A Fish Story

                

 

February 28

 

 One year I put together tidbits about hunting and fishing for The Record of Bergen County N.J. That summer I talked my editor into letting me cover the R.I. Tuna Tournament providing I wouldn't charge for my travel. At the time my folks lived in Rhode Island so I could  visit and stay with them. God arranged for a fisherman from Bergen County to catch the largest tuna and my story and a picture made page one.

Now I have a manager Who wants me to make a bigger catch..
"Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Mark 1:17)

RICH

 

February 27 from my journal  Being RICH

It is stewardship Sunday at the Federated Church in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The pastor, Graig Peel, uses an acrostic, RICH, to convey his stewardship message.

"Receive everything from God.

"Invest in others cheerfully

"Let God guide your choices

"Hold onto the one who holds onto us."

 Since I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, I can’t be any richer than that.

 "If you abide in My word, you are My disciple indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:3)

Controlled Church Auction

A Controlled Church Auction

 

The vestry has asked me to write about the amazing events of Monday, October 31,2016 for inclusion in our church history.Father John Mears and the congregation at little St. Peter's church in Forestville, New York, left the apostate Episcopal Diocese to join the Anglican Church of North America many years ago.

The Episcopal Diocese continued to claim ownership of this property, which by New York law they were entitled to do. The national Episcopal church leadership approved a rule that would not allow any congregation leaving the Episcopal church to buy the property it occupied.

Jim Fanning, Chancellor of the Diocese, greatly respected Fr. John and was sympathetic to the work being done at St. Peter's.Eventually, (we think with the Chancellor's encouragement) the Diocese decided to put the property up for public auction, giving us a chance to bid. The date was set for October 31, 2016 and advertised in the local newspapers.

Our vestry and Father White, who had become our pastor after Fr. Mears died, decided to limit the amount we would bid to $15,000,( all the funds we had.)  We were told there was a man from Evans coming to bid and someone was flying up from Florida with plenty of money. His plan was to strip the building of its stained glass windows (valued at $35,000) and remove the ancient timbers and fixtures.

The auction began at 9 a.m. Nearly all the congregation was there. The bidding began and surprisingly there was only one other person bidding against us.The bidding began slowly and when it reached $2700 our Pastor bid $3,000. Suddenly it was quiet. there was no other bid. “Going once, going twice, sold to St. Peter's congregation.”

 Later, the other bidder told a member of our congregation, he was planning on bidding a great deal more and using the building for storage for his business. He said, “every time I bid, the church people turned and stared at me. I decided I wasn't strong enough to fight that kind of 'Karma'.”

While officials were signing all the legal documents two angry men (including the man from Florida) came in furious they had missed the auction. They mistakenly had gone to the Forestville Clerk's office and not to the Hanover Clerk's office where the auction was advertised to be held. These were the men who were prepared to bid much more.

After the bidding was over, the Diocesan treasurer said quietly to Chancellor Jim Fanning, “that was the work of the Holy Spirit.” You can imagine the cheering and tears from our members because it was God, Who arranged the winning bid for us

And God wasn't through blessing our church. Later, after our pastor had shared our story at St. Bartholomew's Church in North Tonawanda, a parishioner came and handed him an envelope containing a check for $3,000. Praise the Lord.

Dorothy Mears, church secretary

Forestville, NY

How a House is Built

 

February 21

Driving back Joy looks at me with loving eyes and says, "Thank you for wanting to buy me a bigger and better home. We really can't afford that house right now and besides the master bedroom, bathroom and hallway need a lot of work." When we arrive at our home it doesn’t seem so small and it feels comfortable. I literally open my Bible and read:

"Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established;

By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches." (Proverbs 24:3-4)

High Five

High Five

 

February 20   from my journal

 

"I rode my bike today without the training wheels, all by myself,” she said happily

"You did?"

"Yep and I rode all the way," (deep breath) "all the way from down the street.

"That's wonderful Kyle. Way to go girl."

 They exchange high five's.

Sometimes I feel I still have the training wheels on my bike of faith.  I know when I finally ride off in complete surrender God will be there to say, "Way to go."

 “I say to you that there will be more joy in heaven for one sinner who repents than over ninety nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)

A Confirmation

 

A Confirmation

 

 Like most empty-nesters, we had two cars:  A luxury sedan for Bill and a sporty SUV for me.  When Bill was diagnosed with brain cancer and had to be driven to chemo treatments, he became the passenger in the sedan…the smooth leather seats made it easy for him to pivot while getting in and out.  The cloth seats in my vehicle didn’t quite do the trick.  He just plain enjoyed being in that car!

 As Bill’s condition worsened, we realized that we no longer needed two cars, so our youngest son was given my little car.  When Bill entered hospice care at home, I drove the sedan on the days I was able to go for all the errands.

