My Life And Thoughts

Update:

2011-08-20T10:08:00.005-04:00

Picture from a 2000 bus trip to St. Louis..The Bowling Hall Of Fame..

Hello..
I see I havent made a post here since last November..Just want to update things..Linda has had some recent arthritic difficulties with both her knees, and will be seeing an Orthopedic Specialist soon..If we can get her knees fixed some, maybe some of her other issues (Diabetes, etc..)will be easier to handle..

Work has gone well for the most part, except some recent weeks have been short on hours..Need to have a solid 30 a week to at least survive..

My sister in law Bev Lones had heart surgery last week..According to My brother Ed, everything went well..Praise The Lord For that..

As some on Facebook may be aware..I'm in a kind of a time of transition Church-wise..Still praying for what to do at this point..

Great to see Massillon Baptist College embarking on another great school year..Dr. Stan Anderson has things going in a good direction..Lots of excitement from what I am hearing..

Gotta run for now..Have a great weekend everybody..God Bless..

Pray for my brother Roger

2010-11-06T09:53:00.004-04:00

Forgot to mention in yesterday's posting..My oldest brother Roger came out of surgery last week replacing a heart valve and having cartoid artery surgery..He is in a step-down room at Aultman Hospital and as far as I know, is doing well...Continue to keep him and the family in your prayers..Thank you..

Hello All:

2010-11-05T10:17:00.001-04:00

Cover of "The Star Carol"..Tennessee Ernie Ford's best selling Christmas album of 1956

Just a note to update everyone:
Linda's sister Debby Baxter is living with us once again..Good to have her around..
Linda is still having diabetic issues on occasion, as well as aching muscles, etc..But the diabetes is mostly under control..We're trying to find a nursing home for Linda's dad..I know she (and I) would appreciate your prayers in the situation..This is all new to Linda..Pray that we find the right place and we get the right kind of help for him..

Some good news:
Because of pesonnel changes at the grocery store I work at, I am getting more hours than I had been previously, going from an average of 26-27 hours a week to 30-32 hours..It may not sound like much but there is a huge difference between $570 and $670 or more
take-home per pay period..Hoping that it keeps up...While I would love 40 hours, that may never happen..All I ever wanted (realistically) was 30-32 hours and I am very grateful for that..

Finally, for our video feature, I'd like to present the Late Tennessee Ernie Ford in a selection of closing hymns from the Prime Time NBC "Ford Show." Though the Network and sponsor was aginst the hymns..Thinking you just dont have "religious" music on primetime tv, Ernie held firm..Through the 5 year weekly run, only 18 shows failed to include a closing hymn..

Here Ernie, with some help from his backup singers the "Voices of Walter Schumann" (renamed The Top Twenty after Schumann's passing) sings the following hyms:
Rock of Ages
Old Rugged Cross
Peace In The Valley
Precious Lord, Take My Hand...

The next two postings (which I hope to be sooner rather than later) will feature two more parts of this video..

My Take on LeBron, Etc..And Cleveland Sports in general

2010-07-10T14:56:00.000-04:00

Channel 5 Quarterback Club TV Guide ad-1959

Cleveland Indians TV Guide Ad-April 1970

My absolute favorite Cleveland Cavaliers logo from the 1970's

Hello folks:
Unless you've been under a rock (which would hurt, btw)you know about the LeBron James/Cavaliers saga that played out to its conclusion over the last several days..Culminating in a Made-For-TV spectacle om Thursday Night over ESPN..I suppose everybody's heard/read everybody's opinion on the matter..I figure I might as well weigh in on things..as well as some related sports topics..

My own sports "history"..I didnt get into pro sports untill the late 1960's when I started to pay attention to the old NBA Cincinnati Royals for a couple of seasons..People forget they had some really good teams from 1964-68 or so..Just not good enough to beat the Celtics in the playoffs..I was listening to a Royals game when the official announcement was made that Cleveland would get a team..

in 1970 the Cavaliers began..They were bad/horrible the first few years, but they were "our" team..Also began to follow the Indians in 1970..Became a semi-Bengals fan at first becase they were aired on WOIO-AM 1060 Canton and the Browns sounded "bland" to me on the radio..

