what I believe that God is giving me for a message.

I don't feel old...
In recent months, I found out my daughter is going to have another baby. Woohoo!! I get to be GrandboPreacher again! (Grandbo) I have spent some time thinking about this and realize that I dont' feel like a grandpa. I still get out and play paintball now and again and though I don't exercise as much as I want, Mary and I did get the bikes out I got for us earlier this year. so next spring, I think we will be making more attemot to get on tehm more often.

My point is that I just don't "feel old". :)

My wife and my library...

2005-09-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

My one and only wife and I have been married now for nearly 7 years. Our anniversary is on the 18th of September and we were chatting about what we could get or do for eachother as we do for Birthdays, anniversarys mothers and fathers day etc... Most of the time we just get eachother a card and wrote some personal note to eachother.

the discussion took a bit of a turn this time, because instead of saying something like a "family picture" (which I did for Mother's day for her), or a card, she actuyally wanted something. before I say what it was, I need to explain a bit.

She is a Iowa Cyclone alumnist and fan. the Cyclones and the Hawkeyes played recently, and she didn't get to watch because we have sattalite TV. Actually we have local channels on Cable as well, but only paying for it for one room (I don't steal Cable, but that's a different matter), and that TV was in use by myself and my daugher (our "date-night", but again another topic), so she didn't even ask to use the big-screen TV. In fact, I didn't know the game was that night, or I may have volunteered it for her use.

In any case, back to the request. SHe asked for Satalite "local channels". I told her I would be happy to get that for her. I thought it was going to be about $15 extra a month. She didn't think it was worth that much extra so she decided she didnt' want it afterall. Well, I wanted to at least look it up and then talk her into it anyway. turns out it was not even $10 more a month, so she was happy with that and that it would be worth it for her.

She then asked me what I wanted. We have already discussed on many occasions that I love to expand my library, so that was the obvious direction - it would be a simple matter of sending her the links to the resources I would like to have added to my library and she could pick one and surprise me.

As I was putting together a list of resources. The first one was a "joke", but something that I told her that I wanted some day, if we won the lottery; then proceded to list 4 resources that I had been drooling over recently.

I guess I need to take a step back and say that I do have about 30 or so books on my shelves and stacked about in my church office. But my "library" is actually an electronic library. (http://www.logos.com/products/lbs/lbsx21)

My wife looked at the links I gave and the proceded to turn around and tell me (our computers are in the same room on opposite walls, we sometimes IM eachother while in the same room!) that she wanted to get my first request (http://www.logos.com/products/details/2432).

I was like - yea, right - you are kidding me right? I then started talking about the other ones and if I had to prioritize them, which I "really" wanted (prices ranged from $45-$120). She said, no, I am talking about this big one that is on special. At this, I got up and stood behind her as she was scrolling through the list of what it comes with.

this is just too amazing for me to describe how I feel about this. I know that many will say big deal or whatever abotu a bunch of "books". But for me, a self-proclaimed professional-student-wannabe, it is a serious dream come true. even one of the books I asked for was going to be a grand-blessing but this, this is just too much for me to comprehend at the moment, so I had to blog and say that I have a wonderful wife, and best friend.

Ever felt like you were stepped on?

2005-09-02T18:34:00.000-07:00

Ever felt like you were stepped on emotionally. No, not just accidentally, but a heavy foot with twisting motion?

Well this is how I am feeling right now.

Earlier today, I made a choice. I had decided that I was going to auction off my brand new (to me) Electronic converted Blazer (paintball marker); and was going to give the complete proceeds to my church organization that has a fund specifically for the hurricane katrina relief effort.

I had assembled a nice set of accessories to go with it as well. Took some pictures, made an EBay auction, then started to post links on most of the forums I visit, even infrequently.

Many hours later, (a little earlier this evening) I received an email saying my auction removed by eBay, and it was an invalid auction! I logged on to eBay and they had indeed removed my auction, and had notified me subsequently (apparently) to their removal of the auction that it was in violation of their rules. here is an excerpt from that notification:

eBay encourages community members to be active in supporting charitable endeavors. Because charitable fundraising is a highly regulated area subject to numerous state and federal laws, eBay has partnered with MissionFish to make charitable listing easy and has created very specific guidelines for when charitable solicitations will be allowed on eBay. Non-MissionFish listings 1. Sellers may only list items on behalf of a charity if the charity has provided advance written consent for the solicitation. To prove that you have obtained that consent, you must include a scanned copy of the consent in the listing. 2. Sellers may only solicit on behalf of recognized 501c3 or 501c4 charitable organizations.

They didn't forewarn or ask me; as to the 2 "rules" above, they are non-issues. I am the Treasurer of our local COGOP, and the COGOP is (obviously) a legitimate 501c3.

They apparently thought I was trying to scam people using the hurricane aftermath as an excuse. They were wrong. My auction was completely legitimate. I was even going to pay for shipping and the eBay fees, so that 100% of the proceeds would go to the effort.

Needless to say, I am now extremely disappointed and do not even feel like trying - I have been accused of being a scammer, indirectly by EBay; and directly now by people I don't know on forums, emails and PM's because eBay deleted/invalidated the auction. I will, of course, try again and do what I can to send monetary aid - but am to frustrated at the moment to know what my next plan will be.

Because I pay tithe....

2005-08-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

This blog is actually one I posted on a forum I visit, but thought that I would put it here for others to read:

As some of you know, I am an advocate of paying tithe. In fact as I have posted, I believe that paying tithe of ALL the increase, so tithe on the gross, not the net.

I personally believe that the tithe is a "foundation" for giving and that giving offerings and alms on top of that foundation is what builds a strong lifestyle of giving, and therefore being blessed.

This testimony has a couple points, one that is a praise report for the here and now and one is a future praise report. I will begin with the easy one:

I had my house built. I made the plans and furnished them to a contractor that built my house to my specifications. The Christian businessman did help me with the plans as far as some "standards" are concerned and helped in reduction of "custom" and costs.

Anyway, that was some dozen years ago. The air conditioner went out a couple years ago (right about 10 years old). Because of an unexpected blessing at the time, I was able to pay cash for a new air conditioner system. The furnace is a top of the line, high efficiency carrier, so it did not need work or replacement.

This year, the air conditioner didn't seem to be keeping up. The serviceman came out and found a leak outside, and fixed it, it was under warranty by 2 days! A few months later (last week), it stopped cooling again!. I called and they said if it was the same problem, that it would be under warranty (90 days from the last service).

Well, it was a leak again. The problem it wasn't the same kind of leak. This time it was found in the A-frame oil in the furnace, so it wasn't going to be under warranty. I just paid the property taxes for my home so was a little tight budgetwise, but needed the Air, so told him to go ahead but to give me a call with the price because I needed to seek God on how I was going to pay the bill.

I went to work. I didn't get a call from him on my cell phone and that was the number I gave him to call me. I got home from work that day (Monday, this week), and a note on the kitchen table from my son who started College this week had taken a message but was in a hurry to get to class so didn't call me.

The note simply said: Bob (the repairman) called, parts and labor are going to be under warranty, will be back on Thursday.

Bob left a little while ago. He spent many hours tearing into my furnace to get to this a-frame thing, and it is all fixed now. I asked if there was anything for me to pay for extra parts or anything - he said nope, all covered, not even a trip charge.

Praise God!!

The next one is a bit more personal, but similar situation. I have not always been a good financial manager for myself and my family. God has taught me alot since He lead me into being the church treasurer some 7 or 8 years ago (very late in my life, unfortunately).

Because of choices I made about things I wanted, I got hugely into debt, then finding out my wife was divorcing me and wanted 50% of the equity of the house I had built (this one), I did what I could to refinance etc. God gave me a plan that meant that I should trust Him. I had always paid tithes, but I began to understand that paying gross, and in fact beyond that, and began to be consistent in paying His tithe.

Short story, kept the house God blessed me with, had payments that I could afford , so my blessing wasn't a "curse"., got into debt and cashed in my retirement, all because of some stupid mistakes and my wife leaving me for another man.

so, debt, on top of debt. For the last 8 or so years, though I had been learning alot about finances, as I mentioned. At least to begin to pay off as much of the debt as possible. Every time I made a credit card payment, it was a reminder of past mistakes, and I felt like I needed to repent all over again, even though God had forgiven me, I still was paying for the ramifications of those sins.

