It's getting down to the 'pack-up' time for Ecuador.  Missionary Rick Nanez says it's been rainy there so I am packing for an English summer.  The outpouring of gifts from the people here has been wonderful.  What a sweet, wonderful spirit in this place.

Yesterday the Sterling 'soppiness' for pets showed itself again.  Andrew is working on a rig in Decatur.  On his arrival yesterday evening he found a stray that resembles our current pup, Roscoe (and local church mascot!).  After sending us a cell phone picture of her, there we went after church assembly to Decatur to bring her back to her new home with Elizabeth.  Since Roscoe is 'Roscoe', her name has been given as 'Daisy'.  As Natalie told her on the way, "Young lady, you have no idea how spoiled you're going to be!" 

Yesterday, a brother in the congregation brought by some personal mail that he wanted me to take a look at.  It was from a "church" in Tulsa, OK.  Enclosed in it was several pieces of paper, including one with a depiction of Jesus on something looking like a rug.  The message said it was a prayer rug on loan from these folks.  The instructions were to pray on it so many times a day for anything you wanted and return it quickly for someone else to use.  Additionally, there were several testimonies stating how many thousands of dollars were received, all because these people prayed on this "rug".

Ok - it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this one out.  But nevertheless, I headed to web to search.  I was overwhelmed with hits on a search of this Saint Matthew's Churches.  Apparently it is run by a "Rev. James Eugene Ewing who doesn't live in Oklahoma, but in Beverly Hills.  Now brace yourselves - this "ministry" took in $26 million in 1999.  That's right - 26 big ones from people either looking for help or coaxed by greed. 

And it gets worse, since 1993, the Tulsa World news reports that Saint Matthew's has taken in a cool $100 million.

The good news is that the IRS is closing in fast on them and as of last year, removed their 501c3 (not for profit) status. 

So at the end to this brief, sordid story, I have good news.  You don't have to get on anybody's paper rendition of a rug to get an audience with God.  Nor do you have to go through any person on this earth.  Jesus now stands as your eternal high priest.  He is your only "way". 

Now I can't say much for any requests that this letter promises - such as new cars, true love, success, and the like.  But I can promise you that God will always do what's in your best interest. 

And that's exceptionally cool.

jas

The wind in Wichita Falls is blowing hurricane force this mid-morning.  I haven't seen this kind of wind in quite a while.  I was concerned about our flag poles snapping over, so i went out in it to take the flags down.  Most of the official protocol for flag removal goes out the window in 60-70mph gusts. 

I am in the midst of preparing for Ecuador.  The outpouring of gifts from God's people is overwhelming.  They will be handed to people they have never met.  Perhaps in heaven we will all get to talk about where we were when a ministry dramatically affected us and then find out how God had us all so intimately connected when we didn't even realize it!

As I write I see how sloppy I've become grammatically (such as the dangling participle in the previous sentence).  However, in teaching Greek classes recently, I am comforted to read how Paul and others had no regard for such rules as 'run-on sentences' and proper participle usage.  My kind of guy. 

Now let's see if we can keep everything nailed down around here until this wind passes......

jas

I had great intentions of writing in my blog yesterday - but I guess I was distracted by the absence of HEATING around here.  We ran out of propane!  We are supposed to be on a 'keep full' basis with our contractor - but somehow it slipped through the cracks.  They are hot-footing it (or cold-footing it) out here this morning to remedy the situation. 

If you are a football fan, you probably know about the Patriots perfect season and the surprise New York Giants being in the Superbowl.  Outside of the greatest upset in the history of the NFL, I guesstimate the Pats will own a new record for the books. 

Wendell and I are making plans to head down to Ecuador to visit missionary Rick Nanez and family.  We will be gone for one week and hop to bring some encouragement to the Nanez family.  I seldom have any clue what God has in store in these adventures - and when I think I have a clue, I generally find out I had none at all!  I think God loves to surprise me~and I'm good with that.

For most of Americans, Monday is the first day of their work week.  Wednesday is the 'peak' and then they wind down to Friday.  Most employers would adamantly disagree, but it is how most employees behave.  So today would be their 'peak' day.  As for me, my week crescendos from Monday on and peaks at Sunday.  It somewhat interesting to observe: that is, how most folks are winding down on Saturday, when I am winding up.

jas

Well - it didn't take long to happen.  I missed a day on the blog.  Just three days into it and I failed.  I even had the best of intentions of getting it done yesterday, but ended up distracted into other tasks. 

This will be a challenge~

The news lately has been littered with reports of brutal murders.  Unfortunately, this is not an exceptional time - it's the rule.  In fact, there are so many (murders), I wonder at times why some are chosen to report and others ignored (suspicions abound). 

It would appear that the teaching of men being nothing more than slugs that have come to consciousness has come full circle.  My point?  We exterminate insects that bother or threaten us.  If man is a graduated animal, then what prevents us from acting in the same manner?  Logically, not much.

Scripture tells us we are created in the image of the living God.  If this is true (and it is), then we would see each other as much more than an irritation.  Our lives would be far more valuable.  In fact, I believe we would treat ourselves in a more respectful manner.

Perhaps our best attribute is being created in His image.  We have much ground to recover in this regard - even within the church body.

jas

During the last couple of Wednesday evening meetings, we have been spending a little time 'interviewing' individuals in our group.  I started this so we could get to know one another better on a more personal level.  While hearing some of your answers, I am continually amazed what a diverse group of people God has blessed us with.

Consider this: We have no dominant age group.  We live from Burkburnett and Iowa Park to the houses next door to the building (and everywhere in between).  We have scattered socio-economic backgrounds and range from infant to PhD in educations.  We have come from over 7 different denominational upbringings and are international in birthplaces. 

Yet we have everything in common in Jesus Christ.

I am truly blessed to be a part of this adventure with you.  I know that God has brought us together for a purpose - and as I learn more and more about you, I anticipate the wonder He has in store for us!

jas

This is my first attempt at keeping a blog posted for everyone to see.  It's quite intimidating actually, so I appreciate your patience.  I've taken shots at journaling, but subsequently end up letting it go. 

So here's to discipline and the hope I stick to this!  Please help keep me accountable.

Last night was the start to American Idol, season 7.  I've sat through an entire series of it, but usually will watch the prelims.  It never ceases to amaze me how some people actually think they have enough talent to try out.  Let this be a lesson to all the parents out there that believe in the philosophy of praising and gushing over every little thing their child does.  We should engage in some sense of reality that teaches the child in that they are talented at some things, and not so good at others.  The essence of the 'you can be anything you believe you can be' is never as greatly proven false as in the try-outs of American Idol.  Not everyone can be a pop star, astronaut, or surgeon.

It's just the way it is. 

On the other hand, find great security in knowing you are exactly who God has determined you to be.  You are created in His image (Genesis 1:26) and He has given you divine purpose (2 Cor. 5:5). 

What greater thing we could we ask for?

jas