I have had the honor of being featured in ON WORD magazine, Winter 2008/2009 edition, with
a narrative titled Puppeteer which you can find in the Moody Bible Institute box in the site
directory.  This magazine is circulated to alumni world wide.


________________________________________________________________________________










I have had the honor of being featured in ON WORD magazine, Winter 2008/2009
edition, with a narrative titled Puppeteer which you can find in the Moody Bible
Institute box in the site directory.  This magazine is circulated to alumni world wide.

_________________________________________________________________________________





























BODY PARTS

"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth
to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him"
II Chronicles 16:9


Several writers of Scripture have referred to God in terms of body parts such as eyes, hands, and
arms.  If we are made in God's image, does that mean that God actually has appendages?  Or is it
supposed to be taken in a spiritual sense?  The answer most probably is the latter.  John 4:24 tells us
that "God is spirit".  As for the writers, how else could they describe God other than in terms which
people would relate to?

When the Scripture indicates that God sees throughout the earth, that means everywhere, with no place
overlooked.  To strengthen means that God's purpose is to support and revive us with physical
and spiritual fortitude.      

Whether or not God cares to display any of the physical attributes which have been designed for
humankind, is at God's discretion.  The clue is that God expects a willingness on our part;
fully committed and being neither partial nor carnal.

David the psalmist understood the scope of God's awesomeness, proclaiming in Psalm 63:1, "my body
longs for you".  God has done everything a Creator can do to get us to understand the magnitude in
which we are loved.  We've hidden from God in our natural sinful state, cowering and frightened to
embrace that which has been abundantly offered to us.  God tried to demonstrate this in the wonders
of nature.  God tried to communicate with us through the prophets.  Finally, God came to us in the
form of a newborn human being, born in a lowly manger.  At last we got it because it was on our own
level of comprehension.  

Understanding that Jesus was God who descended from heaven to communicate with us and save us
from ourselves is the beginning of an abundant life for us.  Fulfillment happens on every level if we allow
Jesus to come into our hearts and be an intrical part of our lives.  If you haven't made that commitment,
it's your time right now.  Jesus came to us, died on our behalf, and rose from the grave forever to bring
us redemption.  Put your trust in Him today.



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PERFECTLY RESTORED

Sometimes I'm slow to get it.  There was a hymn written in 1747 by John Wesley titled "Love Divine, All
Loves Excelling".  It's kind of an old church thing and isn't used much anymore.  Around the turn of the
year I found my self humming a line from the hymn which included the words "perfectly restored
(in Thee)" over and over –perhaps in excess of 100 times during a two week period.  
I repeated the words dozens of times, sometimes subconsciously.

My past year had been a rough one.  My partner spent most of the year fighting prostrate cancer,
carotid artery surgery which didn't go well, pneumonia, and possibly the H1N1 virus (undetermined).  
From the stress of being his caregiver, I instantly became a diabetic and acquired a chemical imbalance
(formerly called a nervous breakdown).  I'm now taking 12 drugs a day and another
6 vitamins.   Not fun.  So, 2009 is a year we would both care to forget.

Finally, in a quiet time on a Sunday morning before church, it dawned on me that the Holy Spirit was
trying to tell me something.  I was to be "perfectly restored" in 2010.  It hit me like a ton of bricks.  
Of course.  Why, I wonder, am I always the last to get it?

God most definitely knows our thoughts; our dreams.  Scripture makes it abundantly clear that God,
in an outpouring of love far beyond our comprehension, desires each one of us to be in an intimate
relationship with our Creator every moment of our lives.  It doesn't happen as a rule and that's because
of us, not God.  We are human day-to-day kind of people.  We know in our hearts that there is an
overwhelming love which is directed toward us, that there is an eventual place of bliss awaiting
our arrival, and that one day we will experience a peace which truly will surpass any comprehension
which we now know.

