No, not a spending spree on fun and toys.
Let's talk about our situation. Several months ago, our dryer went out, so we are using Evan's from when he had his own place (and it has been in storage). Then, our refrigerator went out a couple weeks ago, and Shawn and Crystal let us borrow their extra fridge which was in their garage. Then, last Thursday the washer went out.
Saturday evening, we took a little shopping trip over to Lowe's. We had a 10% off coupon, and Sondra was just approved for credit there. As we drove, we discussed our choices and decided to get only a washer for the time being.
To make a long story short, we ended up looking at washers and picking one out. Then, to have the dryer to match, we made that selection. Before we left, we ambled over by the refrigerators and found one we liked. Sondra talked and talked to the salesman about discounts and holiday deals and such. The salesman was friendly and wanted to help us, so he contacted his manager. She approved a 20% discount on the complete sale of the three items.
We got a deal. We are scheduled to have them delivered tomorrow (Tuesday). Sondra is happy. I guess I'm happy too.....ha ha.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Yes, I Must Respond
My friend, who continues to challenge my thinking in Christian terms, has come up with a new one for me. He said one of his favorite books is the Queen Jane's Version of the Bible. I must confess that I have never heard of the Queen Jane's Version of the Bible. I will certainly check into this version. In a recent blog, this friend entered a quote from Queen Jane's Version of Matthew 7:12:
I can sum up this whole thing by reciting the "Golden Rule" of the prophets: "Treat others like you want them to treat you," for it embodies the give-and-take by which people really get along in this world, the rule of the natural society in which humankind has learned what it takes for people to coexist with each other, with or without laws, civil or 'divine'.
First, the Golden Rule is definitively and truly for believers and followers of Jesus Christ. For a non-Christian to invent their interpretation of the Golden Rule is quite silly, actually. It would be crazy for me to take a Richard Dawkins book on atheism and make some Christian version from it. It is quite incongruous.
Secondly, the Christian life is most assuredly not to be a "give and take" lifestyle. The Bible tells us to give, and then to give, and then to give some more to the point of pure sacrifice. I have yet to hear of an atheist who gave up all to his cause, to give up all his/her wealth and possessions to philanthropy to spread the philosophy of secularism. On another note of "give and take," it almost sounds like compromise is necessary to live life. Compromise has no place in the Christian faith.
Thirdly, people do not get along in this world by the "give and take" way of life. It is by force and by intention to get, not give. Look at the news, and tell me what percentage of the stories is about giving and what percentage is about greed and fraud and stealing and taking. It is true of the majority of our world that they continue to say, "I want all I can get."
Fourth, the rule of natural society has not done well in helping solve national and international crises over the centuries. Only in societies in which a Christian basis is found, will there be any type of growth in the society of self-worth and personal accountability for the assistance to the unfortunate. Secular society attempts to help the underprivileged but finds a lack of efficiency and a greater opportunity for corruption. The church and the followers of Christ usually do a much better job in times of crisis, as there is no overhead and no governmental bureaucracy to hold back the help.
I am not offended by the verses mentioned above. They just have no merit.
I can sum up this whole thing by reciting the "Golden Rule" of the prophets: "Treat others like you want them to treat you," for it embodies the give-and-take by which people really get along in this world, the rule of the natural society in which humankind has learned what it takes for people to coexist with each other, with or without laws, civil or 'divine'.
First, the Golden Rule is definitively and truly for believers and followers of Jesus Christ. For a non-Christian to invent their interpretation of the Golden Rule is quite silly, actually. It would be crazy for me to take a Richard Dawkins book on atheism and make some Christian version from it. It is quite incongruous.
Secondly, the Christian life is most assuredly not to be a "give and take" lifestyle. The Bible tells us to give, and then to give, and then to give some more to the point of pure sacrifice. I have yet to hear of an atheist who gave up all to his cause, to give up all his/her wealth and possessions to philanthropy to spread the philosophy of secularism. On another note of "give and take," it almost sounds like compromise is necessary to live life. Compromise has no place in the Christian faith.
Thirdly, people do not get along in this world by the "give and take" way of life. It is by force and by intention to get, not give. Look at the news, and tell me what percentage of the stories is about giving and what percentage is about greed and fraud and stealing and taking. It is true of the majority of our world that they continue to say, "I want all I can get."
Fourth, the rule of natural society has not done well in helping solve national and international crises over the centuries. Only in societies in which a Christian basis is found, will there be any type of growth in the society of self-worth and personal accountability for the assistance to the unfortunate. Secular society attempts to help the underprivileged but finds a lack of efficiency and a greater opportunity for corruption. The church and the followers of Christ usually do a much better job in times of crisis, as there is no overhead and no governmental bureaucracy to hold back the help.
I am not offended by the verses mentioned above. They just have no merit.
Taxes
I just finished doing our taxes, and also doing taxes for our son Evan. He hates filling out forms. It is much easier for me, anyway. Thankfully, we are receiving a some refund this year. We sure need it! Now our washing machine just went out yesterday. We have had little trouble in the past years, so it is time. We get old, and our household items get old too! They wear out just like we do.....ha ha.
This tax season reminds me of an old cartoon I saw in a paper many years ago. It showed a little wimpy salesman in a Dallas bar. He was being held up by his shoulders with his feet off the ground, being lifted high by a big, burly, mean-faced cowboy with boots and buckle and all. The caption under the cartoon box was the words of the salesman protesting loudly: "I said, 'I hate taxes!'" If I have to explain this to you, it's not funny anymore.