In those last half dozen years or so, God has been speaking to me about giving, on top of the tithe. I learned that the measure that I gave, was how God was going to bless me. I did what I could, by paying tithe first, whether or not I had money to pay all the bills. It's interesting though that when I did this, the bills all got paid, even though the checkbook would tell me that it wasn't possible.

God blessed me with a job that is, well, a blessing. I love my work and I get to work "in the toy store" (I am a computer geek, and am a LAN infrastructure engineer). Last year I was given a bonus. I had received them before and they help with paying off my debt. But a couple months ago, I was informed that I am in a position at work now that I should be able to expect those bonuses each year!

To top it off, my son lives at home and is going to college so there is some tax benefits.

What I am getting at here is that After some discussion with my wife, We believe that besides the mortgage, we can be debt free within three years. Maybe even two years, if we choose not to go on that vacation/trip to Europe next year.

So, while paying/climbing out of my own debt, I always felt like I was drowning, even though slowly the water was lowering. I believe that God showed me this plan, and we are taking it. Even though I have the debt, I feel somehow "freer".

So, what does all this have to do with the subject of this post? Because no matter what anyone says, I fully believe and correlate these miracles to God and my obedience in paying His tithe. I am persuaded that had I not been paying tithe as I had been lead, that I would be in a much different position, financially, today.

I believe God's hand of Grace is on me and in part because of being obedient in paying the tithe. I don't do it out of desire to receive, only desire to be obedient and with love and joy and worship to my creator and savior.

some may "nay-say", but I fully believe that as we consistently pay His tithe, miracles happen more frequently in this area. I plant watermelons and I harvest watermelons. I personally directly correlate the above kinds of blessings to giving, on top of a foundation of paying tithe.

Change is bad. Or is it?

2005-08-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

Because I "forum" so much, I don't often get time or energy to actually "blog". (Are forumming and blogging, verbs?) Sometimes, a change in my life will prompt me to wax philosophical or just chew on some wax. Remember those old sugar-drink-filled wax bottles that you could chew?

In any case, Mary and I got back from her families vacation last weekend. It was a challenge for me because the week prior I found out that my Pastor, Bishop James Endecott, was praying about a particular situation in our region that might requisite him moving to another city. More on that later. The next part of the challenge was that our local church's VBS was scheduled the week we would be gone.

Because the VBS scheduling came later in the year, and the fact that Mary had already planned the family vacation, that had priority, even though we normally would have volunteered for and worked at the VBS. The VBS went well, I am happy to say. It didn't come to a grinding halt because we weren't' there. Which is a good thing. We didn't' actually think it would, but we really did want to be here to help lighten the load for those that did work and volunteer to work with the children.

And finally, I felt I had to work while I was on vacation as well. Normally, I will "dial in", to check for "emergency" emails and the like. A few times while I am on vacation; but this time because of the workload at work, I didn't feel right about leaving my team with all the work we had going on, so I ended up spending 3-6 hours a day dialed in and doing work. It really only interfered with vacationing plans once, so it turned out okay, but it really wasn't a vacation, even though I had to take the time off.

back to the changes...

Turns out that a Pastor in our region, that pastored a church in Council Bluffs had taken advantage of an opportunity to pastor a church in Georgia. I am not privy to all that went on in that choice, but I do understand it was a great opportunity of God for him and that God had apparently "made the way" for him.

So, that left the church in Council Bluffs pastorless. I heard about this a few days before leaving on vacation. I know that the regional overseer, Bishop Madrid and my pastor, Bishop Endecott had been discussing this and they came to the conclusion that it was, in fact, God's direction that Bishop Endecott assume the pastoral role for that church. And further that a local COGOP ordained minister in our congregation, Brother Tim Shipley, would be our local pastor.

Those changes are all now official and while Pastor Endecott is no longer my pastor, I will probably refer to him as pastor for some time. However, I hope that I make the necessary conscious effort to refer to Pastor Shipley as pastor, instead of just "Tim", or Brother Tim. Since he is now my Pastor.

I was asked by several if I would be moving to Council Bluffs to follow my pastor and my best friend. The though hadn't even really occurred to me. God had called me to the COGOP and to this local church, at least for now and I am going to do nothing but dig-in and support my pastor and our congregation.

The timing could've been better, in my opinion, but then again, I am not God and I am still not sure what's going on in my life as far as ministry is concerned and why I am here. Why would God call this multiple divorcee to a denomination that has an "official" teaching that divorce and remarriage is essentially evil and unforgivable. I know that God is calling me to the ministry, but I don't know that I know how to "preach". I can teach, but preaching feels different to me. Pastor Endecott had been helping me in that area, now he is gone.

The bottom line though, is that I just want to serve, and be in service for God.

I don't attend any particular church or associate myself with a particular organization because of any particular man. I do it because I believe God's hand is here and that He is leading and guiding me. So, while I will miss my my pastor, and my friend, I know that our communications will not end and our friendship will continue on.

I will need to step up to the plate now, as an example, I was the treasurer for our church, but I mostly worked with Pastor Endecott and we did it together. With Pastor Shipley, I will be on my own for the books, though Pastor Endecott has said that he was available if I have any questions. Then there was the mentoring. Pastor Endecott had been mentoring me and teaching me about being a pastor. I can't assume that Pastor Shipley will be available for that as Pastor Endecott was.

I expect some changes in the way things work in our local church. I pray that God's will be done, no matter what I think personally.

The only thing I know to do now is to continue to do what I believe God has set in front of me to do and do it the best I can and with all my heart and unto Him. I trust Him and will continue to be as obedient as I know how.

The message for Wednesday

2005-06-07T06:04:00.000-07:00

One of the interesting things about being part of the COGOP, is that my local pastor affords me opportunity to teach on Wednesday evenings/pulpit time. THis is not necessarily a very common thing, though I am now (since march, 2005) an actual member of the COGOP. In any case, I appreciate his mentoring me and the support and encouragement.

In any case, I have been doing a series on some of the names of God and how He presnets himself to us, His creation. Tomorrow, I will be doing the name master/Adonai. I have been struggling with this for some time as the "west" has this built-in adversion to using the word "slave", especially when it is in current context and not in reference to some historical past.

I believe that God wants us to have a full understanding of who He is and His relationship with us, and that includes the master/slave mentality and relationship. The challenge is that almost without an exception, whe you mention the word slave, the hairs ont eh back of your neck stand up and immediately people take a defensive posture, because they are offended that we should be slaves.

Part of the challenge in understanding that is lacking is that we should be volunteer slaves. we make ourselves subserviant to the master, not vice versa. It becomes a matter of trust and guidance. Not a matter or issue of forced labor or forced dominition.

it's like we have to unlearn before we can learn. we make so many choices and assumptions in life based on what we "know", but what is it that we know? why must we be so stubborn? why do we feel the need to defend who we are or what we believe when information comes to light that we know to be truth, but disregard it becuase it doesn't line up with what we have called "right" for so long.

Anyway, just wnated to post another blog and ask some rhetorical questions.
thanks for reading.

Another musing from RP...

2005-06-01T05:22:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since my last writing and that one, though sincere, was mostly directed towards my wife.

A couple months ago, I was privileged to be able to join and be a member ("on the books") of the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) denomination. This is an interesting story and I will attempt to relay it here as best as I can:

Put on your way-back-hat, for I am going to start at the beginning. not at the creation begining, but at the beginning of the history that I need to mention beofre continuing with this blog. This beginning, like other beginnings, had another beginning, but I will not get inot that beginning (the testimony of my "becomming" a "Christian"). so let this beginngin be the beginning of the events that transpired to get me where I am in the COGOP organization. Details as I reacall, and overviews at times, but the beginning, nonetheless.

In about August, of 1981, I began to attend a new kind of church. THey referred to themselves as "inter-denominational", not non-denominational, as they wanted to be inclusive, rather than exclusive, as so many denominations had tended to be. The independant church, The Church of Compassion, as it was called, later I found was based on "pentacostalism". This is an important point, since previously, I had only been privy to fundamental evangelistic and Baptist point of views. I had earlier this year discovered, as I began reading my Bible for myself, that there was a very real Holy Ghost, that was being ignored or denied by teh groups I had been associating.