Ah.  The 18th century song writer caught the message.  Perfectly restored.  That's what we'll all be.  
I know without any doubt that this year I will be perfectly restored back to health.  It's not a debate.   And
I believe that my two best friends, Fred and Mark whom I love so much, will come to know Christ
as savior this year.  I am claiming that they will be perfectly restored to where God wants them – knowing
and loving Jesus; washed in His blood and enjoying a new forgiven life.  I also believe that God is well
able to perfectly restore Charlene's son.  And so on – you get it.  I'm naming them so that
I can't renege on my commitment to hold them up in prayer.

Lets join together and claim by faith that God will perfectly restore everything in our lives that needs
a make-over.  That's an exhaustive grocery list for most of us.

"Being confident of this, that God who began a good work in you will see it through to completion"
Philippians 1:6

(a note from my pastor:  I love the concept of "restoration" -- the scripture that immediately came to my
mind was from Joel where God promises to restore the years that the locusts have eaten.  The various
"types" of locusts -- seem to capture much of what you and Vince have gone through in 2009
-- and now God IS restoring)


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JESUS WITHDRAWS


How vividly I recall the discussions I had with my friend Brant Baker.  Sometimes we'd be hours on end in
conversation.  Brant was a faith healer.  God had blessed him with a gift that few will ever have.  He
would pray with people and they would be "slain in the Spirit" (as we often call it).  Miracle healings
ensued.  The Apostle Peter had this special gift too.  In any given century, there are usually a few
people on the earth who have this special gift in a mighty way, accompanied by exceptional power of the
Holy Spirit.

Reflecting on my friendships of a spiritual nature throughout my journey, there are four people who, in
my mind, have been true disciples, diligently serving Jesus as their number one priority.  Three are still
alive.  That said, Brant would not be among them.  Without question he had the anointing of God, but I
think he was careless with it.  Borrowing imagery from an unknown source, I would say that his ministry
was likened to a shooting star.  So brilliant, yet so brief.  God took him home at a young age.

Brant and I used to talk about the presence of Jesus.  He advised me that he was able to tell when Jesus
would withdraw His presence.  This always fascinated me, and believe me, we spent many hours on that
one.  The only instance when I was acutely aware of this, was during a time when I was attending a
former church.  They were in a fund raising campaign, hoping to build a new facility.  At the morning
service when annual pledges were collected, there was something hanging on the alter which could be
compared, I believe, to baal worship.  Little samples of the same thing were handed out to those
pledging.  Suddenly I literally felt Jesus walk out of the sanctuary, and simultaneously felt God's hand
lifted off of the church finances.  To date, years later, no progress has been made in meeting the
church's financial goals.  Let's face it, God will have no other worship than that of God's only begotten
son.  That congregation has not flourished, neither are they realizing the miracles that churches all
around them are experiencing.

So, after 65 years, I have learned two things.  Having a special anointing from God does not mean that
you've "gotten it all together" in your personal life.  And, secondly, Brant was right.  Jesus certainly does
withdraw His presence when He is not honored.

The Bible more than hints that God longs to be in an intimate relationship with us.  This happens
through Jesus.  To continually turn away from what we know is the right thing to do, and that, by the still
small voice of the Holy Spirit, will at some point cause Jesus to walk away from anyone.  Yes, Jesus is
the servant of all, but to treat Him as a house servant at our beck and call when we find ourselves in
need of some assistance – we've missed the point.  He's long left the building.

Once again, we've got to want Him.  We have to come to the place where what we want most is Jesus
being an intimate part of out lives, literally walking and talking with Him.  Sincerely seeking Him will draw
Him to us.  He wants to be wanted.  If what we do in our private time, if we invite Him to be with us, and
mean it, Jesus will draw near.  