Last Tuesday, we had a good visit with David and Charity (and Hayden and the twins - Josiah and Gideon). We got to see their new home they moved into last August. It's a very cute house not too far from Cal Baptist. We ate pizza and had a nice time with them. Wow, I can just imagine how tiring David and Charity can get, with a two year old and new twins! They seem to be managing well, however. Charity is not teaching now, being a full-time mom.
Wednesday evening our church service was Week Seven of the Truth Project. The topic was sociology and God's plan for the family and society. It was a very powerful and moving presentation. Most of the time, a DVD is very informative and using the teaching method of sharing. This time, the teaching was more in the mode of preaching and expository language. Excellent night.
At work, we are gearing up for more work and the processing of thousands of forms for the Census. It is now becoming a very busy time. I continue to share my faith and life story with many of my co-workers, and it has been an awesome time of being in the workplace.
Last night, we went out to Benihana's restaurant nearby. I am continuing to get free offers from places that I registered for when it was my birthday earlier this month. Benihana's gave me a coupon for $30 off my meal, so me and Sondra and Bailey (Shawn and Crystal were having company over) and also Alden went to eat. Bailey thought is was fun to watch the chef cook in front of us on his grill. Towards the end of the meal, a lady stopped by and tapped me on the shoulder. He looked at me and said, "Pastor Galen, I just wanted to say hi. My name is Sonia and I used to work at Coronado. I want to introduce you to my husband, as we just got married today." It still amazes me how the web of relationships continues even in the most unlikely places and times.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Tuesday Visit
We are excited about going over to David and Charity's house this evening. They just had twins not too long ago, and we wanted to spend time with them. For those of you who don't know, David is my nephew and son of my brother John. David and Charity surprised us this past Sunday by showing up at our church for worship. What a delight and what a special time after the service.
Sunday was also our annual Youth Sunday. The youth led the entire time of worship. One of the youth pastors (Jack Shelton) led us in the Lord's Supper. The other co-youth pastor (Jacob Stoutenburg) is a senior at California Baptist University, and he brought the morning message. It was his first sermon. We will be ordaining him the Sunday following his graduation in two months.
Saturday, we took care of grandbaby Bailey. Then we met Shawn and Crystal at Richie's Diner in Rancho Cucamonga for dinner. Alden was with us as well, and we had a wonderful time of eating and watching Bailey get the attention of all the others there at the restaurant.
Last Friday evening, I took my friend Jim Lunak (one of the volunteer pastors at our church) to LAX (the Los Angeles International Airport). He is taking a week of vacation to be with his wife in Williams, British Columbia. As of this point in time, she is unable to cross the border because of paperwork problems, as she is a Canadian citizen. Since the 9/11 tragedy, there are some harsh restrictions to those coming across the border even if they are married to an American citizen. Anyway, this is a special time for them and I will pick him up this next Sunday evening.
Sondra is off-track from her tutoring job at the school where she used to teach before retiring from full-time education work. I took fingerprint training for my job at the US Census Bureau and used that training to do fingerprinting on some new hires for the Census recently.
Sunday was also our annual Youth Sunday. The youth led the entire time of worship. One of the youth pastors (Jack Shelton) led us in the Lord's Supper. The other co-youth pastor (Jacob Stoutenburg) is a senior at California Baptist University, and he brought the morning message. It was his first sermon. We will be ordaining him the Sunday following his graduation in two months.
Saturday, we took care of grandbaby Bailey. Then we met Shawn and Crystal at Richie's Diner in Rancho Cucamonga for dinner. Alden was with us as well, and we had a wonderful time of eating and watching Bailey get the attention of all the others there at the restaurant.
Last Friday evening, I took my friend Jim Lunak (one of the volunteer pastors at our church) to LAX (the Los Angeles International Airport). He is taking a week of vacation to be with his wife in Williams, British Columbia. As of this point in time, she is unable to cross the border because of paperwork problems, as she is a Canadian citizen. Since the 9/11 tragedy, there are some harsh restrictions to those coming across the border even if they are married to an American citizen. Anyway, this is a special time for them and I will pick him up this next Sunday evening.
Sondra is off-track from her tutoring job at the school where she used to teach before retiring from full-time education work. I took fingerprint training for my job at the US Census Bureau and used that training to do fingerprinting on some new hires for the Census recently.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Two Fellowships
Here are two categories of fellowships. Which one do you fall in?
______________________________
FELLOWSHIP OF THE ATHEISTS
Dr. Jess Moody is a famous preacher that we met at Glorieta more than once. Sondra and I were even invited to join him for a chat in his cabin there one evening many years ago. He once wrote the following words that give a sobering view of atheism:
"What do aged atheists have to talk about, as they sit around waiting to die?
Do they discuss the legacy of morality, decency, integrity, and spiritual sensitivity they have given to their children? Or the good atheism has done the world: the hospitals, orphanages, and the elevation of women...? And when the sun is sinking low, and when the conversation for the wheelchair atheist begins to lull, they can joyously contemplate their future.
There is so much for an aged atheist to look forward to."
______________________________
FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNASHAMED
I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotion, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me…my banner will be clear!"