Getting back to the Indians, you always had "hope" this would be their year..Unfortunately by June 1, they were out of the pennant chase most years till the mid 1990's..I could not, and cannot make myself root for any team outside of Cleveland,,Became a Browns fan in the Sipe years..The Cavs also had their high spots..1976 Miracle of Richfield 1988-92 outstanding teams..Indians lost 2 World Series (1997 especially hurt) but at least they got there..Because (Or In Spite) of all this, I do not believe in a Cleveland "Sports Curse"..Being a fan to me means you have to believe in your City and your team...

Getting to LeBron..A couple of months ago I was ready to accept him leaving Cleveland..But the way he went about it..The special..dragging it out as long as possible..Then putting a knife in Cleveland's back is just plain wrong..Now it comes out he hardly had any communication with the Cavaliers in the last few days..and they found out JUST BEFORE he announced it?..Totally classless in my mind..Dan Gilbert's "Letter To The Fans" was right on target..

In spite of what LeBron did, I cant hate the guy..I think he made a mistake, which may be borne out in the future..Its good that the Cavaliers appear to be moving ahead on things..With some new developments regarding sign-and-trade with James, etc..

As much as a sports fan as I am, it can be said that sports is getting too much play, and that's probably right..It can be a good diversion from real life..I try not to let the "business side" of sports take away from my enjoyment of it..

Massillon Baptist College Alumni Fellowship-May 14, 2010

2010-05-21T19:32:00.003-04:00

Massillon Baptist College Logo-1973-Present..Courtesy Dr. Stanley Anderson

Portrait of Dr. Bruce D. Cummons, founder of Massillon Baptist Temple and Pastor from 1950-95..He founded Massillon Christian School and Massillon Baptist College in 1973..

Pastor Don Snow of Calvary Baptist Church, New Philadelphia, Ohio pictured here with his wife, Becky in an MBC 2009 Fellowship Photo..Brother Don And Sister Becky have been great friends for over 25 years..

Hello:
Wanted to give a report on the Massillon Baptist College Alumni Fellowship services last Friday Morning, May 14, 2010..After stopping for a bit of Breakfast at Top of The Viaduct Restaurant..I got to the Massillon Baptist Temple about 8:35 AM..Enjoyed Fellowship with some good friends before heading into the Sanctuary..

The First service started at 9AM..MBC 1998 Graduate..Peter Chamberland from Rock Of Ages Prison Ministry was the first speaker..His subject was "JUST KEEP ROWING" taken from Mark6:45-52..He said we need to keep on going..

Because of Others Watching
Because of Jesus with us
Because of Our Final Destination-Glory!

In other words, Don't give up! Excellent Message to start the day..

Just a Note:Rock Of Ages Prison Ministry is a National Organization..Massillon Baptist Temple will host the National Meeting for 2010 July 18-22..One of the Speakers will be Nationally known Pastor Emeritus of Worth Baptist Church, Ft. Worth, Texas, Dr. Raymond Barber.

The Second Speaker was Rev. Jason Grubbs, Recently Installed as Pastor of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church In Lebanon, Indiana..He spoke from John 14:1-12 "DREAMS MUST BE GREATER THAN THE MEMORIES"

The disciples had great memories of ministering with Jesus while He was on earth, but He had to leave for The Holy Spirit to come..The disciple had to focus on the future, just as we do today..Great to have the memories, but we need to think of what we can do for the Lord going forward..Rev. Grubbs also said that the Great days for Fundamentalism in Northeast Ohio (as in the 60's and 70's) can happen again if we stay focused..The things that last are Holy Spirit driven..

Massillon Baptist Temple Pastor Cecil Thayer stated that his goal was to bring in more "outside" speakers into our Fellowship meetings-To hear different fundamental voices..I think that is a good thing..