"You will find Me when you seek Me with all you've got"
Jeremiah 29:14
PREPARING TO FLY

One day soon I too will fly away.  I
offer this web site because you
need to know that there are other
ways of looking at things.  I am
born-again and baptized in the
Holy Spirit.  Jesus is my best
friend, and I'm not just saying that
because it sounds appropriate.  I
lean right wing in my Biblical
beliefs and left wing in my politics.  
Background - Word Of Life, Bob
Jones U, Moody Bible Institute,
Samaritan Bible Seminary, MCC,
Shekinah Fellowship.....not exactly
in that order, and yes I'm well
beyond my youth.  Once I did a
minuscule bit with Campus
Crusade, briefly pastored two
churches, have had writings
featured, and have been a word of
knowledge minister.  I speak in
tongues and sometimes when I
pray with people God chooses to
slay them in the Holy Spirit.  

I have thoughts, inspiration from
the Lord.  I'm a thinker, often way
out of the box, and will offer
writings which some of you will
love, while others of you will need
to tighten your seat belts, but they
will make you think about things
you may not have considered ever
before.  That's a good thing, right?  
I'm working on two books.  The first
book is almost completed and the
second is not far behind.  I don't
want to fly away without making a
difference.

___________________________
IN REMEMBRANCE

My mother went to heaven in June
of 2007 year at age 93,  joining my
father.  She and I were closer than
many knew.  She was a saint.  I
think of her all the time and miss
her so much.  I have a lot of her
books, and the one which I read
and re-read constantly is a daily
devotional by CH Spurgeon.  She
underlined things that meant a lot
to her, and with my adding my own
underscoring, there's a lot of
penciling going on.  Good for us!  
She was Baptist, but God called
me to go deeper and I became
charismatic.  Mother and I had
some meaningful talks and a good
mother-son bond.  We had some
conversations that I will never
share with anyone else.  She told
me she loved her gay son.  She
approved of my writings; said she
loved them.  That's good enough
for me.
_____________________

I HONOR THOSE
PROGRESSIVE IN
THOUGHT, NAMELY...

Dr Sanjay Gupta
Joy Hartwell
Pres Barak Obama
Rev Don Pederson
Brigid de Jong
Hillary Clinton
Rev Dr Sherry Kennedy
Rev Lee Carlton
Anne Hume
Anderson Cooper
Susie Dixon
Archives
________________________________________________
DEER   FORCE
I take heart and gain strength
I run like a deer
I feel like I'm king of the mountain
HABAKKUK  3:19    From The Message
Comments
________________________________________________

You hooked me right off – Pat M  

I love the feel of the site. It feels
tranquil, relaxing and inviting –
Karen M

I was quite inspired by the writings
and the real way you bring it all to
life – Liz B

We can expect great things from
you – Tom S

Liked your intro and description of
who you are – Rev Dan Nagel

You should read some of the
things my wise and gifted cousin
has written - and you will Believe!
- Wendy K

Great website and wounderfull
messages.  After days of writer's
block, your writings gave me the
inspiration I needed for the
devotionals I send to my
congregation in the Dominican
Republic.  Thank you -
Rev Tania Guzman

Beautiful site…you are a talented
writer – Ray G

Your inspirational words are
something I will return to - Bobbi B

Enjoyed all of your vignettes--much
wisdom, delightful reading -
David C

Awesome writings - Keith G

Inspirational and challenging
for those who desire
a deeper walk with our Savior -
Rev Lee Carlton

Wow! Very inspirational - Jeff C

Makes you look at life
and everything in a different way -
Barbara A

Your ability to understand and
quote scriptures is very impressive,
a natural wordsmith - Donna A

Thank you for reminding me that
the margins are where God does
His best work - Toni W

A real accomplishment, I look
forward to more - Victoria B

Attractive and meaningful website,
will attract anyone who is
hungering to grow - Sharon K

You have found a way to share
something good and pure,
embraceable, & provocative.  
Feels good to stretch those
boundaries - Dana W