 After Bill died, I tried hard to like his car as much as I had my “old” one.  It was a lovely automobile, and as much as I appreciated its features, it just didn’t please me.  Another son with two children needed to replace a troublesome car, so I knew I could pass the sedan along to him and keep it in the family.  And that Bill would be pleased to have some grandchildren riding in it!

 So a trip to the dealer produced a sporty little red sedan that won my heart right away.  No trade, not much paperwork, and the car would be ready for pickup the following day.  That night, of course, doubt came to visit.  Had I been callous to Bill’s memory not to cherish his car?  Was it my duty to keep it spiffy and on the road for as long as it would last?  I decided to claim the new car.

When I saw it sitting on the lot, all shiny and cute and waiting for me, I knew I’d been guided to the purchase and that all was well.  How did I know?  The numbers on MY (not Bill’s) car’s license plate had been 5603.  The brand new plates, supplied by the dealer, ended in 5604.  A most logical progression that my engineer husband would certainly have appreciated.

Rosemarie Seewagon

Hilton, New York

A Special Valentine

 February 14

The Gifts from God Ministry, which feeds the homeless every Sunday announces this Valentine’s afternoon two homeless will be getting married in the park. A pink cardboard sign shaped like a heart proclaims Lee & Lynda. You don't use last names with the homeless. They repent individually before taking their vows. The reception is the normal food line plus a donated wedding cake. All are fed, homeless, volunteers, nonbelievers and believers, alcoholics and non drinkers.

"Don't just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others too, and in what they are doing." (Philippians 2:4)

Wooden Dolphin

 

 

February 13

A handsome hand-carved wooden dolphin sits on my desk at home. I purchased this beauty on a beach on Antigua. The young man selling it asked $15.We haggled. I bought it for $6. I won! I thought. Now I know differently. What was a game to me was his livelihood. That Dolphin reminds me of my arrogance that day. I am so blessed. I continue to seek ways to pay for that Dolphin and I am happy to be making the payments. I need to give more.
“He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.”
(Proverbs 28:27)

Mouser the Cat

 February 12

Mouser, is fifteen and has been around longer than my oldest granddaughter.

My grandchildren pickup that cat and he will just hang limply in their arms. They dress him with a mask or a bonnet and he takes it all in stride. He loves those kids.
I need to exhibit the qualities of unconditional love that Mouser does. Is my love unconditional?

"Love suffers long and is kind, love does not envy; love does not parade itself,

is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked,
thinks no evil." 1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

Memorable Date

                 

 

 February 8 from my journal

My induction into the U.S. Army as a draftee was February 8, 1954. My life was no longer my own. Being totally controlled by an authority helped me better understand this exchange between Jesus and the centurion.  "Lord, say the word and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one 'Go,' and he goes; and to another 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'do this,' and he does it."

"When Jesus heard these things, He was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel." (Luke 7:7-9)

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Baby Blanket

 

February 7

Joy is a baby blanket person. These are people who grow up dragging baby blankets around for peace and comfort.

When a dear friend died unexpectedly a family took her in for the night. Their seven-year-old son had a tattered blanket called “Bob.” During the night the boy silently lays “Bob” in her arms and goes back to his room. 

"My heart melts. He gave up his baby blanket to comfort me. It was God's way of loving me that night."

"Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)

Slippery When Wet

 

February 6

 

I stepped briskly out the front door—onto glare ice. I slid off the front stoop and came down hard on the cement steps. This is dumb. Why am I in Connecticut in February in freezing rain? As a consultant I can work anywhere. Why not Florida?

Shortly after my fall I receive a call that leads to a six-month contract in the Sunshine State just what I was looking for and the answer to my wife’s prayers.

"Your father knows that you need these things. Seek the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you." (Luke 12:30-31)

Ground Hog Day

February 2

 

Its Ground Hog Day! Tradition says that if  he sees his shadow today there will be six more weeks of winter. I grew up hearing these old sayings. Many are found in the Bible. My Mom said "red at night, sailor’s delight...red at dawn sailor be warned." (Matt 16) My dad , "there is a fly in the ointment."  Ecclesiastes 10:1.

“Pride goes before a fall,” my grandmother chided. (Proverbs 16:18)

 

I grew up hearing these paraphrases of Solomon's wisdom.. Pity I didn't grow up hearing, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me though he may die, he shall live." (John 11:25)

Wrong Plane

Wrong Plane

 

February 1

 

Just before takeoff I notice a friend, Edna, takes a seat up front. Once in the air she comes back to visit. She asks me why I am going to New York? Surprised I said, "I'm not. This plane is going to Baltimore."

Edna is furious. “We said Baltimore when each passenger boarded,” the flight attendant says sternly

 We can get going so fast that we don't hear the directions for our lives. For a long time I was headed for the wrong gate.

 

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go by it. (Matthew 7:13)