Source: Dr. Robert Moorehead
______________________________
FELLOWSHIP OF THE ATHEISTS
Dr. Jess Moody is a famous preacher that we met at Glorieta more than once. Sondra and I were even invited to join him for a chat in his cabin there one evening many years ago. He once wrote the following words that give a sobering view of atheism:
"What do aged atheists have to talk about, as they sit around waiting to die?
Do they discuss the legacy of morality, decency, integrity, and spiritual sensitivity they have given to their children? Or the good atheism has done the world: the hospitals, orphanages, and the elevation of women...? And when the sun is sinking low, and when the conversation for the wheelchair atheist begins to lull, they can joyously contemplate their future.
There is so much for an aged atheist to look forward to."
______________________________
FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNASHAMED
I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotion, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me…my banner will be clear!"
Source: Dr. Robert Moorehead
Thursday, March 18, 2010
It's Thursday
Not much happens on Thursdays, so I thought I would write some thoughts down quickly tonight.
This past Monday, I was over at Coronado Stone manufacturing plant to do some inspections of the houses and rooms for the Clean and Sober Living Program. I am so blessed to be able to share in the lives of these men who have been paroled from state prisons and are finding joy and hope in life again. On Wednesday, I did the morning devotional at the plant. My short message was about the "in between times" of life. We have starting points and ending points in the chapters of our lives, and sometimes we struggle in those "in between times." However, when God is with us, those are the times we see the presence of God, the power of God and especially the miracles of God.
Sondra's brother, Alden, is getting much better physically. Tuesday, Sondra took him to VA Loma Linda and he got a primary doctor assigned, and was even able to get a checkup that very day. His bronchitis is fading. His strength has not returned, but all in good time. He seems to be feeling better about life and is looking online for trucking jobs around here. At this moment, he and Sondra are out getting groceries. His appetite is returning, which is a good sign. He went to church with us last night.
I am still working for the US Census Bureau and continue to get questions and comments from others about the "intrusion" of the government with the census. I am amazed at the lack of understanding about this constitutional requirement in which the Census Bureau is bound by law to never reveal any personal information to any other agency (government or otherwise) by threat of prison and fines. I think it will be interesting to see the shifts in population in many areas of America these past 10 years.
Anyway, I am enjoying working in the head office for Riverside county. They asked me the other day if I would come in at 7am instead of 8am, so I immediately said yes because I can go home an hour earlier!
Last night at church, we watched the video on "God and History" in our Truth Project series. It was fascinating to me, as it reviewed the history of our nation from the time of the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth, Massachusetts. Last summer, Sondra and I did a lot of walking and reading and tours through the Boston area as well as Providence, Rhode Island. These are sites which have so much history about the desire of the earliest settlers to come and propagate their faith in the Almighty and thereby do the will of God. There has been quite a bit of revisionism in the textbooks of America about the founding fathers and religion.
The latest on my personal health is good. I had a doctor's appointment last month and several tests were run. The cardiologist reviewed my case and has taken me off the meds for atrial fibrillation now. I will continue my Coumadin (blood thinner) for four months and see how I am doing then. Several days ago, I received a letter from my doctor with my other blood test results. The following tests were all "normal" at this time: hemoglobin level, white blood cell count, sodium level, potassium level, liver enzymes, kidney function, total cholesterol (135), HDL (good cholesterol) was almost on target (38 where normal is greater than 40), triglyceride level was normal, LDL (bad cholesterol) was excellent (75 with goal of under 100). I also had a heart ultrasound ECHO with results showing normal heart wall motion and function.
Next month I will have a dematology appointment to look at some skin lesions, and then a few days later I will have an overnight study for sleep apnea.
Lastly, Shawn and Crystal had a spare refrigerator in their garage, one that Shawn had for some time when he was single. They are letting us borrow it until we figure out what we are going to buy. So, at least we have something to keep our food cold and frozen as needed. Shawn brought it over and took our old one out. It was a lot of work, so we took them (with Bailey of course) to dinner at Claim Jumper.
This past Monday, I was over at Coronado Stone manufacturing plant to do some inspections of the houses and rooms for the Clean and Sober Living Program. I am so blessed to be able to share in the lives of these men who have been paroled from state prisons and are finding joy and hope in life again. On Wednesday, I did the morning devotional at the plant. My short message was about the "in between times" of life. We have starting points and ending points in the chapters of our lives, and sometimes we struggle in those "in between times." However, when God is with us, those are the times we see the presence of God, the power of God and especially the miracles of God.
Sondra's brother, Alden, is getting much better physically. Tuesday, Sondra took him to VA Loma Linda and he got a primary doctor assigned, and was even able to get a checkup that very day. His bronchitis is fading. His strength has not returned, but all in good time. He seems to be feeling better about life and is looking online for trucking jobs around here. At this moment, he and Sondra are out getting groceries. His appetite is returning, which is a good sign. He went to church with us last night.
I am still working for the US Census Bureau and continue to get questions and comments from others about the "intrusion" of the government with the census. I am amazed at the lack of understanding about this constitutional requirement in which the Census Bureau is bound by law to never reveal any personal information to any other agency (government or otherwise) by threat of prison and fines. I think it will be interesting to see the shifts in population in many areas of America these past 10 years.
Anyway, I am enjoying working in the head office for Riverside county. They asked me the other day if I would come in at 7am instead of 8am, so I immediately said yes because I can go home an hour earlier!