The Final morning speaker was Rev. Keith Troyer, MBC 1986 Graduate..Pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Greenville Pa. He spoke from I Corinthians 10:3-5

RENEWING THE MIND-He shared that even as Christians, our minds can be easily corrupted-We need to "Put Off" the "Old Man" and Put on the New Man..We need to fight "Stongholds" in our lives, such as thinking that any results as far as folks saved, etc..That we have anything to do with it..It is all of God..Glory belongs to God and Him alone..God Is In Charge Luke 13:1-5..

All three speakers were a blessing, and as often happens, all three messages connected with each other..

Bro. Marcus Perry, 1994 Graduate of MBC, provided special music..He was a blessing indeed..

After the messages, there was an alumni business meeting in which MBC Dean Dr. Stanley Anderson revealed plans to upgrade course offerings at MBC, plus share opportunities for College Outreach through the summer..Afterward, we had a good lunch at Massillon Christian School..Was happy to be able to fellowship throughout the day with Pastor Don Snow, a great friend of mine whom I went to college with many years ago..He is pastoring Calvary Baptist Church in New Philadelphia, Ohio as he has for over 20 years..

I would like to thank Pastor Thayer, Dean Anderson and the Staff of Massillon Baptist Temple/College for making everyone feel welcome and at home..May God Continue to bless The Massillon Baptist Temple Ministres as they continue to move forward..

Editior's Note:Here is the official Webpage for Massillon Baptist College Alumni Fellowship with a link to a page on Massillon Baptist Temple..

http://www.mbcaf.org/

Explanation: And a few announcements

2010-05-15T10:41:00.003-04:00

Good Morning:
Just wanted to explain something ive just been made aware of..The last post I did in March revolved around a Statler Brothers performance of "Vacation In Heaven" with a YouTube video as a centerpiece of the post..Well, this morning I see that the video (not uploaded originally by me) was removed from YouTube for "Terms of Use Violations". When using YouTube videos like this, I realize one takes a chance on this happening. However, since the video was the "main draw" of the post, I felt It would be prudent to delete the post in question..I apologize for any inconvenience..Next post will be a detailed report on yesterday's Massillon Baptist College Alumni Fellowship meeting..

Also, I am considering a name change for the blog, as I have felt for a while that "The Wonder of His Grace" seems a bit clunky and awkward..

Still here..

2010-03-11T22:26:00.004-05:00

Hello folks:
I know I havent been here in a long time..Linda and I are doing well..She left her job around Thanksgiving..It was physically too much of a stress..We have but one income now..Its been tough at times but the Lord has been faithful..Enjoying some beautiful spring weather here in Ohio..Hope it lasts a few more days..I do appreciate all who stop by..I am honestly not sure where I want to go with the blog in the future..I appreciate your prayers about that..

Here is one of my Favorite YouTube Videos..

Cathedrals Farewell Concert in Nashville.. The Late George Younce tells a touching story on Harold Reid of The Statler Brothers..The Statlers come out and do "Noah" and "On The Other Side"

The Statler Brothers, while they are/were known for their Country/Nostalgia songs, Have a deep, abiding faith in God and Family...Am proud to say they started their professional career with the Late Johnny Cash in my Hometown of Canton, Ohio..

Asking for Special Prayer:

2009-10-13T06:51:00.003-04:00

Just a quick note to please be in prayer for our Church, Grace Community Church in Massillon, Ohio for a special meeting this Wednesday night. I wont go into details, but this meeting is going to be extremely important..thank you all very much..God Bless..

An update:

2009-10-12T17:29:00.002-04:00

Yes we're still here:
Just a note or two to let our friends know where we are..We are doing pretty well for the most part. Linda's still trying to get her diabetes under control..And the aches and pains in the knees and legs are still there. Ive had a bit of a problem this summer with face breaking out but some expensive cream..($68.00 a tube even with insurance) seems to be controlling it thankfully..Also am having some knee and body ache problems (I think Arthritis) the last few weeks..Been taking over the counter Ibuprofen for it and it seems to help me get through most days..

As the winter comes here in the Canton area I am grateful for a God who meets all our needs even in spite of ourselves sometimes..

