We drove up to Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills and took this photo from about a quarter mile away.
This is me and Sondra with little Bailey on Hollywood Boulevard across from both the Kodak Theater and Grauman's.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Some Photos From Yesterday
Here are a few pictures:
We drove up to Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills and took this photo from about a quarter mile away.
We drove up to Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills and took this photo from about a quarter mile away.
Church and Hollywood
We have finally started a video ministry at church. A man is now taping each worship service sermon. So, last Saturday I took some flash drives (thumbdrive memory sticks for computers) that had three of my last sermons on them to a few people in the church who are homebound. It was exciting to be able to start this new venture with our congregation.
Yesterday we had a short "concert" by a group of special needs adults who attend our church. They are so proud and happy to be in front of the church to sing. They are off-key and sometimes forget a few words of the songs, but they are excited and joyful and a treat to watch. Their enthusiasm is infectious. They live in a boarding-care home with a couple who are just wonderful to them.
The man who works with this group on Wednesday evenings (Jim Lunak) gave the morning message as well. He talked about the "stone being rolled away" when Jesus arose from the grave out of the tomb in the garden. He talked about the "stones" in our way of life, the ones that block us and hinder us from being the person God intended for us to be. We put up "walls" to make sure we do not get hurt or that someone can't get too close to us (because then they may not like us or love us when they know the "real" persons we are).
Prior to the singing and preaching, we baptized two young men. It is always a celebration when young people surrender their lives to a God who loves them through all their immaturity and troubles.
Shawn and Crystal left this past Friday night to fly to the Dominican Republic for a vacation at a resort there. We took them to LAX for their flight. Shawn's parents from Tulsa came in on Friday morning for a vacation to take care of Bailey for the week. Yesterday (Sunday) we went with Terry and Linda Marcum (Shawn's parents) to Hollywood. Of course, we had fun taking Bailey with us too. We went up to the top of the mountain where the Hollywood sign is. We went down Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood Boulevard, stopped at the corner of Hollywood and Vine, went to the famous Grauman's Chinese Theater, saw many names of famous people on the stars on the sidewalk on Hollywood Boulevard and fought the busy traffic through it all.
At the end of the evening, we drove over to Buena Park and ate at the famed Chicken Restaurant at Knott's Berry Farm. The chicken, the biscuits, the boysenberry pie were so delicious. What a fun day.
Yesterday we had a short "concert" by a group of special needs adults who attend our church. They are so proud and happy to be in front of the church to sing. They are off-key and sometimes forget a few words of the songs, but they are excited and joyful and a treat to watch. Their enthusiasm is infectious. They live in a boarding-care home with a couple who are just wonderful to them.
The man who works with this group on Wednesday evenings (Jim Lunak) gave the morning message as well. He talked about the "stone being rolled away" when Jesus arose from the grave out of the tomb in the garden. He talked about the "stones" in our way of life, the ones that block us and hinder us from being the person God intended for us to be. We put up "walls" to make sure we do not get hurt or that someone can't get too close to us (because then they may not like us or love us when they know the "real" persons we are).
Prior to the singing and preaching, we baptized two young men. It is always a celebration when young people surrender their lives to a God who loves them through all their immaturity and troubles.
Shawn and Crystal left this past Friday night to fly to the Dominican Republic for a vacation at a resort there. We took them to LAX for their flight. Shawn's parents from Tulsa came in on Friday morning for a vacation to take care of Bailey for the week. Yesterday (Sunday) we went with Terry and Linda Marcum (Shawn's parents) to Hollywood. Of course, we had fun taking Bailey with us too. We went up to the top of the mountain where the Hollywood sign is. We went down Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood Boulevard, stopped at the corner of Hollywood and Vine, went to the famous Grauman's Chinese Theater, saw many names of famous people on the stars on the sidewalk on Hollywood Boulevard and fought the busy traffic through it all.
At the end of the evening, we drove over to Buena Park and ate at the famed Chicken Restaurant at Knott's Berry Farm. The chicken, the biscuits, the boysenberry pie were so delicious. What a fun day.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Computer Hackers
It was quite embarrassing yesterday to receive a phone call from Julie, my sister-in-law. And then to get emails and talk to others on my email list. Apparently someone has hacked into my computer and acquired my email address list. They sent a link on an email with my return email address. The link was for an online Canadian pharmacy which sells prescriptions for things I would never promote.
