Christmases?
Campbell on Christmas
Thought provoking insights
http://stoned-campbelldisciple.blogspot.com/2009/12/stoned-campbell-christmases-campbell-on.html
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Christmases: Campbell on Christmas
Thought provoking insights
http://stoned-campbelldisciple.blogspot.com/2009/12/stoned-campbell-christmases-campbell-on.html
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Who loves you more than Mom?
A teacher was trying to teach her class a lesson about fractions. After the lesson, she tested one of the boys who was in a large family. Johnny, she said, “There are 6 people in your family. Your mom bakes a pie and she cuts it up for you, what fraction of the pie will you receive?”
Johnny, thought for a minute and said, “One-fifth.” The teacher said, “Now, remember there are 6 people in your family, how big would your piece of pie be.” And again, the boy said, “One-fifth.” The teacher said, “No, you don’t understand fractions.” And Johnny respectfully said, “You don’t understand my mom. She would have said that she didn’t want any.”
Johnny, thought for a minute and said, “One-fifth.” The teacher said, “Now, remember there are 6 people in your family, how big would your piece of pie be.” And again, the boy said, “One-fifth.” The teacher said, “No, you don’t understand fractions.” And Johnny respectfully said, “You don’t understand my mom. She would have said that she didn’t want any.”
Life's Greatest Test
Life's Greatest Test - Story of John Blanchard
One of the most romantic and inspirational true to life story of a soldier's life and love.
John Blanchard was a soldier.
One day, in a library, he found an old book with a lot of writing in the margins. He read her handwritten notes in the book and admired their deep insights. At the front cover, he saw that the book was previously owned by a certain Hollis Maynell.
With much effort, he located her address. He wrote to her and told her about her old book and how he liked her written notes.
And she responded, thanking him for his kind words.
But that day, he was shipped overseas to fight in a war.
Still, they kept writing to each other. During the difficult times at the battlefield, her words inspired him and gave him hope.
Little by little, John was falling in love with her.
He requested for a photo, but she replied that if he really cared for her, it won’t matter how she looked.
Finally, he was going home.
They decided to meet at the Grand Central Station at 7pm.
He said he’d be in his soldier’s uniform bringing her old book.
And she said, “You’ll know me by the red rose I’ll wear on my lapel.”
When the train arrived at 7pm, John was there, wearing his neatly pressed military uniform, with her old book in his hand.
The first woman to step off the train was a beautiful woman in a green suit. But there was no red rose on her blouse.
John was disappointed. But she was so lovely, he kept looking at her. She walked in front of him, glanced at him with a smile, and asked, “Are you following me, soldier?”
A part of him wanted to follow.
But no, he had to wait for Hollis Maynell.
The next woman who stepped off the train had a red rose on her lapel. She was perhaps 45 years old. She had graying hair beneath her hat. And she was very overweight. Meantime, the beautiful woman in the green suit was walking away.
John was torn.
Yet he looked again at the woman who was wearing the red rose. He remembered her letters and what a fascinating a person she was. He remembered how wonderful her words made him feel. He told himself, “This may not be love. But this may be more than love. This will be a beautiful friendship with a lovely person.”
He walked up to her, straightened himself, handed the book to her and said, “My name is Lieutenant John Blanchard. You must be Ms. Hollis Maynell. I’m so glad you could meet me. May I have dinner with you tonight?”
The woman smiled. “I don’t know what this is about, son,” she answered, “but the young lady in the green suit asked me to wear this red rose on my coat. She also said that if you asked me out for dinner, she said she’d be waiting for you in the big restaurant across the street. She said it was some kind of test!”
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
A Modern-Day Service Parable
A Modern-Day Parable
One day an old Christian named Rufus Leekin called his brother in Christ, Lee Vight, and asked if he would like to buy some of his family antiques.
“Why do you want to sell those things, Rufus?” asked Lee. “I thought you really liked them.”
“Well, I do, but I need to hire somebody to shingle my roof, and I don’t have enough money saved up. I’ve been out of work for a year, so things have been tough lately. It’s kinda like life has beaten me up and left me half dead.”
“Man, I wish I could help you, but I’m not really into antiques. Good luck, though.” Lee hung up.
Later that day Rufus saw a member of his church named Jessup Reest downtown. When Rufus waved and tried to get his attention, Jessup acted like he didn’t see him and passed by on the other side. (He had heard from Lee that Rufus was trying to pawn off some of his old junk on church members.)
Out of desperation, Rufus finally called a guy he used to work with, named Sam Herriton, and gave him the same pitch. Rufus knew Sam was a nice guy and was pretty sure he went to church somewhere, but he wasn't sure where.
When Sam discovered the reason behind his solicitation, he took pity on Rufus. But instead of buying his treasures, Sam decided to round up some other guys from his own church and just take care of Rufus’s roof for him.