My first service was a Sunday Morning and I was so surprised (pleasantly) by the "spirit" of the service and the "move" of the Holy Spirit, that I wanted to come back and be sure it wasnt' a fluke. At the time, they had services on Wednesday and Friday evenings as well as Sunday. the Wednesday service was supposed to be similar to the Sunday service, but with more of a direction of dsicipleship, or so I was told when i asked an usher. and the Friday service was more of a "class" type teaching or Bible study.

I wasn't able to attend the Wednesday Service becuase of work conflict, and at the time didn't think that such a conflict was any kind of priority, though later in my discipleship and relationship building with Christ, I became aware that I wanted and needed to be a part of "Church". I went to the Friday "Class".

Previous to this, the only Bible-study I had been accustom to was when I read and studied the Bible on my own. I dont' count "Sunday School" from the previous organizations because I never really learned anything, except that we should "only use the KJV"; which, of course, I quickly disregarded, but that for another topic. In any case, the class was GREAT. There was times when feedback was appropriate and I had comments about what was being taught from Corinthians.

The Pastor (Randy Waterman), was teaching on "As they were, so are we". Not sure why I remember that, but it was a great series, and I began to understand the the Word had many "levels" of understnading and that an understanding of the original languages might be helpful to me if I wanted to have further, in depth relationship with God,a dn learn about His Word. As I commented, participated, and answered questiosn, the pastor commented something about my being a good student and that I would "go far" in the ministry.

I didn't know what "in the ministry" meant yet, but by the second Sunday service, it was known that I had a talent for technology and on my 3rd service visit, I was assisting the man that was running the PA. Though I had to study and learn, this was a skill that came to me very easily. A God-given ability, that later I would use to serve Him.

I began to be a regular attender, and "member". I say quoted-member becuase they didn't have an official membership role as in the other places I had been. they simply said that if you were an official attender, you were a member, and part of the family.

turn the dials on your way-back-hat up a turn... about 20 or so years later, in that same church and with the same pastor, I had now been to Bible College, acquires several degrees, and had been privileged to be a part of most every ministry in the church. I had been teh "glorified band-aid". Any ministry that neede help or started, I was there to do what I could to be part. I was now the head of the media ministries, and had run ministries that put radio broadcasts on teh air; we had a team that was able to produce several different TV productions out of the church, and of course, I was lead engineer for the Public Address system, and had taught dozens of volunteers over the years in all those areas.

In addition to the media I had also the role of church administrator and treasurer. again, mostly becasue there was nobody else to do them, and I could do them and do them well, based ont eh skills and abilitis that God had given me. Much of this time, I was also involved in the churhc choir. I discovered that I could sing. I wasn't, adn am not trained in that area, and feel less than capable, but I feel that this is an area that I am "called". I have yet to see this part of the ministry God is giving me fulfilled, since I have no training and nobody to help me (yet).

I began to understand that God wanted me in teh Full time ministry, though that door was opened to me for a while in the past, it was closed as it was man-made, and not God-ordained. I knwo this becuase I paid tithe, yet, the needs began to pile up and there was no income to support my family and I believe that God wants us to be able to support our family. And further that the help I was told I would recieve in teh area of taxes, never came and I would have to completely deplete my life savings to pay taxes that I was told wouldn't be a problem. So, bottom line - I learned a valuable lesson from that mistake in hearing God's voice or man's plan.

In any case, the Pastor of the church had made a choice to leave this church he founded many years prior (a whole different topic of it's own again) and his nephew would take over as senior pastor. Becuase some people had placed the original pastor on a "pedistal", and for other reasons, many people left the church when he did. As treasurer, I began to communicate with teh new pastor the challenges and that we needed to take dramatic measures and actions. Our current congregation was no longer able to suppor the building that we had been in for years (that was owned by the previous pastor). We took action to reduce costs and be as frugle as possible.

During this time, the youth director (Toni Cummings) was networking with other churches to try to get the youth some shared events so they weren't stuck doing no social events in our own body and church. It was few years ago now that this happened and he and the pastor (Kevin Truett) began a relationship with a local COGOP. Ther eis alot of things that happened here that realy bcame apparent that God was in the meeting and relationships that began.

The youth had a shared back to school bash and another event. and more meetings between our pastors (kevin and Jim Endecott of the COGOP). It was brought up and discussed the possibility that we could pay rent and share services with the COGOP and in their building. This process had been going on for months and it seemed that any situation that was to be a hinderance melted away and God had been makign a path that was hard to veer away from.

Because of my personal experiences with "exclusive" denominations and of the comparative studies I had made while attending college, I was very aware of the COGOP, and especially their teaching on the evil of divorce and remarriage. I, had been involved in several shipwreks in my life and had been remarried more than once, so I was a "sinner" in their mind (as far as I understood based on teh college and personal studies I had made on teh COGOP and COG and their offshoots and history). After about 23 or so years of being at the same "church", I was makeing a choice that would lead me away from there as they began to get closer to and had been discussing "merger" amonst the leadership.

I did NOT want to be part of an organization, even if only sharing their building, that considered me a sinner and haveing no salvation.

I was ready to and had begun teh process of searching for another church to attend. I still remained faithfull to our chuch family though and supported the pastor in any way I could, but I was looking for greener pastures. As is my custom, I was fasting and in prayer of this life-changing decisian. I "knew" God didn't wnat me there anylonger, but hadn't yet actually asked Him. anyway, the second day of that weeklong fast, I began to be lead to various scriptures on grace, and the Pauline teachings of grace and God's mercy,a dn that salvation was indeed not because of anything I did.

I realized that I had "become" what I hated. someone that judged others on what they did! in my case it was a kind of reverse judgement. I had not even given "those people" a chance. God had really been speaking to me and I understood that we all can go down a path that is incorrect, now and again, but it is the disciple, that picks themself up and make the change that God wants as He shines the light of His truth on a different direction. I believe that God was wanting me to not only stay with the church, but to jump in with my band-aid minstry and do anything I could to make the transition easier and help out, even though I could never become a member of their organization, and therefor could not be part of a ministry or leadership... or so I thought.

When we started sharing services (still seperate congregations), I became fully aware that God was in this union and that a merger, though untill now ahd been only discussed among the leadership, was somthing that had begun to be the direction that God was leading. There was no judgement in the COGOP congregation. they loved me, even though they knew my marriage situation (their knowing is another topic again, hehehehehheee).

turn up the way-back hat a bit more... We are now officially a "merged", single congregation. the local pastor is not only not hindering me in any miinstry duties, but I have been moved to the position of media director and am treasurer for the church. this is simply amazing to me as I am (at this time) not a member and will not be (as far as I knew). I began to attend national COGOP training and events with the Pastor, and our friendship and trust is continuing to grow. I quickly became aware of something that was becomming obvious. God wanted me to be part of this organization. I don't know why, or in what capacity, but He is placing me on a path that is directly in this organization, even though I could never be a member and eventhough I could never be a licensed minister.

This made absolutely no sense to me. Why on earth would God want me to be part of an organization that "wouldn't have me", even though I was fully accepted at the local level? Because of some lessons learned in the past, I felt that I did know Gods' "voice" in this matter and again, had a renewd vigor and threw myself in teh minsitry to serve. I began to know that God was calling me into the ministry furhter but was unsure how that was going to happen, in this path He is leading me.

I soon discovered that many (dare I say most?) of the COGOP at high levels had been in a mode of "change" from teh exclusive to be more inclusive. the last General Assembly it was passed that anyone with fruit of having salvation would be allowed to be a member of the church, adn that was left up to the local pastor to decide and to continue to disciple them further in relationship with God.

Wow, this was anothe amazing event. I knew they were going to talk abotu it in teh GA, but I never thought that it would actually be passed. yes there were those that oppoes it, but it did pass. about a year later, after some patience and further training by our pastor, my wife and I became members of the Church of God of Prophecy. I had fulfilled what God had been teling me (or so I thought).