So, I had to change my password immediately and I hope that solves the problem. It is sad that there are those out there who intentionally take and use someone's identity and usefulness.
I had one person write me a quick email about it and said, "I knew you would not have sent it, so I deleted the email but not your reputation." What a joy to know that my character stands for something. These days, that is very special and humbling.
On another note, my Sebring overheated again and is back in the shop. I drove Evan's truck to work a couple of days ago and had a blowout on the freeway going to work. That was quite a start to my day!
It has been over 100 degrees for many days now, and I am not doing well with heat anymore. I will certainly be glad when this heat wave cools down.
Sondra's brother (Alden) has been looking at several apartment complexes for seniors (55 years and up) and has some solid leads. He will be hearing in the next few days about getting an apartment. We are excited for him.
Yes, I am still working at the Census and it looks like at least another week. I quit trying to guess when this all will end, as for as the employment with them. I'm just enjoying the journey so far.
So, I had to change my password immediately and I hope that solves the problem. It is sad that there are those out there who intentionally take and use someone's identity and usefulness.
I had one person write me a quick email about it and said, "I knew you would not have sent it, so I deleted the email but not your reputation." What a joy to know that my character stands for something. These days, that is very special and humbling.
On another note, my Sebring overheated again and is back in the shop. I drove Evan's truck to work a couple of days ago and had a blowout on the freeway going to work. That was quite a start to my day!
It has been over 100 degrees for many days now, and I am not doing well with heat anymore. I will certainly be glad when this heat wave cools down.
Sondra's brother (Alden) has been looking at several apartment complexes for seniors (55 years and up) and has some solid leads. He will be hearing in the next few days about getting an apartment. We are excited for him.
Yes, I am still working at the Census and it looks like at least another week. I quit trying to guess when this all will end, as for as the employment with them. I'm just enjoying the journey so far.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Robert Ingersoll, Famed Agnostic
I read a quote that a friend had copied from Robert Ingersoll, the famed orator of the 19th Century who was the son of a minister. Ingersoll's father was a fast and true friend of Charles Finney, the great evangelist of the day. However, Ingersoll's father had difficulties in his pastorates and was held in contempt in some "church trials" when Ingersoll was a lad. This impacted him, and he had no use for religion after that.
Ingersoll was an intellectual and proclaimed his views widely, going around the country with crowds willing to pay to hear him. His aversion to religion and God and church was well-known in his lifetime. However, there is some discrepancy over his last days of life. Some claim he recanted his "free thinking" and was repentant. Others of the humanist side vehemently deny this. Only God knows.
Here is a quote from someone from that era: "A gentleman whom I recently met in Southern California, told me in all earnestness the true story, as he called it, of Mr. Ingersoll's last moments. He said that these moments were filled with fear and remorse; that over and over again he expressed regret that he had spent so much of his life in opposing Christianity, and that he called on God for pardon and mercy."
As I repeat myself, those who are predisposed to a position can never be persuaded by thought and reason. It is a matter of the heart. Every heart matters. God never turns anyone away who repents and accepts his love and grace.
Ingersoll was an intellectual and proclaimed his views widely, going around the country with crowds willing to pay to hear him. His aversion to religion and God and church was well-known in his lifetime. However, there is some discrepancy over his last days of life. Some claim he recanted his "free thinking" and was repentant. Others of the humanist side vehemently deny this. Only God knows.
Here is a quote from someone from that era: "A gentleman whom I recently met in Southern California, told me in all earnestness the true story, as he called it, of Mr. Ingersoll's last moments. He said that these moments were filled with fear and remorse; that over and over again he expressed regret that he had spent so much of his life in opposing Christianity, and that he called on God for pardon and mercy."
As I repeat myself, those who are predisposed to a position can never be persuaded by thought and reason. It is a matter of the heart. Every heart matters. God never turns anyone away who repents and accepts his love and grace.