Rufus was overwhelmed. He tried to turn down their offer, but the good Sam Herriton was persistent. He and his crew worked all day Saturday shingling and repairing structural damage. Unfortunately they only got half done, and rain was coming. They were worried that the precipitation would find its way into the house if it wasn't finished right away. As much as Sam and his helpers hated to miss their church service, they decided they’d better finish the roof before the rains came and beat up on the house. (Sorry. Wrong parable.) So they worked all Sunday morning and finished roofing the roof of Rufus.
As Lee Vight and Jessup Reest drove by Rufus’s house on the way to church, they were both appalled that someone would skip worshiping God to work on a roof.
Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into hard times?
One day an old Christian named Rufus Leekin called his brother in Christ, Lee Vight, and asked if he would like to buy some of his family antiques.
“Why do you want to sell those things, Rufus?” asked Lee. “I thought you really liked them.”
“Well, I do, but I need to hire somebody to shingle my roof, and I don’t have enough money saved up. I’ve been out of work for a year, so things have been tough lately. It’s kinda like life has beaten me up and left me half dead.”
“Man, I wish I could help you, but I’m not really into antiques. Good luck, though.” Lee hung up.
Later that day Rufus saw a member of his church named Jessup Reest downtown. When Rufus waved and tried to get his attention, Jessup acted like he didn’t see him and passed by on the other side. (He had heard from Lee that Rufus was trying to pawn off some of his old junk on church members.)
Out of desperation, Rufus finally called a guy he used to work with, named Sam Herriton, and gave him the same pitch. Rufus knew Sam was a nice guy and was pretty sure he went to church somewhere, but he wasn't sure where.
When Sam discovered the reason behind his solicitation, he took pity on Rufus. But instead of buying his treasures, Sam decided to round up some other guys from his own church and just take care of Rufus’s roof for him.
Rufus was overwhelmed. He tried to turn down their offer, but the good Sam Herriton was persistent. He and his crew worked all day Saturday shingling and repairing structural damage. Unfortunately they only got half done, and rain was coming. They were worried that the precipitation would find its way into the house if it wasn't finished right away. As much as Sam and his helpers hated to miss their church service, they decided they’d better finish the roof before the rains came and beat up on the house. (Sorry. Wrong parable.) So they worked all Sunday morning and finished roofing the roof of Rufus.
As Lee Vight and Jessup Reest drove by Rufus’s house on the way to church, they were both appalled that someone would skip worshiping God to work on a roof.
Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into hard times?
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Ministry Ideas
Lots of life change comes from being among God's people. The first century church was together daily in many cases. Today we have reduced "church" to Sundays and Wednesdays. What are some good practical ideas for this generations.
* Using the internet and social media to encourage, pray, and connect with one another.
* Home group Bible studies by age groups and inter-generational.
* Cookouts and camp outs.
* Growth groups by generation and / or gender at or away from church building.
* Meals together before or after church assemblies. These could be at the building or at restaurants.
* Of course families studying together wherever they find themselves.
* Of course families studying together wherever they find themselves.
Share with me some more.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
The cab ride
I arrived at the address and honked the horn. after waiting a few minutes I walked to the door and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.
After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie.
By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.
There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.
'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.
She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.
She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her... 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.'
'Oh, you're such a good boy, she said.When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'
'It's not the shortest way,'I answered quickly..
'Oh, I don't mind,' she said.'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice.
I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice.. 'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.
'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.
For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.
We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.
Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.
As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'.
We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.
Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were Solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.
I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.
'How much do I owe you?'
She asked, reaching into her purse.
'Nothing,' I said
'You have to make a living,' she answered.
'There are other passengers,' I responded.
Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.
'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said.'Thank you.'
I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life..
I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift?What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?
On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.
We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.
But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.
PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID~BUT~THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.
Life
may not be the party we hoped for, but while we
are here we might as well dance.
Jeopardy Question Nobody could answer.
The Jeopardy Question Nobody could answer.
Jeopardy Question: On Jeopardy the other night, the final question was "How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns"---- All three contestants missed it!
This is really an awesome sight to watch if you' ve never had the chance. Very fascinating.
1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?
21 steps: It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?
21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1
3. Why are his gloves wet?
His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and, if not, why not?
He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
5. How often are the guards changed?
Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?
For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30. They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb... There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin. The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform.. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery . A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe Lewis {the boxer} Medal of Honor winner Audie L. Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WWII and of Hollywood fame.
Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm.. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment.
They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.
God Bless and keep them.
ARLINGTON CEMETERY
Jeopardy Question: On Jeopardy the other night, the final question was "How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns"---- All three contestants missed it!
This is really an awesome sight to watch if you' ve never had the chance. Very fascinating.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?
21 steps: It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?
21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1
3. Why are his gloves wet?
His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and, if not, why not?
He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
5. How often are the guards changed?
Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?