Before that event, It started to become more clear to me that God was continuing to call me to a pulpit minstry. I began to seek advice and counsel. some counsel said that I should get out of there as soon as I could (some even said that after they knew I became an actual member). God seemed to be leading me in a direction that was pointing to the heart of the COGOP and not some kind of "escape" and run. I am not sure I can explain it any better, but even though I was a member now, it is still a issue that I am in a remarriage (and had divorced), as far as the organization was concerned and there is no way I could be licensed under the COGOP.

I wanted to follow God. I knew I was on the right path. It is confirmed on many levels, let me give a few examples...
* At the GA (2004), i had volunteered to run a video camera and was accepted (though they knew my D&R situation). Then afterwards, the Bishop over that ministry personally came to me at my camera platform and invited me to join them again for the next GA.
* I am now a member of the church, even though I "knew" there was no way this was going to happen.
* My pastor (a bishop and state overseer in the COGOP), has "taken me under his wing" and is mentoring me in the minsitry and has provided me with regular pulpit time.
* An overseer in a area of the country that was supposed to be "extremely conservative" in teh area of D&R had befrineded me and even hinted that he could help be get licensed (outside of COGOP) if I felt the need.
* The regional overseer of the tristate area of Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota, has had me help with regional events and have been told that I will have a "regional appointment" at our next reggional convention in a few weeks.

What? a regional appointment? me? another amazing confirmation that I am where God wants me to be even though circumstances would dictate otherwise.

you can take off the way-back hat now. I am a mamber of the COGOP. any ministring that I do and have been called to do has not been impeded in teh least, and in fact has been encouraged and assisted. I have a pastor that is extremely helpfull, adn loving and accepting. Don't get me wrong, he believes (as I do) that God hates divorce, but it isn't an unforgivable sin, as some seem to believe.

I am currently the director of media at our local church. I am the treasurer at our local church, I have regular pulput time at our local church. God has granted me favour in the regional and even national levels of the organization. God has me here for something. I don't know what it is, but I do know that I am where He wants me to be and I know that it is God that is leading me. I have many friends in an organization that I though was full of hypocracy anf exclusivity. With only a couple extreme exceptions, I (and my wife) have been accepted, loved, trusted and my (our) salvation is not doubted.

God is good, all the time.

Because of my wife...

2004-10-27T04:32:00.000-07:00

Last night before going to bed, my wife, out of the blue, asked me if I had forgotten about my weblog. I didn't even know she read it, let alone kept up on it. Not that there is anything here she didn't already know; it just surprised me a bit.

Why? Well, uhmmm.... I just forgot.

I could give excuses like I have been really busy at work and stuff, and that would be valid, but honestly I just plain forgot.

In any case; I love my wife. She is my best friend and my companion. I tell her that I love her at least several times every single day and show that love in other ways as well. Some things I like about my wife:

She is very smart and we can converse about most anything.
She likes to cook and I like to eat, so that's a good thing. :)
She is a wonderfull friend
She doesnt' like the same movies as me, but she will sit throgh them, happily, just to be with me (I go to the theatre with her as well)
Even though my children are grown up (both in college), she tries to be the best mom (stepmon) she can be and is genuinely concerned and cares for them.
She is very active in our local church and though she doesn't feel that she has a "ministry", the things that she does do at church is a ministry and peopl emiss her and ask me about her when someone else has to get up and do the announcements.
she is working at a local university and my kids get free tuition there. Her paycheck is otherwise pretty slim-pickens, but she says she loves what she does and I appreciate that.
Mary has been putting up with my excentricities since day one, and I love her for not wanting to "train" or "change" me to be something I am not.
She actually wil encourage me to go play some paintball now and again; she knows how much I like to play, but just don't seem to have the time for it.
The most beautifull woman I know.

There really isn't any way that I can fully express how much I love my wife. lists will always fall short and words on paper are still only 2 dimensional. So the best I can do here is to just say:

I love Mary.

To be and the meaning of life rambling...

2004-08-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

To "be" is a state of being as an intelligence that inhabits a physical form in this physics that is developed, by design from the most core of energies with opposite and charged "particles" that are bound and repel to and from each other forming the core elements that are necessary for the (dual helixical) strands of DNA that have been further designed for use to become the form and state that we are, as we inhabit this physics, to be able to enjoy what we cannot when in a state that is not of this physics, that is of light (though not particular or wave-form, but rather of the energy necessary) - so that the joy can be fulfilled as we endeavor to continue to act and react with others in this physics whether of intelligences or not.

Spam (the canned meat) and Christianity...

2004-07-30T05:45:00.000-07:00

Over at paintmagazine.com forums, there was a couple threads int eh off-topic forum that was pro and anti-Spam (the canned meat, not unsolicited emails etc). I was on the pro side. Mostly because I like Spam, but fr other reasons as well.

One of my main reasons why I defended it so veheminantly is that it is the coincidental analagy with much of life and Christianity, more specificaly.

So many people want to "ride the bandwagon", and not find out for themselves; and that it is one of my "pet-peves". There are far too many "Christians" with that same mindset/paradigm. someone (pastor, preacher, teacher etc.) tells them (preaching, sermon, teaching etc.) something, and they don't even bother to even read it in teh Bible (assuming they even use the Bible), let alone study it out for themselves, to agree or disagree.

I know that some do this; a friend of mine who goes by a nickname of Crime Dog is a good example. I know he tried Spam, and whether or not he liked it is a moot point. the point is that he did what he needed to, so he could know for himself. I know this also to be true in his Christian walk.

There are those that say that Spam looks or smells bad, so it must be, and never try it, even though many hundreds of thousands of people actually like it. following my analagous logic, it also follows that there are people that will take some doctrines of Christianity and say that they look or smell bad, so they won't even "try" (research for themselves) them, and their mind is closed to the subject from then on.

I am not saying that we should "try" every religious doctrine whether "Christian" or not. What I am saying is that within our "Christianity", we sometimes get so closed minded that we don't even consider what else might be. Part of this is actually following along with that pastor or teacher when they are presenting something to us, and use your God-given brain. :)

I may not be very clear in this semi-rant. However I do think that we wold all be much better off if we "Christians" would not jsut follow the leader. again, I am not saying that we should doubt our leadership at all, but when it comes to my personal relationship with God, that leader isn't involved at all. It isn't mis-trust, or even a lack of trust if you actually bring your Bible to church and use it outside of church. It is something that most every clergey that I know of will encourage you to read, research and find for yourself.

enough for now.

more thoughts from rp...

2004-07-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

As many of you know my wife and I have been trying to adopt for nearly 5 years. we have all but given up for various reasons. I would like to request your prayers in that we just found out that a lady at church has informed us that she is pregnant. This is a little difficult for us, because that family already has 3 girls. I am nto saying that they don't want a 4th child, but from a selfish POV, it is a difficult situation. This is, I think 4 ladys now at our small church that are with child.

I am not saying all this for sympathy, but rather for prayer request. We want a shild, but more importantly, we both want what God wants for us. So prayers for God's will and our obedience, not necessarily that we have open doors for adoption.

continuing with my ramblings, I woke up this morning thinking about God. Not so unusual, really but this morning was especially inspiring. I was brushing my teeth and for some reason was just in awe of the fact that I had teeth. Probably doesn't mean much to you all, but I was just thinking about how much I enjoy a nice steak, or apple even and the fact that God gave me teeth to be able to enjoy these things.

As the morning progressed, I was on the way to work and listening to my classes on CD. (I am learning Spanish using Pimsler courses on CD.) And was inspired of the fact that I can learn stuff. again, maybe not meaning anything to most people, but I am one that likes to learn and am a "knowledge-junkie" so to speak. I like to learn and if I can get someone to fully sponsor me, I wold rather be a full-time student than have to work all day, and take classes in teh evenings and on my "spare" time. I was just in awa that God designed and created us as beings of learning. that we can continually grow in thought, process and maturity. He is awesome.

when I arrived at work, I realized that I was arriving at work. The thought came to me that many, many, adn dare I say - most people don't like the work they do, and as such are not satisfied in most of their day. I like my job, I like the work I do in my job and my days are satisfying, adn productive. Why? I do like what I do, but more than that, it is a way to fund the things that I believe that God wants me to do as ministry. Currently meaning CPPA and what I do in my local church, as financial director, mediaministries director and as a minister in the church.