Php 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

That he has..Thank You Lord for all you do..

Chuck Wagon Gang-Jesus Hold My hand--Random Thoughts

2009-07-17T00:54:00.002-04:00

Hello Folks:
Again its been a couple months since we wrote anything..No excuse for it, but I want to update you all on a couple things..

Had a great time at the Massillon Baptist College Alumni Fellowship in May..Saw some old friends and made some new ones..Feels good that the College is staying with the old paths and under the leadership of Dr. Cecil Thayer of Massillon Baptist Temple, there are great days ahead for The College, entering its 36th year this fall..

My wife Linda has been doing well..The Diabetes is still an issue, but it is under control..She has had extended time off work so she has been able to rest up and also get some work done around the house..

My wife and I have a joint account on Facebook (Am working on getting her own account).. Linda and I have been able to keep in touch with many church friends, family and broadcasting acquaintances from my other blog, Cleveland Classic Media..

The reason I bring this up is that..From about 1999-2001 (roughly)I was involved in a Southern Gospel Music Chat Room Owned/Moderated by Harold Timmons, Pianist and songwriter who played piano for the Chuck Wagon Gang for several years..Over time HT as he became known among the chatters, ended up being quite busy and decided to give up the chat room. It was a great time, as I got to know a number of singers and Gospel Music Fans from all over the country..we were like a family..HT did a super job running the chatroom..In the last few days a Southern Gospel Chat reunion has started on Facebook..over 60 former chatters have signed up already and I am very excited..Great to hear from many people I have not heard from/about in years, though except for one person Ive known since the 1970's..ive never met any of them in person..

In honor of the SGM Chat reunion of Facebook, I wasnt to share, courtesy YouTube member CompuPawn, An Old Chuck Wagon Gang Favorite, Jesus Hold My Hand..

Also:Linda and I will be on Vacstion from Late Sunday July 19 to Thursday Morning July 23 at Canton Bapist Temple's Camp CHOF for their Bible Conference..First Time Ive made it there in several years..Always a good refreshing time of Teaching/Preaching and fellowship..

Early Country Gospel-Loretta Lynn/Wilburn Brothers

2009-05-14T00:02:00.001-04:00

Just found these on YouTube..Country Music was much different in the 1960's than it is today (putting it mildly-Another subject for another blog..)..While much of the old-time country music was about truck driving, cheating, drinking, etc.A lot of the country stars were raised in, and sang in church. Many of them had at least a semblance of spirituality that made them respect the old hymns and gospel songs of their childhood and some were as well known for their gospel music as for their country songs..

One of the more popular syndicated country music shows was "The Wilburn Brothers".Starring Teddy and Doyle Wilburn and featuring a young Loretta Lynn as the "girl singer" as many of these type shows would have..The Wilburn Brothers would have a "hymn time" at about the middle of the show..singing either a current popular gospel song or an old-time hymn..There was such respect from the audience at this part of the show that they would not applaud as they would at other parts of the show, which I find interesting..

First up:Precious Memories, with guest star Del Reeves-Probably from the late 1960's

Also:I'll Fly Away-Maybe 1970-71

Something a bit different for sure..

Update:New Link-Calvary Baptist, New Philadelphia, Ohio

2009-05-11T10:49:00.000-04:00

Hello:
Hope all our friends are doing well..Linda and I are doing fine..She is away at her sister's house for a few days for some "sibling time" Linda's sister Debby has been through a lot of personal tragedy in the last several months..Please pray for her..

Also:I want to add a new link today..If you are in the New Philadelphia-Dover Ohio area and are looking for a Church Home, I'd like to recommend highly Calvary Baptist Church, Pastored by my Friend, Dr. Donald M. Snow..He and his Wife Becky and family have been great friends for over 25 years (My how time flies)..Don and I attended Massillon Baptist College together in the early 1980's, then worked together at Friendship Baptist Church in Northeast Canton..Don and Becky are a wonderful couple that love the Lord and have raised 4 great kids..Don was an usher at my wedding and was a great help..Theyve been at Calvary over 20 years and the Lord has built up a good work through their munistry..

http://calvarybaptistnp.com/

I will be attending Massillon Baptist College's alumni Fellowship this coming Thursday/Friday May 14-15..Hope to meet some old friends..