Last night at church, we watched the video on "God and History" in our Truth Project series. It was fascinating to me, as it reviewed the history of our nation from the time of the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth, Massachusetts. Last summer, Sondra and I did a lot of walking and reading and tours through the Boston area as well as Providence, Rhode Island. These are sites which have so much history about the desire of the earliest settlers to come and propagate their faith in the Almighty and thereby do the will of God. There has been quite a bit of revisionism in the textbooks of America about the founding fathers and religion.
The latest on my personal health is good. I had a doctor's appointment last month and several tests were run. The cardiologist reviewed my case and has taken me off the meds for atrial fibrillation now. I will continue my Coumadin (blood thinner) for four months and see how I am doing then. Several days ago, I received a letter from my doctor with my other blood test results. The following tests were all "normal" at this time: hemoglobin level, white blood cell count, sodium level, potassium level, liver enzymes, kidney function, total cholesterol (135), HDL (good cholesterol) was almost on target (38 where normal is greater than 40), triglyceride level was normal, LDL (bad cholesterol) was excellent (75 with goal of under 100). I also had a heart ultrasound ECHO with results showing normal heart wall motion and function.
Next month I will have a dematology appointment to look at some skin lesions, and then a few days later I will have an overnight study for sleep apnea.
Lastly, Shawn and Crystal had a spare refrigerator in their garage, one that Shawn had for some time when he was single. They are letting us borrow it until we figure out what we are going to buy. So, at least we have something to keep our food cold and frozen as needed. Shawn brought it over and took our old one out. It was a lot of work, so we took them (with Bailey of course) to dinner at Claim Jumper.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Very Personal
This is a hard blog to write.
We had been communicating by phone lately with Sondra's oldest brother (Alden), who lives in Bakersfield. He is going through some very extreme personal turmoil. He has not worked much these past couple of years. He is 58 years old, a truck driver who has had some physical problems develop, diabetes one of several.
Due to lack of income and some poor personal choices, he has been evicted from his apartment. His car broke down. He became very ill because of the cold weather, as he lived in his car for two weeks. His stress level has been expectedly high. He was divorced some years ago, and he has been somewhat estranged from his adult children. He had even unknowingly cut himself off from his brothers and sisters by being hard to contact by phone. He had stopped going to church faithfully and was floundering inside.
For these last couple of weeks, he has been literally crying out for help. We were at a loss to know exactly how to help. None of us had the kind of money needed to totally get him back on his feet. And, furthermore, money was not the answer to his problem. He was a broken man, feeling lost and desperate and (in his mind) with no one to help.
Then, Friday, we got a call that Alden was in the hospital. Many thoughts raced through our heads. I called church people to take over the Sunday service, as we were not sure what we would be facing as we planned to drive up to Bakersfield that night (Friday). We arrived and stayed at Danny and Marci's house (Sondra's brother and sister-in-law), getting there just before midnight. We found out Alden had been admitted to the hospital because of respiratory issues, but the ER physicians were first concerned about heart attack symptoms.
Alden was released from the hospital, diagnosed with a very serious case of bronchitis. He had gone back to the Motel 6 where he had a room, one paid for by a dear friend a few days earlier. Saturday morning, Danny and Sondra and I went to the motel to pick him up. We had discussed at length what steps to take. We were (and still are) not sure, but we knew he was in a very fragile condition emotionally, mentally and physically.
I was not ready for what I saw when we picked him up. He was a sad, lonely, hurting man who was glad to see us. He was hunched over with pain and uncertainty, as he was helping to put his homeless belongings into Danny's truck. This was not the Alden I have known all my life, as he is an intelligent individual who knows trucking and computers. It was the depths of despair for him at this point.
We all went out to lunch together, with Alice and Tobey joining us (Sondra's youngest sister and her husband who also live in Bakersfield). Back at Danny's house, we found out that Alden had not been given the meds he needed for the bronchitis. He was weak and coughing and in bad condition still, even though released from hospital care. No hospital or pharmacy (and we went to four places in our search) would fill his prescription as he was not registered with them and had no health insurance to cover it. He does have veterans care, but Bakersfield's VA clinic is closed over the weekends.
Sondra and I made the decision to bring him home with us. I knew I could take him to the VA hospital in Loma Linda near us to get his meds. We drove home late Saturday evening. He brought two bags, one with clothes and the other containing his C-pap machine for breathing at night due to sleep apnea. We dropped Sondra off at home, and Alden and I went straight to VA. Due to God's good timing, there was someone at the VA hospital that could put Alden's number in the system for him to get his meds there (as he had gone to the VA hospital in Sepulveda in the past). Late Saturday evening, I arrived back home with Alden.
As I had already lined up those to lead the Sunday service, I felt compelled to stay with Alden all day Sunday. We were all drained, emotionally and physically. We were just wore out from facing the situation and making hard decisions. Late getting up, we had breakfast. Then, early in the afternoon we all took time for a long necessary nap. Then, Sondra cooked a big meal and we sat and had a wonderful time eating together Sunday night.
Evan always has a busy weekend and stays with friends most weekends. So, it was just me and Sondra and Alden yesterday (Sunday). We are not sure what the future holds. But we do know that we made the right decision to bring Alden here. What happens now remains to be seen. Alden is in much better spirits, having a warm place to sleep and healthy meals to share with family. He is still quite weak, and we are waiting for the antibiotics to kick in and bring back his health.