As I was walking up the 5 flights of steps (3 floors) to get to the floor where I work, God spke to my heart again, and I was inspired that I was relatively healthy, but specifically that I had legs that work without inturruption and with ease. I walked up the stairs and it was pleasing to me to be able to do this. God is awesome and even though I didn't have to think about firing specific neurons in my my brain to activate specific muscles, I still made it up the stpes and with relative ease This is amazing.

while sitting in my little cubicle, I was again amazed by God's great design. I am in a corner cube, adn have alot of windos around me. looking out, I see a firestation, some houses and some other businesses, as well as the little man-made pond with fountain in teh frint of the building I work. what a wonder these things are. specificaly water. water, is amazing. hydrogen and oxygen, yet in liquid. without being a chemist, and maybe there is scientific reason (haven't studied it yet), but in my little brain, I wonder why "hydro" isn't some kind of rocket fuel or combustable. any way, it is pretty too!

thanks for readin'

Was gone for a week...

2004-07-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

As some may know, I was gone for a week.

I was at the Church Of God Of Prophecy General Assembly, held in Kentucky. I didn't want to post much about what went on in the CPPA forums, because the CPPA is interdenominational, and I didn't want to start a thread that might be considered a schism, especially since I am a member of the national board of the CPPA; and I try to keep the forum as open and in union as possible with all the various "Christian" denominations.

firstly - I am not currently a member of the COGOP; though not for a lack of want to be. Before I get into the Assembly, i find that a bit of history is needed:

I had been part of a local church that untill a little over a year ago, was an independant, interdenominational church, associated with the Full Gospel Fellowship, Int. (IIRC). We didn't really have any "requirements" for membership, only that you were saved and that you attended that fellowship. so "membership" was not something that I was very acquainted with in teh local church. To me, membership, only meant that you alligned yourself with and dug-in and became a part of a local church.

I was, of course, acquainted with other major denominations and their Membership requirements, in my comparative religion srudioes. However, what I found in doing "field" research of these various denominations; I found that most of the time what was being taught and what was "lived" at the local church level, was something not exactly the same as the national and international level in those denominations and other sects (Christian and non-Christian).

God had lead our local independant church family to meet with and join with a local church that was COGOP, here in Des Moines. After much prayer and fasting, God had lead us to actually begin sharing the building and share some services. As time went on we felt God's moving us into more of a union and we eventually merged to one fellowship. We took on the name of the old church, while maintaining the link to, and heading of teh COGOP denomination - City Life Worship Center, a Ministry of Church of God of Prophecy.

This was a "God-thing". our leadership, complimented each other and the congregations/parishioners we open to recieving eachother as one body in one local church building. Unity. Much like my vision and what I work toward for the CPPA, there is an atmosphere and fellowship of unity, with no compromise of the Gospel of Christ. There was only really one issue that was kind of left open, and that was of "membership".

We really didn't talk much about membership since the merger, because the COGOP stand, above the local level, had some things that were limiting. Without getting too much into it, I will say that the issue has been resolved in several meetings at the assembly. Some traditions have been replaced by more biblical recommendations and the limitations are no longer. Essentially, if you are saved, you can join. The following can be found at the COGOP website, but I will quote it here,a nd is the recommendation that passed in the assembly meeting:

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

(Editorial Note: This recommendation supercedes all other previous Assembly rulings
concerning membership criteria in the Church of God of Prophecy.)
Church Membership Recommendation
We recommend the following concerning membership: In the New Testament, people
received the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ, were baptized in water and were
added to the Church (Acts 2:41-47; Acts 3:19; Romans 10:10). Furthermore, they were
expected to continue in a life of discipleship (Acts 2:42). Salvation is both instantaneous
(new birth, regeneration) and also the all-inclusive work of redemption, beginning with
regeneration and culminating with the glorified body (Hebrews 9:28). In the context of
the book of Acts and especially in the verses of them being "added to the church," the
instantaneous aspect of salvation is evident. Regarding the Church of God of Prophecy,
membership requirement should be an individual’s experience of salvation (which
includes repentance, denouncing and forsaking of sin) and their public commitment to the
church covenant. Membership in the Church denotes acceptance which is the basic need
of every new believer. Therefore as we minister to these people let us endeavor to give
them this sense of belonging.

In accordance with the New Testament pattern and principle, once a believer has been
received into the Church as a member, it is important that every pastor and church use
godly discernment in the discipleship process. Ongoing discipleship, nurturing and
discipline by the pastor and church are very important for those who become members
(Acts 16:4, 5; 1 Corinthians. 6:9-11). Henceforth, we further recommend that the general
church develop a program of extensive discipleship to help all our members mature in
Christ Jesus. This will require great wisdom and loving care by our leadership and
people as we continue in the Harvest.

-----

I won't get into everything here, since this is already turning into a "book", but I will say that these are exciting times and I believe that I am right where God wants me to be.

it's only been one day...

2004-07-09T05:13:00.000-07:00

WOW. Only one day since my last post in here, adn yet, I feel the need to write even more!

Because I am so involved in the CPPA, that particular subject is comming up again (sorry). A bit of background about the CPPA forums first: The CPPA forums are "shared" on the Paintmagazine.com forums. They are marked as such and as I have posted previously, I moderate them and with a strickter/different personal guideline than the other Paintmagazine (and other) forums I mod.

Okay - here goes... Seems that there is a couple folks (non-Christian) that feel that it is their right and apparently their "calling" to post their opinions on the CPPA forums threads. While this isn't necessarily a bad thing, the issue I have is that their posts are contoroversial and argument provoking.

I realize that "controversial and argument provoking" doesn't sound like a very definative or "bad" thing, but as founder of the CPPA and moderator of their forums, I am trying to establish more unity among the believers of the CPPA, and when these things come up, it only incites disharmony, and causes concentration on the little things that seperate.

I have emailed them in the past about their posts, but they insist on having a defined set of rules, or just ignore me. the problem is that they are not Christians and so saying that I am trying to promote unity doesn't mean anything to them. they feel that their logic and reason should prevail because they are right and we "religious" people are wasting our time with that religious stuff, because after all "we have evolved" past that need for the "religious crutch".

So, becase I delete posts and or threads, I am now called a "nazi", or that I am only there to spread propoganda, etc. Oh well, that really doesn't bother me so much as when they keep comming back and continue to cause disharmony. As I have said before, because of the goals and vision I have for the CPPA and my mod style, there has been a couple CPPA members that have quit the CPPA (though they still post in our forums for some reason).

It is interesting that we have other non-Christians that post and seem to "get it", while these don't. One particular person that is currently a professing (and practicing) "Pagan", and witch, seems to be one of the ones that does "get it" and his posts are respectful, understanding and though we don't agree with some things, they are posted in a way that is not argument provoking and disharmonious for teh rest of the CPPA/CHristians that are there.

Unfortunatley, this witch (said with respect and not disdain) seems to have more "Christian"-sense than some of the CHristians on the forums (not just the CPPA forums). I sometimes find myself praying that some of the Christian and non-CHristian posters would be more like him (at least in attitude, though not in theology).

More writing? (marriage and homosexuality)

2004-07-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

Recently, it has come to my attention that people actually are reading this stuff, and someone actually said that I haven't updated this blog for over a month, so here is an update:

Marriage is a religious institution. Marriage = one man and one woman.

The honorable Senator Hutchison (TX) said it on her website (http://hutchison.senate.gov/marriageamdt.htm), and I don't think I could have said it better, so I will just quote:

"Marriage laws have historically been the responsibility of state governments, and I generally oppose federal government intrusion into matters of state authority. Periodically, however, one state's action can have serious and far-reaching implications for other states, particularly because our Constitution requires states to give full faith and credit to the laws of other states.
In 1996, the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) defined marriage as only between a man and a woman. I voted for this federal law, and I continue to support it today because I believe the traditional family unit should remain the foundation of our society. The recent decision by a narrow majority of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court mandating same-sex marriage threatens to overturn DOMA nationwide and effectively make that single state's marriage policy the law of our entire country.
In response, Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO) has introduced S.J. Res. 30, the Federal Marriage Amendment, of which I am a co-sponsor. This bill would amend the Constitution to define marriage in the United States as consisting only of the union of a man and a woman. Currently, S.J. Res. 30 is under review by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. When this legislation comes before the full Senate for a vote, I intend to support its passage."