Sheltered In The Arms Of God-The Downings

2009-05-07T01:12:00.002-04:00

For today's Video Special I'd like to present, courtesy of adkinsda on YouTube..The Downings singing "Sheltered In The Arms of God"..This song was originally aired in the late 1960's or very early 1970's, judging by the matching green wardrobe..Featured were Ann and Paul Downing, Greg Gordon and Sue Chenault (Dodge).

This was taken from "Gospel Singing Jubilee", The Premier Southern Gospel Music Television Show from the 1960's through the 70's produced by Les Beasley and hosted by his group, The Florida Boys..I remember many a Sunday just after accepting Christ that I would Watch as much of Gospel Singing Jubilee as I could before heading to church on WTRF-TV 7 Wheeling, W. Va. I would love to see Gospel Music Television or other similar Network show these again..

Easter Blessings

2009-04-12T20:54:00.003-04:00

Hello:
Hope everyone had a blessed Easter..With my job situation, I am rarely in Church Sundays on a regular basis..Because my place of work was closed for the Holiday today, My wife and I were able to attend church together. It was an awesome service!..The Pastor "roped" me into doing the Easter Cantata..Though we had done it before and I knew it pretty well, I felt it was unfair for me to sing when I hadnt had even one practice. I don't think I messed it up too much..LOL..

Pastor Bragg Spoke on Hebrews 7:25..Emphasising the part "He ever liveth to make intercession for us..The sermon title was.."Because He lives, We have a story to tell"..After the message, many of our members shared personal testimonies on Cardboard..without saying a word..Emphasising their own Salvation Stories..Was just a wonderful service all around..

Quick Note:The link to the Grace Community Church site has changed and has been fixed in our link list..

To close, I'd like to share the first verse of one of my favorite newer Gospel Songs:

"It's Still The Cross"

It's not conservative or liberal, However they're defined

It's not about interpretation, Or the judgment of the mind

It's the opposite of politics, Power or prestige

It's about a simple message, And whether we believe.

It's still the cross, It's still the blood of Calvary

That cleanses sin, And sets the captives free.

It's still the name, The name of Jesus,That has power to save the lost..

It's Still The Cross..

Steve Amerson I believe wrote the words and music to this song (He does sing it)..

This song was part of our cantata today..simple, yet powerful message

For all the doctrines we argue over (and doctrine is important)..Things we allow to hinder us from living for God..And things that arent important in the long run..It's Still the Cross..and beyond that, The Power of Jesus' Resurrection..which we celebrate today..God bless and have a good week..

Video Special:Sweet Beulah Land/Squire Parsons..Also:A new link..

2009-04-09T13:35:00.001-04:00

Hello Folks:
Here we are for our monthly post..LOL..Things are going fairly well here.Ive gotten a few more hours a week at work so the paychecks have gotten a bit larger, which is always a blessing..Today I'd like to feature A great song from Squire Parsons..His signature "hit" Sweet Beulah Land..A classic Gospel song from the 1980's..

The gentleman that uploaded this song, Arvin Wynn..has produced over 100 YouTube videos into something of a Classic Southern Gospel "Series". called "Hymn Time".Decent production on each video..and you can tell he enjoys the music..

Here's a link to Bro. Wynn's You Tube Page:

http://www.youtube.com/user/HymnTimeGospelSongs

We are adding this to our list of links on the left....Have a blessed and safe Easter..

Is it Spring yet?