We help others. Now it is time to help a family member who has experienced deep troubles. Alden is homeless, jobless, with no transportation and no funds. Things can only get better!
As for us, our refrigerator just went out. Bad timing. But we praise God for his infinite goodness as we look to the days ahead.
We had been communicating by phone lately with Sondra's oldest brother (Alden), who lives in Bakersfield. He is going through some very extreme personal turmoil. He has not worked much these past couple of years. He is 58 years old, a truck driver who has had some physical problems develop, diabetes one of several.
Due to lack of income and some poor personal choices, he has been evicted from his apartment. His car broke down. He became very ill because of the cold weather, as he lived in his car for two weeks. His stress level has been expectedly high. He was divorced some years ago, and he has been somewhat estranged from his adult children. He had even unknowingly cut himself off from his brothers and sisters by being hard to contact by phone. He had stopped going to church faithfully and was floundering inside.
For these last couple of weeks, he has been literally crying out for help. We were at a loss to know exactly how to help. None of us had the kind of money needed to totally get him back on his feet. And, furthermore, money was not the answer to his problem. He was a broken man, feeling lost and desperate and (in his mind) with no one to help.
Then, Friday, we got a call that Alden was in the hospital. Many thoughts raced through our heads. I called church people to take over the Sunday service, as we were not sure what we would be facing as we planned to drive up to Bakersfield that night (Friday). We arrived and stayed at Danny and Marci's house (Sondra's brother and sister-in-law), getting there just before midnight. We found out Alden had been admitted to the hospital because of respiratory issues, but the ER physicians were first concerned about heart attack symptoms.
Alden was released from the hospital, diagnosed with a very serious case of bronchitis. He had gone back to the Motel 6 where he had a room, one paid for by a dear friend a few days earlier. Saturday morning, Danny and Sondra and I went to the motel to pick him up. We had discussed at length what steps to take. We were (and still are) not sure, but we knew he was in a very fragile condition emotionally, mentally and physically.
I was not ready for what I saw when we picked him up. He was a sad, lonely, hurting man who was glad to see us. He was hunched over with pain and uncertainty, as he was helping to put his homeless belongings into Danny's truck. This was not the Alden I have known all my life, as he is an intelligent individual who knows trucking and computers. It was the depths of despair for him at this point.
We all went out to lunch together, with Alice and Tobey joining us (Sondra's youngest sister and her husband who also live in Bakersfield). Back at Danny's house, we found out that Alden had not been given the meds he needed for the bronchitis. He was weak and coughing and in bad condition still, even though released from hospital care. No hospital or pharmacy (and we went to four places in our search) would fill his prescription as he was not registered with them and had no health insurance to cover it. He does have veterans care, but Bakersfield's VA clinic is closed over the weekends.
Sondra and I made the decision to bring him home with us. I knew I could take him to the VA hospital in Loma Linda near us to get his meds. We drove home late Saturday evening. He brought two bags, one with clothes and the other containing his C-pap machine for breathing at night due to sleep apnea. We dropped Sondra off at home, and Alden and I went straight to VA. Due to God's good timing, there was someone at the VA hospital that could put Alden's number in the system for him to get his meds there (as he had gone to the VA hospital in Sepulveda in the past). Late Saturday evening, I arrived back home with Alden.
As I had already lined up those to lead the Sunday service, I felt compelled to stay with Alden all day Sunday. We were all drained, emotionally and physically. We were just wore out from facing the situation and making hard decisions. Late getting up, we had breakfast. Then, early in the afternoon we all took time for a long necessary nap. Then, Sondra cooked a big meal and we sat and had a wonderful time eating together Sunday night.
Evan always has a busy weekend and stays with friends most weekends. So, it was just me and Sondra and Alden yesterday (Sunday). We are not sure what the future holds. But we do know that we made the right decision to bring Alden here. What happens now remains to be seen. Alden is in much better spirits, having a warm place to sleep and healthy meals to share with family. He is still quite weak, and we are waiting for the antibiotics to kick in and bring back his health.
We help others. Now it is time to help a family member who has experienced deep troubles. Alden is homeless, jobless, with no transportation and no funds. Things can only get better!
As for us, our refrigerator just went out. Bad timing. But we praise God for his infinite goodness as we look to the days ahead.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The Truth Project and Science
For the past two Wednesday evenings, the topic of discussion and presentation in our Truth Project study has been the area of science. We are reminded that science has never been exact and never will be. New discoveries are made continuously, and those discoveries continue to make past scientific facts untrue. Whether it was that the world was round, or that one scientist ages ago said there were only 1,000 stars in the heavens, or whether the way to release disease was to bleed the patient out. So, science moves forward with new discoveries. It is never perfect and is therefore ultimately unreliable.
One of the interesting things is that the new discoveries only help to support the Biblical truths and beliefs about this world. Darwin, Sagan and Dawkins have all come to the conclusion that they will never know how "stuff" (anything that is tangible to touch) came about. What is the beginning of all? Where did the first molecule come from? No answer at all, outside the realm of Intelligent Design, and we know that truth as God the Creator.
I reminded those present at church last night that, the ones who are believers in Darwinism and molecular evolution cling to a theory. A theory is something that has not yet been proved! So, they have a belief system in a theory. That is their faith to hang on to; that is, to something that has not and cannot be proved.
