Started out as a poem by John Newton. A friend of ours asked the other day if we knew that there were more than just the verses that are in our hymnal, so I looked them up and here they are. It's the beautiful testimony of a sinner Saved by Grace, just like me:
AMAZING GRACE
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
What Do You Think?
Talking with my teenage niece the other day and playing a little guitar, she mentioned how she enjoyed playing and writing music. Then she asked an interesting question. “Uncle Allen, do you think God expects us to use the gifts He has given us in our jobs and our church?”
My answer was, Yes, why would He give you a gift if He didn’t expect you to Glorify Him in your life with it. Then I started to think about it…Yes, absolutely yes, and so I should be…what exactly? Well, perhaps using the gifts He has given me to glorify Him with my life.
That caused me to take some inventory. What exactly has He gifted me with? Which gifts have I given back to Him, and which gifts have I excused myself from using for His glory?
It’s an odd dynamic, but the more I give to Him, the more He blesses me with.
Stay tuned, more to come.
My answer was, Yes, why would He give you a gift if He didn’t expect you to Glorify Him in your life with it. Then I started to think about it…Yes, absolutely yes, and so I should be…what exactly? Well, perhaps using the gifts He has given me to glorify Him with my life.
That caused me to take some inventory. What exactly has He gifted me with? Which gifts have I given back to Him, and which gifts have I excused myself from using for His glory?
It’s an odd dynamic, but the more I give to Him, the more He blesses me with.
Stay tuned, more to come.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Simple Blessings, Powerful Lives
We had a sort of “getting to know you” potluck lunch today between our Sunday School class and one of our Senior Adult classes. The food was fine, but the real treat for me was to see my friend Bro. N sing and play his guitar.
At 87 years young, he still goes at least 3 times a week to the nursing homes to “Play for those old people.”, and he is a regular at the City Rescue Mission Services. Bro. N has for many years been one of my heroes and unknowing mentors of the faith and ministry. An unassuming, gentle in spirit, humble man of integrity.
Several years ago, we were at the City Rescue Mission together. I was leading the music that night with my guitar; Bro. N was there for special music. While we were warming up and tuning up he said, “Hey, how about you helping me out on my songs tonight.” I was blown away that he would actually ask me to play with him. Long story short, I had the privilege of playing guitar with him, and was absolutely thrilled to do so.
Watching him play today brought back a flood of wonderful memories. I trust and pray that I too will be found guilty of Praising God with the talents He has blessed me with all the days of my life.
At 87 years young, he still goes at least 3 times a week to the nursing homes to “Play for those old people.”, and he is a regular at the City Rescue Mission Services. Bro. N has for many years been one of my heroes and unknowing mentors of the faith and ministry. An unassuming, gentle in spirit, humble man of integrity.
Several years ago, we were at the City Rescue Mission together. I was leading the music that night with my guitar; Bro. N was there for special music. While we were warming up and tuning up he said, “Hey, how about you helping me out on my songs tonight.” I was blown away that he would actually ask me to play with him. Long story short, I had the privilege of playing guitar with him, and was absolutely thrilled to do so.
Watching him play today brought back a flood of wonderful memories. I trust and pray that I too will be found guilty of Praising God with the talents He has blessed me with all the days of my life.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
The Name Game
I have always believed that you shouldn't give your child a name that you couldn't use in the song, "The Name Game" (Anna, Anna, Bobanna, etc.)
Some time ago at the urging of a friend, I started the odd hobby of collecting interesting names of people I have had personal phone contact with. Over a ten year period, I have added many to my list. Perhaps you have spoken with them also. The following is a small sample from my collection:
Malode Outhouse,Larry King, John Lennon,Edward Murphy, Joseph Kennedy, Grace Kelly,
Robert E Lee, Hercules T Koulis, Helen Keller, Shirley McClain, Marry Barry,
Steve McQueen. Danny Thomas, Iva Hart, Yen Yaing, Cliff Edge, Anna Niemiec,
Hulda Heine, Alice Cooper, Shirley Curley, Warren Beattie, Otis Campbell,
James Chames, William F Cody, Springfield Banks, Thomas Canham,
Constant Joy Centella, Richard Cunningham, Rose Bush, Robin Hood.