2009-03-05T11:09:00.001-05:00

That's what I'm wondering as I look out on another sunny, yet cold day in Northeast Ohio..Finally getting back to work after another week's Vacation..With the slow time at my work, I find I can make more sometimes on Vacation than I can working..LOL..Also been getting into another interesting project here at home..Free-To-Air Satellite, known as FTA in the hobby world..You buy a Receiver/Dish combination, Usually for $250-$300, set it up on certain Satellites, and pull in whatever is "In the Clear"
Let me stress that in its purest form, this is all strictly legal..There is no stealing of DBS services here. I have now, just on one Satellite (Galaxy 18 Ku Band 123 West) 40 channels or more of various network (ABC, CBS, Univision, MyNet, AMG, ThisTV) affiliates in places like Wyoming, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Arkansas, Missouri, and other areas..As well as Christian Network Daystar, and some educational channels..With an optional motor, one can swing the satellite dish east to west to hit many other satellites, with varied Christian, Entertainment, Educational and Foreign-Language Radio and Television Channels. All free for the viewing..I have a pole in my front yard on which had been Directv and Dish Network in the past..Figured I might as well get some use out of it.

My wife and I do have Time Warner Cable of Northeast Ohio for our regular TV service. In fact, with the FTA Satellite in our living room, we can switch back and forth between Satellite and Cable effortlessly..This gives us more options of programming not always found on the major channels..

My wife Linda had another bout of sickness on Tuesday morning, but after some needed rest,

She is feeling much better..Remember to turn your clocks ahead an hour on Saturday night March 7..Have a good weekend everyone..

PS.Another sign of Spring..The Cleveland Indians are in Spring Training!

HOMELAND-The Cathedral Quartet

2009-02-09T19:54:00.000-05:00

Here, from YouTube user ClassicGospel. is one of the best Cathedral Quartet Concert videos with Danny Funderburke, Roger Bennett, Mark Trammell, and of course "The Old Men" George Younce and Glen Payne. This is from a DVD called "The Cathedrals:Travelin Live"..Likely from the early 1980's..

The Cathedrals have been my favorite Gospel Quartet over the years..Having a 36-year run from 1963-99 out of Stow, Ohio. They epitomized class and dignity..Theirs was a ministry first and always under the leadership of George and Glenn..

Still Thawing out here..

2009-02-03T10:24:00.001-05:00

Hello:
Wife and I are thawing out here in NE Ohio..I am in the middle of a two week vacation..(much appreciated, btw)..My wife has had some real health issues..especially coughing fits the last two weeks..Went to the doc yesterday...He diagnosed it as Gasterionitis (not sure of the spelling)..He gave Linda a pill for the cough...seems to be working thus far..I would appreciate your prayers for Linda..She already has knee issues and is dealing with diabetes as well..coughing and all that goes with it doesnt help..

With all this the Lord still is good and He meets our needs when we trust in Him..But we always appreciate the prayers of our friends..Have a great week..

God Bless
Tim
II Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

Video Special:Carl Hurley Comedy

2009-01-23T13:33:00.001-05:00

Howdy Folks:
Today for our Video Special we present Carl Hurley, a College Professor from Kentucky who has become known as a Standup comedian..His Comedy has been featured on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio. Here he is at a Gaither Homecoming Concert several years ago, where he talks about finding humor in Church Bulletins and among Christan School Youngsters..Goes to prove you can be very funny without being dirty or using swear words..

Thanks to hoover4000 for posting this originally.

It's a Chilly-Willy One Out There..

2009-01-16T11:07:00.000-05:00

Good Morning..
The temperature-based on my handy-dandy weather.com desktop is now minus 8 degreea..It's been as low as -11..The coldest day in my memory..at least in several years..The "Chilly-Willy" comment comes from Bob Devine, the longtime (but now retired) morning host at WCRF-FM 103.3, the Moody radio station in Cleveland..In other words..it is COLD here in Canton..Linda and I have 2 space heaters and our Electric heat running..Can hardly wait to see my electric bill in the next few days..LOL..Good that I am off today as well..Not expecting to have to go anywhere hopefully..The temperatures are supposed to be in the 30's by nest Wednesday...Balmy almost..

If You live in Ohio, especially Northern Ohio, you'll remember this..The Radio "sounder" for Sohio Gasoline, usually followed by a short weather forecast and a Sohio commercial..this is from the 1980's though it was used as far back as the 60's.."You Go, or Sohio pays the tow" Notice the gas prices..$1.04, $1.01..