The Christian worldview is that God spoke everything into existence. It takes faith to believe that. It is a belief system that is supported by everything in existence.
So, the Christians and atheists both have competing faith issues. It takes just as much faith to believe that man's ancestors came from monkeys, as it takes just as much faith to believe that God created man in the beginning. Who is right? Whose belief system stays static and never changes. Whose belief system changes with each new discovery, and then new statements are needed and framed to make the fresh discoveries fit a certain theory? That is the difference between Christianity and secularists.
Why is this important? Because if there is no God, we have a vacuum for our understanding of morals and values and ethics. How do we know right from wrong? Without God and letting science be our guide, the strong survive and the weak fail. So, in secularism, right and wrong has to be determined by those who have the most power and strength, not the ones with a conscience and supernatural moral guide. We, as believers in the God of creation and life, hold to a higher standard of rightness and to a higher moral code. How does one be good without God? How do you explain that? Again, how does one define the word "good?"
There is a new book out titled Should We Fire God? Finding Hope in God When We Don't Understand. The author, Jim Pace, is pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship in Blacksburg, Virginia, the home of Virginia Tech and the place where 33 people were killed in a massacre in 2007. Pace reminds us of God's role in our lives, that he is still in control and desires deep relationship and communion. Even in the midst of pain, suffering and chaos, and all those things brought about by mankind's disobedience to the very holy plan of God and his love.
Yes, we indeed have personal choice in every avenue of life and have had personal choices that we followed every step of our entire lives. And, yes, circumstances and surroundings do have an impact on us. But they do not make us and force us into certain decisions. We are completely free to make our own choices along life's path. Otherwise, every murderer and rapist and burglar and speeder (and whatever else) can claim that their past, their upbringing, their society, their surroundings made them do what they did. There is no personal responsibility in that. It is making an excuse. And we as adults have to own up to who we are and where we have come from and where we are headed.
I know where I am headed. Do you?
One of the interesting things is that the new discoveries only help to support the Biblical truths and beliefs about this world. Darwin, Sagan and Dawkins have all come to the conclusion that they will never know how "stuff" (anything that is tangible to touch) came about. What is the beginning of all? Where did the first molecule come from? No answer at all, outside the realm of Intelligent Design, and we know that truth as God the Creator.
I reminded those present at church last night that, the ones who are believers in Darwinism and molecular evolution cling to a theory. A theory is something that has not yet been proved! So, they have a belief system in a theory. That is their faith to hang on to; that is, to something that has not and cannot be proved.
The Christian worldview is that God spoke everything into existence. It takes faith to believe that. It is a belief system that is supported by everything in existence.
So, the Christians and atheists both have competing faith issues. It takes just as much faith to believe that man's ancestors came from monkeys, as it takes just as much faith to believe that God created man in the beginning. Who is right? Whose belief system stays static and never changes. Whose belief system changes with each new discovery, and then new statements are needed and framed to make the fresh discoveries fit a certain theory? That is the difference between Christianity and secularists.
Why is this important? Because if there is no God, we have a vacuum for our understanding of morals and values and ethics. How do we know right from wrong? Without God and letting science be our guide, the strong survive and the weak fail. So, in secularism, right and wrong has to be determined by those who have the most power and strength, not the ones with a conscience and supernatural moral guide. We, as believers in the God of creation and life, hold to a higher standard of rightness and to a higher moral code. How does one be good without God? How do you explain that? Again, how does one define the word "good?"
There is a new book out titled Should We Fire God? Finding Hope in God When We Don't Understand. The author, Jim Pace, is pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship in Blacksburg, Virginia, the home of Virginia Tech and the place where 33 people were killed in a massacre in 2007. Pace reminds us of God's role in our lives, that he is still in control and desires deep relationship and communion. Even in the midst of pain, suffering and chaos, and all those things brought about by mankind's disobedience to the very holy plan of God and his love.
Yes, we indeed have personal choice in every avenue of life and have had personal choices that we followed every step of our entire lives. And, yes, circumstances and surroundings do have an impact on us. But they do not make us and force us into certain decisions. We are completely free to make our own choices along life's path. Otherwise, every murderer and rapist and burglar and speeder (and whatever else) can claim that their past, their upbringing, their society, their surroundings made them do what they did. There is no personal responsibility in that. It is making an excuse. And we as adults have to own up to who we are and where we have come from and where we are headed.
I know where I am headed. Do you?
Sunday, March 7, 2010
My Birthday Weekend
Here are some photos from today, March 7:
(1) Bailey at the Ontario Reign minor league hockey game.
(2) Evan and Callie.
(3) Shawn, Crystal and Bailey.
(4) Birthday cake and presents.
(5) Family photo after church worship service today.
It's kind of a strange feeling for me. I always thought of being 60 years old as being very aged and kind of at the twilight of life. That's before I turned 60 today! Now, for sure, it's just a number! (Chuckle)
Friday after work, some friends invited us to dinner at Hometown Buffet and said it would be their treat, as it was my birthday week -- Kaye and Myles Freeman were gracious and we had an enjoyable time.
On Saturday morning, Jim Lunak asked if he could take me to breakfast. I said "sure." Free meals I never turn down! We went to Farmer Boys restaurant down the street and I had an egg and sausage breakfast.
