Another Calf

Blessing had her calf early Sunday morning, a boy, giving us one of each.

Calf is Born

We had our first baby calf born today. The mother would not let me get close enough to see if it is a boy or a girl. I got there a few minutes after it was born. It had not gotten on its feet yet and once it got up it took a few minutes to find out from which end dinner was served.

A Poem

I recently ran across some of my earlier writings, things I have not shared with anyone. I will post some of them here. The first endowment follows. It reflects a time of great uncertainty. Most of my writings are full of angst. When all is well I live life to the fullest; when things are not so well I sometimes muse in verse or journal.


Where?

Oh, God, where?
Where do I go from here?
I sought to know your will;
Want to know it still.
All you have said is “waite, be patient.”
I’ve tried to sit and be content.
How long am I to linger under this tree
Looking for a messenger of majesty?

Where must I go to hear you speak?
A still, small voice is all I seek.

I am an unworthy instrument,
Not certain of your intent.
I keep myself at your feet,
Unwilling to consider retreat,
Knowing I have nothing to give,
Not even the life I live.
What I do not possess, I can not tender.
All I can hope is to fully surrender.
Place in your hands
All your will demands
You are Creator God
I but a vessel made of sod.

Where must I go to hear you speak?
A still, small voice is all I seek.

JDJ
Early 90’s

SPS

Cheryl and I attended the Society for Pentecostal Studies (SPS)annual meeting last week (Wednesday through Saturday). About six hundred people were registered. This year it was a joint meeting with the Wesleyan Theological Society. We met at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. We were able to spend time with a number of former church members (Larry McQueen, Eloy Nolivos, Dale Coulter)and friends (Mel Roebeck, Bill Faupel, David Reed, Susie and John Stanley, and many more). I was involved as a respondant to several papers and I chaired one session. As a former president of the SPS, Cheryl chaired one of the plenary sessions.

One of the Plenary speakers was Dr. Koenig from Duke. He has done extensive research into the rlationship between religiosity and health and has provided evidence it pays to be religious. I would recommend everyone take a few minutes to check out the Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health at Duke.

Alethea, Camdyn & Charlie Visit

Watch out Tarzan.


A woman holding on to a man letting go.


I see that camera.


Two of a kind.


Poo Sticks Anyone


Who is having the most fun?

Farewell to a Friend

On Thursday a dear friend and brother, Dennis Melton, finished his earthly race. He and his wife Sue have been gifts of grace in our lives for about fifteen years. Around thirty years ago Dennis lost the use of his arms as the result of an industrial accident. Shortly after I met him he fell and injured his hip resulting in an inability to walk.

We had his funeral this afternoon. Cheryl did a beautiful, comforting eulogy. I brought the sermon. Dennis taught us much about living as a Christian. He had a gift for meeting new people and making them comfortable. He was a true friend. He never became bitter about his condition. Instead, he spent his time thinking about problem solving, the promises of God, and things that needed to be done for the church.

Pray for Sue, their children and grandchildren.

Memphis Visit