----

I believe homosexuality is a sin. The Bible is very clear on this subject. The weirdness comes in when the Christian is supposed to have tolorance (normally rendered, as acceptance) for these kinds of things.

NOT. tolorance does NOT equate acceptance. I can tolorate that a given person has sin in their life (heck, that wold be, well, everyone!). But that does NOT mean I have to accept that sin as normal or something that is considered "diverse". Bah.

diversity in age, and race, yes, but not when it comes to things that are, in my opinion immoral. I have several friends and acquaintences that are "out of the closet". I love them, and accept them, but I do NOT accept their sin. I love the person and eschew the sin.

on a different slant, I think that it is absolutely unaceptable that a "leader" in the church is allowed to continue to be a leader when he is living in sin AND there is no repentance. I don't knwo if that makes sence, but sometimes certain sins take a while to be freed from (without miraculous intervention from God).

The problem I have, and I think you know what I am talking abotu is when church leader proclaims that he is homosexual, and is not only proud of it, but has not taken any steps to free himself from this sin.

so, there ya go, several mini rants all in one blog! :-)

Forums and stuff...

2004-05-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

I frequent many forums on the internet and it gets kind of tiring at times. Part of the challenge for me is that I am a moderator at a couple of them. So, I try not to go to very many very often, just so I can keep track of what I do view.

Firstly is the CPPA forums at Paintmagazine.com. I am the POG KoTL, and so get to track the members list for the Palmer Owners Group. Because I am such a fan of the Palmers line of "custom" markers, This is not a very difficult task. The people that go there are mature and usually very well behaved. Because of the kind of markers and their pricetag, I suppose is what keeps the "kiddies" out.

There are young-uns there, believe me, but because of the factors mentioned, they are typically very mature.

I am the Moderator for the POG and CPPA forums (as well as for the entire of the Paintmagazine forums). Again because of the clientele, not much issue for the most part. As the Mod for the CPPA forums on that site, though I am much moire strick on what I do for moderating. So, I am much more liberal for the other paintmagazine forums. That does not mean I condone all those posts, but I do try to keep the peace.

I'll talk more about the CPPA forums after I mention the PBR forums...

I do frequent the PBR religion/philosophy forums at paintballreview. I do this for entertainment and to grow my experience with others that are theists and non-theists. For the most part, the posts there are pretty civil and mature. sometimes a "kid" will come in and try to raise a ruccus.

the mods do a great job at PBR, though so they don't last long. I try to keep my posts informative, and I try not to get on the defensive if I can help it. THe posts there are thought provoking at times, and humorous at other times. not that I am very funny, but somtimes, my attempt at brevity does work.

The main thing at PBR is that I am on a constant mental vigil so as to not give the wrong impression about who I am or what I believe. again, not defensive, but I do try to remain above reproach when I am being serious about a post. I enjoy the challenge now and again.

The CPPA forums... To me, this is a "refuge" of sorts. It is a forum for Christians and about CHristians and discussions for and about Christians. the main forum is mostly about paintball and the CPPA events and just plain fun, where I can "let my guard down" and be RP with the guys.

The Bible study forums are again a refuge. The CPPA is NOT a church or a denomination, but we do know that there are many denominations in teh CPPA ranks. As such, we know that we are all not going to agree. we are extremely civil in our discussions and when those things come up, we are very concious of othere CPPA members feelings and beliefs.

Most of those kinds of threads end in something about that we remain family in CHrist and that we agree to disagree. very civil and very upfront.

Well, at least that's how the CPPA forums used to be. There has been recently a non-believer that has been posting in our forums. a couple times early on in his first posts, there was some things posted that I felt was disrespectfull based ont eh fact that he was posting on a Christian forum.

He hasn't posted like that for a while, but he does remain to be active in causing dissent. in any other forum, this would be tolorated, after all his opinion is his opinion, right? yes, but in the CPPA forums, the Christian posters are there as that refuge that I mentioned. They dont' want to hav eto deal with non-believers that just want to argue about things.

Honestly, I don't place all teh blame on teh new posters either. there are some Christian posters in teh CPPA, that seem to want to keep those arguments alive. sometimes I think that it is better that some Christians just not say anything, rather than try to be defensive about some point that is irrelevant or has no priority.

In any case I have had to lock and delete some threads. I don't mind him asking questions in teh proper forum and with the proper respect, but the questions and comments seem to be only to get a "responce" from the "Christians". I have to draw a line. Sometimes it may be various places, but mostly because I get to the posted thread after the "damage" has been done already.

One thing I have decided to do is try to take a closer look at where that line is and try to keep it more Christian-based (at least in teh main forum) rather than allowing the non-Christian rhetoric, questions and badgering (even if it is unintentional, which I believe it mostly is).

I thnk that most of the CPPA Christians don't mind answering questions, as long as they are seeking information about CHristianity and not trying to make us defend ourselves. there are other forums for that - PBR for example.

in closing of this book-blog, I just want to say thnaks to all my CHristian CPPA friends. I leve you all and I pray for you daily. I would like to offer a suggestion to them that they please think about their posts before replying to something with a 'knee-jerk' reaction.\and to teh non-CHristinas that frequent the CPPA forums - you are welcome there.

Please keep in mind that it is a forum for and about CHristians. if you wnat to know more about CHristianity, there are other forums for that if you cant keep your questions and comments to information gathering and not to try to gain a reaction and argumentative posting.

the CPPA

2004-05-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

In the early 1990's, as I was getting back into the sport heavily (I started in the early '80's when it began, but was too expensive untill the water soluable mass produced paintballs came out - but this is another story), I noticed a trend that I didn't much care for.

That trend was that it was seemingly "kewl" to be "bad". I sought fellow "Christians" that would play paintball with me locally. Unfortunately, what I found was that there were none.

Actually, later I found out that there were some, but they didn't want to admit being "Christian" at the paintball field! This enfuriated me. It was more important to them to be "bad" and play paintball, than it was for them to even admit "Christianity" and be "good" with me, and be paintballers too.

I was praying during these months that this was not so at a more regional and national level than was shown here, locally. As an avid Internet user, I then began to read the news groups, websites and email lists about paintball even more, and especially directed my attention if there was any mention of religion and "Christianity".

After a couple years of searching in my spare time and also visiting many fields accross the midwest, I decided to do something about it.

in late 1995 or so, God laid a plan on my heart to create a "Christian" association for paintballers. The CPPA was born.

Using mostly the Internet, I began to try to recruite players around the globe, at least that was what God's plan was for me to do at the time. The CPPA was to be a catholic orginization, in that it was to be church/denomination inspecific, as long as Christ was center. I had a basic 3 point guideline:

1. The Deity of Christ
Jesus is God in flesh. The Doctrine of the deity of Christ includes: The Trinity - There is one God who exists in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are all coeternal, and of the same nature. Monotheism - There is only one God in all existence. The Hypostatic Union - That Jesus is both God and man.
2. Salvation by Grace
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast"

3. The Resurrection of Christ
"And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith" (1 Cor. 15:14). "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins" (1 Cor. 15:17). To deny the physical resurrection is to deny Jesus' work, sacrifice, and our resurrection.

In any case, what I found was that even the anonyminity of the Internet provided was not much to help the cause from 1996 untill 1999, there was not more than 20 members at any given time.
I had a website at my pentestone.com at the time and even though the member list was only made available to the members themselves, it was a struggle getting anyone to be listed.

My charter was very slim at the time. I only wanted to be able to have an organization that would be able to have impact on the paintball world so that being "bad" didn't hav eto be good.

During those years, it was apparent that being bad, wasn't good enough and bad turned to worse, when it was kewl to start being "evil". This really jerked my frustration level when I saw people at fields talking to each other in ways that they would never do on the street, let alone if their parents were there with them.