I got all my items done and ready for Sunday church, being finished by early Saturday afternoon. So, Saturday afternoon Sondra and I went to a little "hole in the wall" barbecue place called HotLanta in west Riverside. We wanted something very light as we were saving our appetite for dinner. For this "snack" we got some wings and potato salad and onion rings.
Saturday evening, Sondra took me to dinner but first asked where I would want to go. I looked online and found Fleming's nearby in Rancho Cucamonga. Fleming's is a very upscale restaurant with prices to match. However, they were having a special on a two-person three-course meal with filet mignon and lobster (for each person) as the main course. It was too gourmet for me, but it was an interesting experience for a special occasion. They brought me a fancy box of four handmade chocolates when they found out it was my birthday dinner.
Sunday was a different day at church, as I wore my running suit to preach in. I did it as a reminder to me and the church that exactly a year ago I was in church after 25 days in the hospital following three-way bypass heart surgery. A year ago, I came to church in my running suit so I would not cause any physical problems that would hinder the healing process of my wounds. It's amazing how the body heals and how good I feel a year later.
The church sang "Happy Birthday" to me, gave me three different birthday cards and then a big cake with "Happy Birthday" inscribed on the top.
After church, Shawn and Crystal (and Bailey) along with Evan and Callie met us at the Islamadora Fish Market Restaurant connected to the Bass Pro Shop in Rancho Cucamonga. I ordered lobster again, as they had a special dinner of two lobster tails for $36. It was so good. Unfortunately, they are a restaurant that does not give a free dessert to a birthday person.....how sad.....ha ha.
We went to Shawn and Crystal's house to rest for a couple of hours (napping) and then went to a minor league hockey game. Our home team here is the Ontario Reign and they were playing the Las Vegas Wranglers. Again, the kids joined us for a great time at the game. It was so much fun and rather exciting at times. Sadly, the Reign lost in overtime. Oh, well, we had a wonderful time.
I got many phone calls from family (mom and Noel and Roger) and friends, wishing me well on my 60th birthday. I also received some personal cards (Marti and others) and emails and texts and Facebook messages (from John and many others). Jason even texted and said that the Potawatomi tribe's vice-chairman (Linda Capps) wished me a "Happy Birthday" as well.....Jason, the tribal chairman (Rocky Barrett) and vice-chairman were returning home this afternoon to Oklahoma from a quick trip to a regional meeting in Las Vegas.
This has been quite a weekend, one I shall not forget because it was both momentous and special. Thanks to all who made it wonderful!
(1) Bailey at the Ontario Reign minor league hockey game.
(2) Evan and Callie.
(3) Shawn, Crystal and Bailey.
(4) Birthday cake and presents.
(5) Family photo after church worship service today.
It's kind of a strange feeling for me. I always thought of being 60 years old as being very aged and kind of at the twilight of life. That's before I turned 60 today! Now, for sure, it's just a number! (Chuckle)
Friday after work, some friends invited us to dinner at Hometown Buffet and said it would be their treat, as it was my birthday week -- Kaye and Myles Freeman were gracious and we had an enjoyable time.
On Saturday morning, Jim Lunak asked if he could take me to breakfast. I said "sure." Free meals I never turn down! We went to Farmer Boys restaurant down the street and I had an egg and sausage breakfast.
I got all my items done and ready for Sunday church, being finished by early Saturday afternoon. So, Saturday afternoon Sondra and I went to a little "hole in the wall" barbecue place called HotLanta in west Riverside. We wanted something very light as we were saving our appetite for dinner. For this "snack" we got some wings and potato salad and onion rings.
Saturday evening, Sondra took me to dinner but first asked where I would want to go. I looked online and found Fleming's nearby in Rancho Cucamonga. Fleming's is a very upscale restaurant with prices to match. However, they were having a special on a two-person three-course meal with filet mignon and lobster (for each person) as the main course. It was too gourmet for me, but it was an interesting experience for a special occasion. They brought me a fancy box of four handmade chocolates when they found out it was my birthday dinner.
Sunday was a different day at church, as I wore my running suit to preach in. I did it as a reminder to me and the church that exactly a year ago I was in church after 25 days in the hospital following three-way bypass heart surgery. A year ago, I came to church in my running suit so I would not cause any physical problems that would hinder the healing process of my wounds. It's amazing how the body heals and how good I feel a year later.
The church sang "Happy Birthday" to me, gave me three different birthday cards and then a big cake with "Happy Birthday" inscribed on the top.
After church, Shawn and Crystal (and Bailey) along with Evan and Callie met us at the Islamadora Fish Market Restaurant connected to the Bass Pro Shop in Rancho Cucamonga. I ordered lobster again, as they had a special dinner of two lobster tails for $36. It was so good. Unfortunately, they are a restaurant that does not give a free dessert to a birthday person.....how sad.....ha ha.
We went to Shawn and Crystal's house to rest for a couple of hours (napping) and then went to a minor league hockey game. Our home team here is the Ontario Reign and they were playing the Las Vegas Wranglers. Again, the kids joined us for a great time at the game. It was so much fun and rather exciting at times. Sadly, the Reign lost in overtime. Oh, well, we had a wonderful time.