You have done wonders -
writings are engrossing and
lovely to read - Chris K

Your website is wonderful - Mary P

I feel God's spirit speaking through
you and we are all benefiting -
a WONDERFUL expression of
God's gift to you - Susan C

Simply told yet powerful stories
which convey your deep beliefs - I
enjoy reading them; although not
a Christian - Stephanie E

Love your website.  I plan on going
back to it to continue reading,
thank you - Theresa W

Am truly very impressed.  The
content is easy to navigate. It's a
great site - Andrew K

A nice looking site - Jeff L

To say I'm impressed or that I was
truly moved would be an under-
statement.  The words touched the
deepest part of me and I know
without a doubt that those words
will touch the hearts of all who read
them - Wayne O

Chock full of all sorts of thought-
provoking and inspiring prose
- Joy H

I appreciate that it centers on
Christian spirituality, centering on
Christ. The most mportant thing is
what happens in our hearts - Ed N

I have enjoyed looking at the web
site and love the tribute to your
mother - Patty W

Not too right, not too left,
but right on! - Rod H

So  uplifting.  I will visit often
- Paulette H

Your writings are a real comfort
- Brigid D
candid  narratives.....  from  richard  lydiard  white
Be sure to visit the Archives and other sections.
                            
The directory will give you many options -
     
just click on "Site Directory" link above
________________________

RECENTLY SEEN
BUMPER STICKERS
667
neighbor of the beast!
Who would Jesus  bomb?
The real supreme court
meets up here  -  GOD
Your contribution can
help maintain this site
______________________

Comments

Wow! What a website! - Barry A

I saw so much joy of life and the
Lord's joy in those pics, and then it
all ended in the softest and saddest
of sentences.  I'm glad you are
sharing this side of Brant
-Caryn L

Thank you for sharing all of those
pictures, they bring a certain comfort,
seeing Brant in such a relaxed and
easy manner.  My heart just sunk
knowing these vibrant
faces have died of AIDS
- Elaine S

Thank you so much for being so
open about yourself and Brant. It
means a lot to me - Hanna T

This is one of the finest web sites on
the net - something for every level of
spirituality and common sense.  
Outrageous, fun, & informative
photos in the site directory - Darren K

All encompassing and inspiring, and
with great photos - Bob F

Anxious to know more about your
ministries and can't wait for your
books to come out - Dave F

Definitely a premier site on the Net
for inspiration.  Certainly is mine -
Paul K

Wow - I have a lot more digesting to
do - David K

Where has this site been hiding?  It's
incredible.....minstered to me.....
really hit the spot - Tim J

I love that picture of you and Brant.
You totally melted my heart.
Your website is truly wonderful
- David S

Thank you for sharing your web-
site.....inspiring writings.  re: Brant.....
we shared the same friend at one
time - Jud H

I am very impressed with the site's
comprehensiveness.  Seems like
you have a portal to many different
parts of your life - Russ H

I followed the link to your web page,
and I am blown away by the  
things you have there - Brigid D

The pictures are wonderful.  What a
fantastic treat.  Wonderful website
- Rev Don Pederson

Good work and ministry on your site
- Rev Lee Carlton

Love all the pics of the family!
- Casey G

I enjoyed the insights your web page
provided for me spiritually
- L Saint John

Great stuff, brings back lots of
memories - L Hill

I read your entire web site and think it
is marvelous.  God has blessed you
with quite a gift
- Hazel M  

I keep checking your website –
continues to get more amazing
- Wendy K

Lovely readings on your site
- Marsha Stevens, Balm Ministries

Your website is fantastic, and so are
your writings - Michele M

Very interesting and would probably
take me a year to go through it all
- Diane S

The site is great - informative,
sensitive and peaceful
- Susie D

What an amazing gift you have with
words - Dorothy B
___________________________

RECENT SERMON
QUOTE:

"Some of the best gifts
don't look like them
when they come to you"

(Reverend Sherry Kennedy)
You have the right to keep silent
USE IT

Member of