Have a Banana Fanana Day :)
Some time ago at the urging of a friend, I started the odd hobby of collecting interesting names of people I have had personal phone contact with. Over a ten year period, I have added many to my list. Perhaps you have spoken with them also. The following is a small sample from my collection:
Malode Outhouse,Larry King, John Lennon,Edward Murphy, Joseph Kennedy, Grace Kelly,
Robert E Lee, Hercules T Koulis, Helen Keller, Shirley McClain, Marry Barry,
Steve McQueen. Danny Thomas, Iva Hart, Yen Yaing, Cliff Edge, Anna Niemiec,
Hulda Heine, Alice Cooper, Shirley Curley, Warren Beattie, Otis Campbell,
James Chames, William F Cody, Springfield Banks, Thomas Canham,
Constant Joy Centella, Richard Cunningham, Rose Bush, Robin Hood.
Have a Banana Fanana Day :)
Friday, September 7, 2007
Have Some Fun On The Journey
Over the past 28 years we have lived in 15 houses and 4 towns. Big towns, small towns, nice houses, apartments and one really tiny house (around 900 sq ft).
When we moved to Vero Beach, for the very first time the Welcome Wagon people came with a bunch of coupons for local business freebies. I said, “We should drive around and get all this free stuff.” My Bride felt it would be totally tacky for us to go from place to place just for free stuff. To avoid embarrassment, I went by myself.
One of the coupons was for the local funeral home. Since I worked at the church behind said funeral home, I thought I would seize the day and drop in on my lunch break.
It was a slow day for them, so I walked in and was immediately greeted in the foyer. “May I help you sir?” The nice lady asked. “Yes, I’m here for my free embalming.” I replied. “Your, uh, free wha…?” “My free embalming.” “Um, could you wait right here??”
She went to the back and another lady came out. “Can I help you sir?” “Yes, I’m here for my free embalming.” “Uh, what makes you think you’re going to get a free embalming?” I pulled the coupon out of my jacket, “I got this coupon from the Welcome Wagon that said to come here for a free gift. I can’t think of anything else you folks would be giving away, and if we could hurry up a bit, I only have about 45 minutes left on my lunch.” “Oh my, um, well that’s not for a uh..”
At that point I couldn’t help but laugh. I introduced myself as the new Minister at the church behind them. She was greatly relieved. Over the years I was blessed to develop a very good working relationship with them. I did many funerals for families that had no church.
When we moved to Vero Beach, for the very first time the Welcome Wagon people came with a bunch of coupons for local business freebies. I said, “We should drive around and get all this free stuff.” My Bride felt it would be totally tacky for us to go from place to place just for free stuff. To avoid embarrassment, I went by myself.
One of the coupons was for the local funeral home. Since I worked at the church behind said funeral home, I thought I would seize the day and drop in on my lunch break.
It was a slow day for them, so I walked in and was immediately greeted in the foyer. “May I help you sir?” The nice lady asked. “Yes, I’m here for my free embalming.” I replied. “Your, uh, free wha…?” “My free embalming.” “Um, could you wait right here??”
She went to the back and another lady came out. “Can I help you sir?” “Yes, I’m here for my free embalming.” “Uh, what makes you think you’re going to get a free embalming?” I pulled the coupon out of my jacket, “I got this coupon from the Welcome Wagon that said to come here for a free gift. I can’t think of anything else you folks would be giving away, and if we could hurry up a bit, I only have about 45 minutes left on my lunch.” “Oh my, um, well that’s not for a uh..”
At that point I couldn’t help but laugh. I introduced myself as the new Minister at the church behind them. She was greatly relieved. Over the years I was blessed to develop a very good working relationship with them. I did many funerals for families that had no church.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Fifty Years or So Ago
Today we had the awesome privilege to participate in the 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration of my friends Mr. & Mrs. “T”. They met when he returned from the Korean War. He says, “I saw her and I was done looking.” She agreed. Two and a half weeks later, they were married.
During the celebration he sang two songs to her, and they renewed their vows to love and cherish each other and to continue trusting God for their future.
I shared the poem below that I wrote for my parents who celebrated their 50th Anniversary a few years ago. God has truly blessed us with the example of His Servants from that generation. May we be found faithful, as they have been, to pass the flame along to the next generation.
Fifty Years or So Ago
Fifty Years or so ago, you looked into her eyes
You fell for her so quickly, it took you by surprise
You knew that very moment that your heart she came to own,
and your love for her has only grown since fifty years or so ago
Fifty years or so ago, he walked into your life;
And from a shy and sweet “hello”, you dreamed to be his wife.
The urgent dropped to incidental; true love had made it so.
His life become your focus, fifty years or so ago.
To tell your impact on our lives, as the children of your love
defies the confines of this verse and the ability of words.
Our faith & families, homes & jobs, the way we see our world,
Is all because your love God granted, fifty years or so ago.
During the celebration he sang two songs to her, and they renewed their vows to love and cherish each other and to continue trusting God for their future.