Downloading Sermons
Sunday was a good day. I was quite tired from the week, but I get energized when I step in the pulpit to proclaim God's Word. We have recently seen two young men accept Christ as their Lord and Savior and so we are planning a baptismal service for next Sunday morning.
After church, we went to Sundowners restaurant and ate. Following that, I sat in my chair in the living room watching some sports on TV and promptly fell asleep. It was a little before 2 pm when I started my "snooze" and Sondra woke me up at 5:30 pm, knowing that if I slept too long I would not be able to go to sleep very fast that night. That nap felt good!
Sunday night, we watched three shows that we had taped on our DVD. I had not watched the final episodes of last season for House, The Good Wife and Lie To Me.
Yesterday (Monday) was a slow day at my work at the Census, as we are winding down with paperwork and shipping. In fact, at the end of the day, we clerks were instructed to not come in today until 12:30 pm. Going home at 4:30 pm will give us a 4-hour workday today. So, I did not have to get up early and get going. I got up early and got on my computer!
Last night, we had Bailey and Crystal for dinner as usual. It is the night of the week that Shawn has to go to class for his degree program. We had homemade tacos and I ate too much.
Alden is looking at apartments and hopes to find one by the end of the month. David is going over to the VA Loma Linda hospital for some blood tests this morning. Sondra is getting ready for work. Evan just got in, as he worked the "graveyard shift" at his workplace.
Right now, I will be downloading several of my sermons that have been taped these past few weeks. There are quite a few in our congregation who are sick at home, in the hospital or have missed some services. They are asking for copies, and we are starting to tape the sermon each Sunday. I am trying to figure out a way to download these onto my church website for anyone to watch as well. I was joking with someone that I will charge $19.95 for each CD message, as seen on TV ads! Ha ha. Anyway, we'll see what we can do.
After church, we went to Sundowners restaurant and ate. Following that, I sat in my chair in the living room watching some sports on TV and promptly fell asleep. It was a little before 2 pm when I started my "snooze" and Sondra woke me up at 5:30 pm, knowing that if I slept too long I would not be able to go to sleep very fast that night. That nap felt good!
Sunday night, we watched three shows that we had taped on our DVD. I had not watched the final episodes of last season for House, The Good Wife and Lie To Me.
Yesterday (Monday) was a slow day at my work at the Census, as we are winding down with paperwork and shipping. In fact, at the end of the day, we clerks were instructed to not come in today until 12:30 pm. Going home at 4:30 pm will give us a 4-hour workday today. So, I did not have to get up early and get going. I got up early and got on my computer!
Last night, we had Bailey and Crystal for dinner as usual. It is the night of the week that Shawn has to go to class for his degree program. We had homemade tacos and I ate too much.
Alden is looking at apartments and hopes to find one by the end of the month. David is going over to the VA Loma Linda hospital for some blood tests this morning. Sondra is getting ready for work. Evan just got in, as he worked the "graveyard shift" at his workplace.
Right now, I will be downloading several of my sermons that have been taped these past few weeks. There are quite a few in our congregation who are sick at home, in the hospital or have missed some services. They are asking for copies, and we are starting to tape the sermon each Sunday. I am trying to figure out a way to download these onto my church website for anyone to watch as well. I was joking with someone that I will charge $19.95 for each CD message, as seen on TV ads! Ha ha. Anyway, we'll see what we can do.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
The Nissan Is Back
Friday we got our car back! The auto body shop called and said our Nissan was fixed and ready. After work, we ran over and picked it up. They did a good job, as it looks brand new again.
That afternoon at work, three of us clerks in the Census office were taken to lunch by our immediate supervisor and the office manager (head boss). It was a show of appreciation and affirmation. God's shows us his love in many ways in our daily lives.
After work Friday, I rushed over to the memorial service for Howard's wife here in Rialto. He was pleased that I came and took me around to all his family members and friends and introduced me as his pastor from work (Coronado Stone manufacturing plant). What we do and how we show our support does make a difference.
Yesterday (Saturday) was an awesome day.