For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30. They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb... There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin. The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform.. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery . A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe Lewis {the boxer} Medal of Honor winner Audie L. Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WWII and of Hollywood fame.
Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm.. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment.
They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.
God Bless and keep them.
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Self Destruction
Once there was an eagle soaring high in the sky and as it flew, almost out
of sight, it became unsteady and finally began to fall. It plunged to the earth in a
pasture near two men. When the men went to the eagle, they found him shaking
and trembling. In its claw was a rattlesnake.
The eagle had caught the reptile, soared into the sky, and finally lost the
battle when the snake bit it. Now there it lay holding onto the very thing that
killed it! People are the same way. The thing from which they hope to derive
some pleasure; but like the eagle in the story, they are fighting a losing battle
and are holding onto the very thing that will mean their spiritual death.
How sad it is to think of a soul being lost simply because a person is to
proud or too stubborn to free themselves of the thing which are destroying them!
of sight, it became unsteady and finally began to fall. It plunged to the earth in a
pasture near two men. When the men went to the eagle, they found him shaking
and trembling. In its claw was a rattlesnake.
The eagle had caught the reptile, soared into the sky, and finally lost the
battle when the snake bit it. Now there it lay holding onto the very thing that
killed it! People are the same way. The thing from which they hope to derive
some pleasure; but like the eagle in the story, they are fighting a losing battle
and are holding onto the very thing that will mean their spiritual death.
How sad it is to think of a soul being lost simply because a person is to
proud or too stubborn to free themselves of the thing which are destroying them!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Preachers Need Emotional Support
Great resources for emotional support in ministry.
http://www.parsonage.org/
Ministry friends are important.
http://www.parsonage.org/
Ministry friends are important.
The Hard Way
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Mormonism
Got a question about Mormonism?
Former Mormon Latayne C. Scott, author of the Zondervan book “The Mormon Mirage” and a member of the Mountainside Church of Christ in Albuquerque, N.M.
Preaching Jobs
Here are some links you may consider when looking for preaching jobs.
The best thing to do is network. Your friends will be more able to help you find a good match.
Go to Oklahoma Christian's web page at
Oklahoma Christian University – http://www.oc.edu/jobpost/churchrel_ppl.aspx
The Christian Chronicle is also a good source --http://www.christianchronicle.org/classifieds/classified.php/listing/620
or – http://www.christianchronicle.org/classifieds/index.php/cat/2
Freed-Hardeman's can be accessed by going tohttp://www.fhu.edu/forms/jobs/postajob.aspx and clicking "Pulpit Minister" at the top right hand side of the page.
Lubbock Christian
http://www.lcu.edu/no_cache/majors-programs/bachelors/bible/ministry-positions.html
Ohio Valley also has a good site: http://bible.ovc.edu/bible/chlookpg.htm
Libscomb – http://careercenter.lipscomb.edu/careersearch.asp
http://www.cocn.org/churches-looking.html
ACU – http://www.acu.edu/academics/cbs/centers-services/churchrelations/services/looking.html
Heritage Christian – http://www.hcu.edu/resources/churchlisting
epreacher.org – http://epreacher.org/jobs.html
Sunset – http://www.sibi.cc/index.php?option=com_adsmanager&Itemid=218
Rocky Mountain Christian – http://rmcnews.site.aplus.net/ (click on Classifieds)
CofC Online Directory – http://church-of-christ.org/bulletin-board/employment.html
If you know of others I should include, please contact me.
Kevin Rayner
The best thing to do is network. Your friends will be more able to help you find a good match.
Go to Oklahoma Christian's web page at
Oklahoma Christian University – http://www.oc.edu/jobpost/churchrel_ppl.aspx
The Christian Chronicle is also a good source --http://www.christianchronicle.org/classifieds/classified.php/listing/620
or – http://www.christianchronicle.org/classifieds/index.php/cat/2
Freed-Hardeman's can be accessed by going tohttp://www.fhu.edu/forms/jobs/postajob.aspx and clicking "Pulpit Minister" at the top right hand side of the page.
Lubbock Christian
http://www.lcu.edu/no_cache/majors-programs/bachelors/bible/ministry-positions.html
Ohio Valley also has a good site: http://bible.ovc.edu/bible/chlookpg.htm
Libscomb – http://careercenter.lipscomb.edu/careersearch.asp
http://www.cocn.org/churches-looking.html
ACU – http://www.acu.edu/academics/cbs/centers-services/churchrelations/services/looking.html
Heritage Christian – http://www.hcu.edu/resources/churchlisting
epreacher.org – http://epreacher.org/jobs.html
Sunset – http://www.sibi.cc/index.php?option=com_adsmanager&Itemid=218
Rocky Mountain Christian – http://rmcnews.site.aplus.net/ (click on Classifieds)
CofC Online Directory – http://church-of-christ.org/bulletin-board/employment.html
If you know of others I should include, please contact me.
Kevin Rayner
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