I got many phone calls from family (mom and Noel and Roger) and friends, wishing me well on my 60th birthday. I also received some personal cards (Marti and others) and emails and texts and Facebook messages (from John and many others). Jason even texted and said that the Potawatomi tribe's vice-chairman (Linda Capps) wished me a "Happy Birthday" as well.....Jason, the tribal chairman (Rocky Barrett) and vice-chairman were returning home this afternoon to Oklahoma from a quick trip to a regional meeting in Las Vegas.
This has been quite a weekend, one I shall not forget because it was both momentous and special. Thanks to all who made it wonderful!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Favorite Books
I have been asked what my favorite books are and what books I have been reading.
Being a pastor, I would be remiss if I didn't start out with naming the Bible as my source of all wisdom and eternal significance. Yes, it is by far the most compelling and driving force for my journey in life.
Then, as a pastor wanting to learn from the giants of the faith, I would try to read anything by Charles Finney, George Muller, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, D.L. Moody and others. I was drawn to the fiery preachers of old and the men of deep faith in their call to ministry.
With that aside, however, I do enjoy a good read in the realm of novels and non-fiction.
The first best-selling novel after high school that I read purely for pleasure and interest was Papillon by Henri Charriere. It was one of the most fascinating accounts of adventure and travel that intrigued me. In those early years of adulthood, I read most of the novels by John D. MacDonald, who wrote about a private eye that solved murders and such. Later, I began reading anything by Dick Francis, a retired jockey who rode for the Queen of England. Francis' books were about the horse racing scene in England and any mysteries that would surround such a world.
I would read many (but not all) of the best-selling paperbacks (as I could not afford hard covers). I wanted to keep pace with what others were reading. But none of those really stand out in my mind now.
In the late 1980s I began reading the Christian fiction novels by Frank Peretti. The most impacting book for me was his first, This Present Darkness. I still consider that as one of my all-time favorites. The non-fiction book that made an impact on me was the book by Spenser Johnson titled Who Moved My Cheese. It was serious and humorous with a message about life and changes in life.
The book that has caused me to rethink my passion for people and my thirst for ministry involvement was The Shack by William P. Young. It has such startling ways to convey the message of faith and forgiveness. It made me think "outside the box" of conventional theology and helped me find resolution to assist others. Now, I am not discounting my theology of old, as it comes from the Bible. What I found was a new way of verbalizing certain aspects of faith and belief.
There are books that I recommend for ministry students and those who want to deepen their faith and understanding of the Christian walk. These are some of the books I have read in the last year or so. Such books are:
* The Faith, by Chuck Colson
* The Heavenly Man, by Brother Yun
* Angels on Assignment, by Roland Buck
* 90 Minutes in Heaven, by Don Piper
* The Journey, by Billy Graham
* What Every Christian Ought to Know, by Adrian Rogers
At a very early time in my ministry call, I learned that books are my "tools of the trade." Carpenters have their tools, plumbers have their tools, mechanics have their tools. We preachers have our tools!
So now, tell me what your favorite books are! If you want to send by email rather than "Comment," you know my email address is revgalen@aol.com right?
Being a pastor, I would be remiss if I didn't start out with naming the Bible as my source of all wisdom and eternal significance. Yes, it is by far the most compelling and driving force for my journey in life.
Then, as a pastor wanting to learn from the giants of the faith, I would try to read anything by Charles Finney, George Muller, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, D.L. Moody and others. I was drawn to the fiery preachers of old and the men of deep faith in their call to ministry.
With that aside, however, I do enjoy a good read in the realm of novels and non-fiction.
The first best-selling novel after high school that I read purely for pleasure and interest was Papillon by Henri Charriere. It was one of the most fascinating accounts of adventure and travel that intrigued me. In those early years of adulthood, I read most of the novels by John D. MacDonald, who wrote about a private eye that solved murders and such. Later, I began reading anything by Dick Francis, a retired jockey who rode for the Queen of England. Francis' books were about the horse racing scene in England and any mysteries that would surround such a world.
I would read many (but not all) of the best-selling paperbacks (as I could not afford hard covers). I wanted to keep pace with what others were reading. But none of those really stand out in my mind now.
In the late 1980s I began reading the Christian fiction novels by Frank Peretti. The most impacting book for me was his first, This Present Darkness. I still consider that as one of my all-time favorites. The non-fiction book that made an impact on me was the book by Spenser Johnson titled Who Moved My Cheese. It was serious and humorous with a message about life and changes in life.
The book that has caused me to rethink my passion for people and my thirst for ministry involvement was The Shack by William P. Young. It has such startling ways to convey the message of faith and forgiveness. It made me think "outside the box" of conventional theology and helped me find resolution to assist others. Now, I am not discounting my theology of old, as it comes from the Bible. What I found was a new way of verbalizing certain aspects of faith and belief.
There are books that I recommend for ministry students and those who want to deepen their faith and understanding of the Christian walk. These are some of the books I have read in the last year or so. Such books are:
* The Faith, by Chuck Colson
* The Heavenly Man, by Brother Yun
* Angels on Assignment, by Roland Buck
* 90 Minutes in Heaven, by Don Piper
* The Journey, by Billy Graham
* What Every Christian Ought to Know, by Adrian Rogers
At a very early time in my ministry call, I learned that books are my "tools of the trade." Carpenters have their tools, plumbers have their tools, mechanics have their tools. We preachers have our tools!
So now, tell me what your favorite books are! If you want to send by email rather than "Comment," you know my email address is revgalen@aol.com right?
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