The celebration service for the fourth-year anniversary of our ministry to the homeless at Fairmount Park was wonderful. Several ministries came to support and encourage us by participating with their presence and by bringing extra food. The feeding of the homeless each Thursday has brought attention to the plight of so many that are hurting and seeking help. The Christian Motorcycle Association (bikers who love Jesus) had quite a few members come and share. The local association came to support with their love. Set Free ministries were scheduled to come. Pastor Mike Yeamans (our former Praise Leader and Associate Pastor now serving at the La Sierra Baptist Church in Riverside as senior pastor) came and played his guitar and led us in singing. I gave a 5-minute message from God's Word, reminding all of us that God has created us for three things: love, purpose and hope (that eternal promise). Five came forward to pray with me when I gave a short invitation there under the trees at the park!
Then, at 3 pm we held a memorial service for David Zimmerman. His life was short, but he impacted many around him. The church was packed full with standing room only. The day was hot, and our church air conditioner cannot handle that many people, with the front door open for more attenders as they arrived and the temperature reading at over 100 degrees. But God's Spirit was there. David made some very poor choices as a young man, as far as drinking and drugs. It damaged his body beyond repair. His past life caught up with him. However, about four years ago, Sondra and I were invited over to have dinner and talk with David and wife Heather. We were in discussion about their upcoming wedding plans. Included in that discussion was a time of sharing God's great love for salvation and eternal life. Both David and Heather prayed to receive Jesus that night. So, David has been a changed man these last years of his life. He loved others immensely and was loved by others immensely. His life was short, but I told those at the funeral time that life is not measured in years, it is measured in relationships built in our lifetime. We leave behind a legacy. I challenged everyone to consider what their legacy will be when they lay this mortal body down and breathe their last breath.
Last night, we went over to Shawn and Crystal's to sit by the swimming pool and play with Bailey. Crystal was working out with a TV video and Shawn was working on a paper for his college class. It was a restful time to end the day.
That afternoon at work, three of us clerks in the Census office were taken to lunch by our immediate supervisor and the office manager (head boss). It was a show of appreciation and affirmation. God's shows us his love in many ways in our daily lives.
After work Friday, I rushed over to the memorial service for Howard's wife here in Rialto. He was pleased that I came and took me around to all his family members and friends and introduced me as his pastor from work (Coronado Stone manufacturing plant). What we do and how we show our support does make a difference.
Yesterday (Saturday) was an awesome day.
The celebration service for the fourth-year anniversary of our ministry to the homeless at Fairmount Park was wonderful. Several ministries came to support and encourage us by participating with their presence and by bringing extra food. The feeding of the homeless each Thursday has brought attention to the plight of so many that are hurting and seeking help. The Christian Motorcycle Association (bikers who love Jesus) had quite a few members come and share. The local association came to support with their love. Set Free ministries were scheduled to come. Pastor Mike Yeamans (our former Praise Leader and Associate Pastor now serving at the La Sierra Baptist Church in Riverside as senior pastor) came and played his guitar and led us in singing. I gave a 5-minute message from God's Word, reminding all of us that God has created us for three things: love, purpose and hope (that eternal promise). Five came forward to pray with me when I gave a short invitation there under the trees at the park!
Then, at 3 pm we held a memorial service for David Zimmerman. His life was short, but he impacted many around him. The church was packed full with standing room only. The day was hot, and our church air conditioner cannot handle that many people, with the front door open for more attenders as they arrived and the temperature reading at over 100 degrees. But God's Spirit was there. David made some very poor choices as a young man, as far as drinking and drugs. It damaged his body beyond repair. His past life caught up with him. However, about four years ago, Sondra and I were invited over to have dinner and talk with David and wife Heather. We were in discussion about their upcoming wedding plans. Included in that discussion was a time of sharing God's great love for salvation and eternal life. Both David and Heather prayed to receive Jesus that night. So, David has been a changed man these last years of his life. He loved others immensely and was loved by others immensely. His life was short, but I told those at the funeral time that life is not measured in years, it is measured in relationships built in our lifetime. We leave behind a legacy. I challenged everyone to consider what their legacy will be when they lay this mortal body down and breathe their last breath.