The advertising was starting to really bother me and starting in about '98, '99 or so, I began to be an active paintball advocate. Still in it's infancy, paintball was looked upon by the general public as people learning to shoot eachother, adn very paramilitary in nature.

I wrote articles. I took pictures. I wrote my state reps and congresspersons. I did whatever I could to help the sport grow. It was then that I started my equipment giveaways, in attempts to reach to the paintball community to show that you didn't have to be evil/bad to be good.

sometime in late '98, I basicaly gave up the Idea that anyone would even want to be a CPPA member and prayed alot. I didn't wnat to shut it down, but I didn't know what else to do. The market was inundated with evil and not very positive images of paintball. the fields seemed to be all "filthy", and the players seemed to care more for fitting in, than their relationship with God.

I contacted the remaining 12 or so of the CPPA members and asked them to pray that God would make plain His intent for this ministry and what He wanted to do with me. I recieved no responses from any of them.

I was sure I had heard from God and I was sure I KNEW that there was to be a CPPA. I was just failing horribly at making it go. I didn't know what to do, and just prayed more about it. THere was NO WAY ugly was going to win. even if I was the only member, I would do whatever it took to make sure that the "Christian" perspective was somehting to be reconed with in teh paintball community and industry.

I don't remember for sure How I met Chris, but that next year, in 1999, he asked me about the CPPA. Being discouraged and semi-embittered toward "Christian"-paintballers, I talked with him hesitantly.

He was (and still is) a bold "Christian" and even seemed to want to show that in his paintball play! this was AMAZING to me. he not only didn't like certain advertising, and products named after dark/evil, he told me that he wouldn't even purchase them, even if that meant that he couldn't play at the time!

Woot, woot, God lead a "brother" in Christ and Paintball to me!

After some initial emails, and conversations, he was talking about the CPPA as if it was a huge ministry and that it was an impactful group. I didn't want to discourage him, but I was honest with the currnet state of the association (one member, myself).

That didn't seem to matter to him, there was a fire and it was BLAZING. he then popped the question. Knowing that I was essentially just keeping it alive and not doing much else with it for well over a year, he asked to be President and take it over. Talking of plans on how to make it grow, plans for the future of paintball and plans for the future of Christian Paintball.

I was revived. I had just started my own company and didn't have time to do much work on it. So I agreed that he would take it over and I would remain the founder and be part of the national "board". The plans and vision refresh he brought was simply astounding to me. He was talking and I heard myself. it was exactly what God had spoken to me, those years ago.

The rest, as they say, is history...

caught up

2004-05-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

speakining/writing in terms of the hypothetical, in order to gain an understanding that, what I currently know could be wrong (The existance of God is a wholly seperate issue) - I am in one of two camps:

1. left on the earth - (assuming the more common pre-trib Rapture doctrine) I would probably have a bit of a challenge with my being left behind, and then I would then go about the business of being a zealot and extremist for God. (since I will probably get tortured and martyred anyway, might as well continue and go with a bang. I know that my faith would absolutely NOT be shaken, though)

2. taken - (again assuming a pre-trib rapture doctrine) I would have empathy/sympathy for those left. Since I would be in heaven at that time, I would not be alloweed to communicate to those on the earth, so I would make myself look to higher and better ways of living in a new and different real of existance.

Rapturists - Please do not take offence at what I am going to say (I hope that we can just agree to disagree). It is not meant to be offensive. It is my personal opinion and based on what I know from my own personal studies.

My stance on this whole subject (If I may stray from the actual topic a bit, though still remaining within the scope of the original thread) is that I personally have a problem with a god that would snatch "his people" from a world and a mess that, for the most part, they made for themselves, and almost litteraly "to hell" with the rest of the people.

I have always understood that God uses His Holy Spirit to lead an guide people. and that the removal of His Spirit would be extremely detramental to the psyche and fibre of the Human existence. So removing His "working agent" on teh earth, effectively removes grace and mercy.

Granted "in those days", the Gospel is to have reached everyone (litteraly) on the face of the planet and they will have "made their choice"; but The God I study is one of Grace, Mercy and lovingkindness for His "children". Yes disciplien too, but not punishment.

I just don't get some of the thought processes. In the "days of Noah", for example, it was the wicked that "went away" and the "rightious" (actually pure in lineage, but that is another topic) that "went through" a time of trouble (tribulation). There is another thought in that doctrine that is basically that when satan gets really mad, there will be this "great" tribulation, and nothing (not even God) can stop it. I don't see any precidence for this kind of thing, Biblicaly speaking. Isn't God more powerfull than that? I am not saying that we aren't having tribiulations or that there is not going to be tribulations.

I could be wrong in some of those thoughts; originally, I was raised in a fundamental Baptist church and "flying away to glory" was the topic of most sermons, especially if you didn't want to "get hit by a truck when you walked out the door"! So I think I know some about the doctrine.

If I remember correctly in my studies of the origination of the doctrine, it wasn't untill the early 1800's that this doctrine was even introduced, and I believe it was Scofield (sp?) that brought it to the US (otherwise was only known in Scotland, and parts of england, I believe). Sorry, I just can't see it happening.

As a matter of fact, this was a question on a final exam (the professor was a "rapturist") in one of my graduate classes in Christian education, and as I explained that I could find no definitive Biblical reference for this event (and gave my reasons and other information), I still aced the exam.

Because I had studied and had an answer based on facts that I had draw from the Bible and made my own conclusion, it was not counted incorrect. (the qestion asked for Bible references about the rapture - my answer said that there wasn't any) The rest of the class had quoted the typical scriptures that are used to defend the doctrine. I used those scriptures in exegetical expose to show that they had other contextual information.

I know that there are those that believe in a mid, post or even multiple "rapture" event(s), and I appologize for leaving out my personal comments about them, but the pre-trib is by far the most common of the view, and I think you can get the gist of what I am sayinhg, even if you disagree with me.

What do you think of 1 Thess 4:14-17 and 1 Cor. 15:51, 52?
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Okay, firstly le me say that when I quote a scripture, I will be using the NASB, since it is the version that is most widely accepted my theologans and Bible scholars as the more accurate translatory version. I will also be referencing some Koine Greek. I use a pretty standard Nestle-Aland (27th), wich is again th emore popular version used by theologans and Bible scholars. I have others If you want, but the basic foundation of the original Koine Greek is from the Stephens Textus Receptus (1550), so the morphological constraints are the same.

You are absolutely right in quoting I Thess. 4:17, since this is really the only accepted scripture used in justifying the "rapture doctrine". 1 cor. 15:51-52, is actually in reference to "the ressurection doctrine", not necessarily the same thing. let me explain further...

Firstly remember what I already said that previous to about the early 1800's, there was no rapture doctrine. Prior to that, those scriptures were also used in reference to the "ressurection".

Previous to the early 1800's, it was common that theologans believed that the church would go through many tribulations, including a "final" tribulation. and that there was no special escape-clause built in teh Word of God. St. Augastine wrote in reference to Daniel 12, "But he who reads this passage, even half asleep cannot fail to see that the kindom of antichrist shall fiercely, though for a short time, assail the church." ("The city of God").

John Wycliff said, "Wherefore let us pray to God that He keep us in the hour of temptation, which is comming upon all the world. ("Writings of the Reverend and Learned John Wycliff). John Calvin and Martin Luther had very similar things to say in some of their writings.

Anyone know who Dale Moody is? - "There is not a passage in the New testament to support Scofield. The call to John to 'come up hither' has reference to mystical ecstasy and not a pretribulation rapture." ("Spirit of the Living God"). I think I mentioned that it was Scofield that brought the doctrine to the US, didn't I?

Some other quotables that might be interesting to read, but that are not widely published: C.S.Lovette - "I no longer teach Christians they will not have to go through the tribulation". (PC, 1974) Billy Graham - "Perhaps the Holy Spirit is getting His church ready for a trial and tribulation such as the world has never known." (San Shoemakers, Under New management).