I shared the poem below that I wrote for my parents who celebrated their 50th Anniversary a few years ago. God has truly blessed us with the example of His Servants from that generation. May we be found faithful, as they have been, to pass the flame along to the next generation.
Fifty Years or So Ago
Fifty Years or so ago, you looked into her eyes
You fell for her so quickly, it took you by surprise
You knew that very moment that your heart she came to own,
and your love for her has only grown since fifty years or so ago
Fifty years or so ago, he walked into your life;
And from a shy and sweet “hello”, you dreamed to be his wife.
The urgent dropped to incidental; true love had made it so.
His life become your focus, fifty years or so ago.
To tell your impact on our lives, as the children of your love
defies the confines of this verse and the ability of words.
Our faith & families, homes & jobs, the way we see our world,
Is all because your love God granted, fifty years or so ago.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Fun With Moving
A couple of years ago I had occasion to go with my brother in law to the truck rental place. He and my sister in law had closed on their new house that morning and we needed to move all their stuff.
The conversation went something like this; “My name is ‘Allen’s brother in law’, and I have a 26 foot truck reserved with a trailer.” The rep responded, “OK, well, first off we don’t have any 26 foot trucks, so I don’t know who told you we did.” He took a deep breath and said, “I called the 800 number..” She interrupted, “OK, that’s the problem, see the 800 number people don’t know what they’re doing, so let me get them on the phone so that you can talk with them.”
She dialed the number and handed him the phone. He explained the situation to the rep on the phone who told him that it would be impossible to rent a 26 foot truck along with a trailer and that she didn’t even know who would have told him he could. The store rep took the phone from my brother in law and began yelling at the phone rep who promptly hung up on her. She said, “Something needs to be done about this!” He responded, “Finally!” She called and asked to speak to the supervisor in the phone unit. When a supervisor was secured, she began to explain the problem, “OK, ‘phone rep’ just yelled at me and hung up the phone and I don’t have to take that!” She looked at us and said, “There is no excuse for this!” We agreed. After a heated conversation she hung up and with joy proclaimed, “Problem solved.” My brother in law said, “Great, when can I get the truck?” “Oh, you still can’t get the truck, but she won’t be treating me like that anymore.” She said.
He asked, if there was any possibility of getting a 26 foot truck with a trailer to which he was told, no, but he could rent a smaller one if he would pay for 24 hour rental and have it back to them within 14 hours. Unable to contain my amazement, I asked, “Since the truck he has to rent is smaller than the original truck he reserved, could you give him a break on the mileage?” She said, “That won’t be possible.” I asked, “Is there any scenario where the customer wins with this company?” She looked in disbelief and walked away.
Just for fun, see if you can name the Truck Rental company.
Incidentally, FFIL was there also. He kept looking outside. I asked what he was doing. He said he was looking for a any other indication that the circus was in town.
The conversation went something like this; “My name is ‘Allen’s brother in law’, and I have a 26 foot truck reserved with a trailer.” The rep responded, “OK, well, first off we don’t have any 26 foot trucks, so I don’t know who told you we did.” He took a deep breath and said, “I called the 800 number..” She interrupted, “OK, that’s the problem, see the 800 number people don’t know what they’re doing, so let me get them on the phone so that you can talk with them.”
She dialed the number and handed him the phone. He explained the situation to the rep on the phone who told him that it would be impossible to rent a 26 foot truck along with a trailer and that she didn’t even know who would have told him he could. The store rep took the phone from my brother in law and began yelling at the phone rep who promptly hung up on her. She said, “Something needs to be done about this!” He responded, “Finally!” She called and asked to speak to the supervisor in the phone unit. When a supervisor was secured, she began to explain the problem, “OK, ‘phone rep’ just yelled at me and hung up the phone and I don’t have to take that!” She looked at us and said, “There is no excuse for this!” We agreed. After a heated conversation she hung up and with joy proclaimed, “Problem solved.” My brother in law said, “Great, when can I get the truck?” “Oh, you still can’t get the truck, but she won’t be treating me like that anymore.” She said.
He asked, if there was any possibility of getting a 26 foot truck with a trailer to which he was told, no, but he could rent a smaller one if he would pay for 24 hour rental and have it back to them within 14 hours. Unable to contain my amazement, I asked, “Since the truck he has to rent is smaller than the original truck he reserved, could you give him a break on the mileage?” She said, “That won’t be possible.” I asked, “Is there any scenario where the customer wins with this company?” She looked in disbelief and walked away.
Just for fun, see if you can name the Truck Rental company.
Incidentally, FFIL was there also. He kept looking outside. I asked what he was doing. He said he was looking for a any other indication that the circus was in town.
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