Last night, we went over to Shawn and Crystal's to sit by the swimming pool and play with Bailey. Crystal was working out with a TV video and Shawn was working on a paper for his college class. It was a restful time to end the day.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Funerals
Sunday evening, I received a phone call from a lady (Diane Emfinger) who had been a member of my father's church in New Cuyama, California, almost 30 years ago. She has a friend in the Inland Empire area (in which I live) whose mother passed away and needed a pastor to officiate at the memorial service. I readily agreed, as this is a very important ministry to those who are hurting and feeling great sorrow. Monday evening, I called to get information about the family and spend time in getting to know more about the mother who had passed away.
On Monday night, I also attended a dramatic presentation (Heaven's Gate and Hell's Flames) at my brother Roger's church in Fontana. It is a very intense and moving portrayal of those who have been too busy or too stubborn to ask Jesus Christ into their lives for forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation. David was going so I hopped in his car and went. Many decisions for the Lord were made during each of the nights of the presentation.
On Tuesday, I took off from work at noon to be ready for the funeral service in Riverside for Diane's friend. It was a time of celebration for a lady who had lived 89 years, was married for 62 years and had many friends and loved ones. What a tribute to a life well lived.
Yesterday, after work, I went immediately to a home of a friend (Ray) here in Rialto. He had called me a few days ago about a lady with three children who had just moved into a house nearby. At night, this single mom and three girls were experiencing some strange occurences and wanted prayer for the house. In short, they were asking for someone to come and cast the demons from the home. This is not something that happens often to me in my ministry, but I do not shy away from it. I took some anointing oil, prayed in every room, took special time to pray over the 14-year old girl who was fearful because of the things she was seeing at night in her room, and then blessed the home. It was a joy to see the relief and joy that filled the entire family after praying and spending time with them. It is too personal to tell all that happened, but I was blessed to see God's power in action.
Today, I go to the doctor for my six-month checkup. Tonight, I again meet for Bible study at the Ladies' Sober Living House near the Mission Inn in downtown Riverside.
Tomorrow, a memorial service is being held for the wife of one of my Coronado Stone company's employees (Howard). I talked with him at length, and he is staying strong in the Lord through this. She was in her late 30s in age.
I met with the wife of the man we prayed for some time back (David Zimmerman) who passed away. The memorial service is this Saturday afternoon at our church.
It is wonderful to see the difference in those who are going through the "valley of death" with the grace of God. I do want to face the trials of life without my Savior by my side.
On Monday night, I also attended a dramatic presentation (Heaven's Gate and Hell's Flames) at my brother Roger's church in Fontana. It is a very intense and moving portrayal of those who have been too busy or too stubborn to ask Jesus Christ into their lives for forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation. David was going so I hopped in his car and went. Many decisions for the Lord were made during each of the nights of the presentation.
On Tuesday, I took off from work at noon to be ready for the funeral service in Riverside for Diane's friend. It was a time of celebration for a lady who had lived 89 years, was married for 62 years and had many friends and loved ones. What a tribute to a life well lived.
Yesterday, after work, I went immediately to a home of a friend (Ray) here in Rialto. He had called me a few days ago about a lady with three children who had just moved into a house nearby. At night, this single mom and three girls were experiencing some strange occurences and wanted prayer for the house. In short, they were asking for someone to come and cast the demons from the home. This is not something that happens often to me in my ministry, but I do not shy away from it. I took some anointing oil, prayed in every room, took special time to pray over the 14-year old girl who was fearful because of the things she was seeing at night in her room, and then blessed the home. It was a joy to see the relief and joy that filled the entire family after praying and spending time with them. It is too personal to tell all that happened, but I was blessed to see God's power in action.
Today, I go to the doctor for my six-month checkup. Tonight, I again meet for Bible study at the Ladies' Sober Living House near the Mission Inn in downtown Riverside.
Tomorrow, a memorial service is being held for the wife of one of my Coronado Stone company's employees (Howard). I talked with him at length, and he is staying strong in the Lord through this. She was in her late 30s in age.
I met with the wife of the man we prayed for some time back (David Zimmerman) who passed away. The memorial service is this Saturday afternoon at our church.
It is wonderful to see the difference in those who are going through the "valley of death" with the grace of God. I do want to face the trials of life without my Savior by my side.
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