I am not sure if many know who Corrie TenBoom is, but here is what she had to say, "The rapture is a false teaching that Jesus warned us to expect in latter days." (Logos Journal, 1974)

The verses...
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13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.
18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
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Let's key in in verse 17, since that is the crucial Rapture verse of being caught up. Let me first reiterate that the word "rapture" is not found in the Bible anywhere. If you have studied rapturist doctrine you may say that the latin word rapio may be found. I will say, though that the original was written in Greek, not latin and that the latin translations (vulgate, especially) was translated from the textus receptus Greek! (besides the fact that the latin "rapio" actually translates to english as "rape". (to seize and to take by force).

The words used are caught up. in the Greek, there is no "up", just the word Harpadzo - to seize, to take, also translated as pluck, to make as one, or the lesser being invelloped by the greater and take by force, in other scriptures. There is no reference to flying away at this point. then we go further to read about clouds, translated elsewhere using the same greek word usage as meaning witnesses, or a multitude of witnesses.

Going further we read, to meet the Lord in the air. This air is the same greek word as air in many other scriptures, meaning the air you breath, or speak (aer) , the air the birds fly in (ouranos). the contexts and concepts with other scriptures using the same word is that we are in teh air when we speak to eachother (aer), the same word used in this scripture.

I dont' know if I am making any sence, since I am trying to be brief, and the doctrine has been "taught" to so many for so loong, and has been an accepted part of "Christianity" for a long time, it is difficult to keep an open mind and not believe in something and then find a scripture to back it up!

okay - back to it (I'll explain as I go)... Verse 13 is primarily about the departed/dead "saints" in Christ. it is saying that you should not grieve like teh ones that have no hope (teh saducees didn't believe in teh ressurection, the pharasies did). No hope in teh ressurection. verse 14 - yup, I think that all "Christians" can agree that Jesus Died and rose again. Those that are dead in Christ will have a ressurection.

on to verse 15 - talking about Bible believers, we won't have any advantage or preceed teh dead (in Christ). verse 16, teh lord himself will decend from heaven (according to Acts 1:11, he will return in like manner as he left. He went from earth to heaven, so he will come directlyl from heaven to earth. no rapture back to heaven and then later a third comming) - anyway to go further we still are talking about the ressurection (anistemi), a the trumpet call of God.

then we go back to my breakdown of verse 17 above. - which is also in reference to the ressurrection as in 1 cor. 15:51-52. and so we shal be with the lord (forever) in the air, on this earth. - then the final bit about reassuring eachother (believers) with these words about the ressurection.

Many non-rapturists believe that harpadzo can be translated as "made one". with that kind of meaning and context such that we would be made one with Christ, speaking of simple unity, adn answering the prayer of Jesus in John 17:21-23:
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21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.
22 “The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one;
23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved me.
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Then, it was posed to me:
Plz provide proof that the rapture is a lie.....
If u can i will personally eat my HAT...and show pictures....

"Prove"? how? I am not sure what you are asking. what could I write in a post that would "prove" to you that there is no rapture?

I could list some "big name" theologeans that don't believe in it. I could tell you where research has shown where it started. I could give dates of about when it came to the United States and by what people, and could show you some Greek studies of context, but the bottom line is that you would have to believe me or - do some research on your own and study it out for yourself (with no preconcieved ideas of making a scripture fit a doctrine, rather than having a doctrine based on scriptures that compare and confirm with other scriptures.) - oh, wait - I already did some of that.

I don't think I will try any more than I already have. I don't think that anything I post will make a difference.

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Jesus said in John 17:15 - I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
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Just because I don't believe in the rapture doctrine does not mean I would make fun of, or put down someone who does (especially because, years ago, I used to believe in it as well, and know exactly where they are comming from). I try to explain the best I can and with as much non-alienationing (is that a word) as I can. To me, this is a non-direct-soteriological issue, and should not be a reason for seperation.

Revelation 7:9-14
9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;
10 and they cry out with a loud voice, saying,
“Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,
12 saying,
"Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?”
14 I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

First the scriptures in reference to might, or might not have the same “meaning” for some as they do for me. I guess, I am of the camp that context has something to do with the reference and that the scriptures were not initially “cut-up” into verses and sub-topics (as many Bible version now do).

For example, the Bible version I quoted above makes a topical separation between verses 8 and 9 (previous verses topic called “A remnant of Israel”, and the topic of the verses you quote – “A multitude from the tribulation”). I personally, try to “block” out all those non-biblical and not-in-the-original, topics when reading and studying, since they are not God’s word.

In any case, verse 9 says “after these things”; after what things? It is pretty obvious to me that it is talking about the previous section of the written text, so I do happen to hold that the “multitude which no one could count” is the same as the peoples listed in the tribes in the previous verses.

Then it seems that you key in on verse 14, in that these (whoever we may decide they are) are the “raptured” ones. I am going to have to disagree with your analysis. Based on several studies, and in contextual reference, and the following verses, make it pretty clear that these folks are at that location for the described event, but nothing more, other than they have gone through at least some kind of hardship at one point or another.

(Oh, and on a rabbit trail, the number 144,000 may not even be an actual physical number, but more of a numerological representation. 12x12x1,000 – 12 representing God’s divine order and the number 1,000 representing multitudes, or even any “large” number – again, a different topic)

Back to the ones that have “come out of” the tribulation. Firstly, I would like to mention that the word tribulation isn’t even there in the Greek (as in other scriptures). Rather it references a harassment, or affliction, or if you want to be literal, it could also be referring to a squashing with pressure.

I believe it is being figurative in the word usage and thus an affliction or hardship. Of course it is used in descriptive terms with “megales”, from the root – “megas” (Greek), meaning heavy, or powerful or just plain great. So – a powerful affliction or a lot of troubles and hardships.

I still don’t see a correlation of the “coming out” of this trouble and a catching/snatching away, as in the rapture teachings. There is no precedent. The scriptures are simply stating that there is a group of people (again, whoever that may be), that will come out of a time of trouble. To me, there is connotation of this group having been through troubled times and not being raptured, or escaping from it.

The scripture can just as easily be saying (as I believe), that these people, who have been through some hardships and troubling times, now are at this location and event, that is being described, there is nothing spectacular or clearly evident that is referencing a physical removal from the troubles and placing them in this location. The word usage is not the same as elsewhere in the Bible, as in the 8th chapter of Acts when Philip was “snatched” away and he found himself in a different location.

I am not here to dissuade anyone; only to express my understanding and feelings of the subject. I had answered many emails already, but since it was posted publicly, I replied in like fashion. I don’t believe the given scriptures, taken in context, are representative in any way of God “snatching”, or transfiguring, or metamorphosing anyone.

And for the “multitude” (pun intended – hehehee) of emails asking me to prove the rapture will not happen, I can give some, but be aware that, again, I am not trying to dissuade anyone, just responding to questions. I believe that it is up to us to use our free-will to choose what we want to believe:
• Luke 17:26, 27, 34-36 – The righteous were prepared and went through the troubles, they were not translated out of them.
• Matt. 13:24-30, 37-43 – the tares were destroyed, the wheat remained.
• Matt. 13:47-50 – good remained, bad tossed.
• Psalm 125:1, 2 Cor. 9:9
• Prov. 2:21-22, Psalm 145:20, 2 peter 3:7
• Prov 10:30, 11:31
• Psalm 108:8, 119:119
• Prov. 25:4-5, Isa. 5:24, 29:5
• Job 21:18, 38:13, Heb. 12:27
• Mal. 4:1, Psalm 23:4-5
• John 17:15, Psalm 37:29
• Ezek. 9:4-6, Rev. 9:4
• Isa. 1:28, 13:9, 43:2
Are just some examples.

This topic could be discussed on many sides and until Jesus returns (do we all agree He is returning at one point or another?!) and even then, some would still probably disagree. The pre, mid, post and even multi rapture teachings are argued (unfortunately) a lot among Christians and are as volatile a topic as the Creation vs. Evolution topic on other forums and web sites.

my online journal...

2004-05-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

I am hoping that this will be something that is easy for me to continue. There are many times that I wnat to write down my experiences and thoughts on a matter, but never actually find the time. I am, however, nearly always at a computer that is on teh internet and so I should be able to do this at a moments notice.

PBIF=Paintball is Fun!!!

Oh, and one more thing... I want this to remain informal for me and so I may not always spell and grammer check every post. so please forgive me ahead of time.