Have a great weekend..and stay warm everybody!

Video Special:The Statesmen Quartet:Wouldnt Take Nothing For My Journey Now

2009-01-11T23:11:00.000-05:00

Hello Folks:
In the 1950's, Four Part harmony Gospel Music had a large following, especially in the Southen States..(Hence the term Southern Gospel) Two of the most well known groups of this period were the Blackwood Brothers and the Statesmen Quartet. They were popular enough to have their own regional sponsored television shows..Here we have the Statesmen on one of these sponsored shows singing a medley,,Including:

Wouldnt Take Nothing For My Journey Now
I'm On My Way to Heaven
I Feel Like Traveling On
You May Look for Me (For I'll Be There)

All in 2 minutes 28 seconds!

Enjoy!

Still Here:

2009-01-08T14:54:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone is having a happy and blessed New Year thus far..I plan on doing more here this year..I am grateful to those who stop by, even though there's not much new..I hate to say this, because its hard to maintain a schedule, but I want to put at least something up once a week from here on out..

Just got a blessing..My wife Linda has found out that she will get her diabetic insulun free for the next year..We have been paying about $95.00 a month for her insulin..It is a great blessing to get it for free..Praise The Lord for His provision..Pray that She will get her other medicines paid for..we are still working on thet..God Bless..

Tim Lones

Are You "Full of It?"

2008-12-18T13:58:00.000-05:00

Hello Folks:

I know I havent been around since the end of August..Hadnt felt led to write about much..I am sorry for that..

Our Pastor preached last night (Wednesday) on "A Visitor at Christmas"..One of the verses he used was John 1:14

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

Sometimes as I sit listening to a sermon some other thoughts pop into my mind (good ones mostly..LOL) I thought of that verse above..The Word made flesh was Jesus Christ, of course..and He was full of "Grace and Truth..

The last few words of that verse.."full of Grace and Truth..leads me to a thought..In the day-to-day world we live in we have perhaps at work or at school or other places friends or other people we run into that are good fibbers ..not out and out liars necessarily but we might say they are good "storytellers"..And discussing these kinds of people we say that they are "full of it"..That saying understandably has kind of a bad connotation these days..

We dont often think of positive things we can be full of..such as:

full of faith-Stephen in the Book of Acts was full of faith
full of love
full of patience
full of hope-in the bad times
full of charity
full of integrity
full of the Holy Spirit..
full of encouragement

If we as Christians focus on The Lord a lot more, we can be full of all these attributes.and many more besides..

Video Special:The Blackwood Brothers_"Old Country Church"

2008-09-01T00:29:00.000-04:00

Hello Folks:
For this week's special we have Vintage Color Blackwood Brothers film from probably the Mid-Late 1950's. The Blackwoods, along with the Statesmen Quartet, were the premier Southern Gospel Groups in the 1950's..The members of the Blackwood Brothers were at this time:

James Blackwood:Lead
Cecil Blackwood:Baritone
Bill Shaw:Tenor
JD Sumner:Bass

The Group here sings the classic "Old Country Church"..

Things have been a bit busy over the last couple of weeks leading up to Labor Day..I would like to offer prayers for the folks on the Gulf Coast of the US as they may be facing Hurricane Gustav in the next day or so..

God Bless
Tim

Video Special:I'm Feeling Fine

2008-08-22T13:15:00.000-04:00

As I said in my first post, I would like to at least once a week feature some Christian Music or Christian/Family Oriented Comedy as a "Video Special" of the week:

For our first feature video of the week, I'd like to introduce the New Beginning Quartet from Eastern Missouri/Western Illinois area. They appear to be what is known as a "Weekend" Local Southern Gospel Style Quartet. Here, they sing the Gospel standard, "I'm Feeling Fine"..Very well done, in a nice tempo..

Here is their website:

http://www.newbeginningquartet.com/

From what I see they are Christ honoring, loving folks that put out a good musical product that I can recommend..

Many of these "specials" will be Southern Gospel Style songs but I will try not to limit myself..Enjoy, and have a grest weekend..

Memories:

2008-08-21T22:13:00.000-04:00

My wife Linda and I played a spirited game of 500 Rummy tonight. (I won)..Afterwards as I was finishing drying dishes I had left earlier, My wife and I looked at our refrigerator..Probably over 100 magnets cover the front and side of the Fridge..Me being a guy, I sometimes wonder if its a bit much, but she loves it and that's what counts. We were talking about some of the magnets..each of them represent a sweet memory of our 16 years of marriage that is really precious to us..

Although its wonderful to remember the good things of the past, there are other things we ought to remember..If we are Christians we should remember where we've been, as Jesus tells the Church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:5..

"Remember therefore where thou art fallen".

We need to remember and realize how faulty we were (and are) as a sinner so we dont get too full of ourselves thinking we are "all that". If we go away from God, we need to again draw close to Him..

"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you."
James 4:8a

Another thing we ought to remember is the Goodness of God..Psalm 145:7 states

"They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness"

We need to realize how good the Lord Is when we go through a bad day or two..The way he meets our needs when we don't know how He does it..And just day by day things we take for granted. Health enough to go to work, Enough income to meet our needs physically..The way He brings us friends to encourage..He is a great and wonderful God..We need to put those things in remembrance above all else..

First Links

2008-08-14T11:08:00.000-04:00

Good Morning:
As with Cleveland Classic Media, I will add links to blogs and other sites of interest..

First up:

WIXY's Gone Bananas-Cliff Feightner of Rittman, Ohio has become a good friend over the last couple of years..We first "met" online through our shared interest of broadcasting and though we have never yet met face to face, he has become a good friend and encourager..This was his first blog, basically a place to talk about family and interests..

Seek Him First:
Also from Cliff Feightner, he tells about his own spirtual journey in a practical manner..Cliff has been a Christian for a number of years and while he, like all of us, have had our ups and downs, He shares his experience biblically and practically..Both Blogs are very well done..

Grace Community Church, Massillon, Ohio
A very new site..Actually a new web presence for my local church, which has not had a website for awhile..A very good beginning..The church has been pastored by Rev. J. Michael Bragg for over 20 years. The church has been a beacon for the NE Massillon/Canton area for a long time now..I encourage anyone living in the area without a church home to visit us..you will be blessed..

Incidentally, Pastor Bragg has started a blog of his own as part of the website, hosted by Blogger.com.

Of course, there is also a link to Cleveland Classic Media, which has been going nearly a year and a half now..

I will add more Christian and Family oriented links as I become aware of them..Have a good day ..

Hello everyone..

2008-08-14T01:06:00.000-04:00

Some of you that are here may have come from my other Blog, Cleveland Classic Media. I have wanted for a while to create a second blog based on my own personal ideas and thoughts..While I have done a bit of that at Cleveland Classic Media, I felt then as I do now, that due to the nature of that blog, it wasnt often appropriate to be real personal over there, hence, the desire to create another blog..
So, what will this blog be about?..The title says quite a bit..I have been a Christian for about 31 years..And while things have not always gone the way I would like, God's Grace has been with me more than I deserve.I've been married for over 16 years to a sweet, wonderful Girl, Linda (Baxter)..Despite our age difference (11 years apart), God's Grace has pulled us through more situations than we can count...The Lord has been so good..He has led us to a wonderful church, Grace Community Church in Massillon, Ohio where we've been members over 13 years..
So, specifically I will try to share thoughts about our lives..as well as occasional thoughts and biblical passages that are a blessing to me as I go along..While this will be a Christian Blog, I'll try not to be overly "preachy"..I will also try at least once a week to find a "You Tube Special"..A music or even a Christian Comedy video to share just for fun..In days to come I will have my testimony and verses in the Bible that are a special blessing to me..
I do hope some of the regular readers of Cleveland Classic Media will make this a regular blog stop, and that some new friends might come along..

God Bless
Tim Lones

II Timothy 1:7-KJV