GENEOLOGY IS FUN

Anyone who has enjoyed looking into his or her family history knows that one’s genealogy can turn up some interesting results. Last month I reported on some events at the conclusion of Nelda’s and my vacation that were unexpected, unpleasant and unfortunate, but which left us unharmed and grateful. But the vacation itself to that point was very delightful and enlightening. Not only did we visit many important sites in and around Washington D.C. that reinforced our appreciation of American history, but a number of places connected with my genealogical history. Beginning with the Moores of Prince George County Maryland arriving in the 17th century we followed their migration westward as pioneers to Fayette County Pennsylvania and to Adam’s County Ohio. We met Moores in these places that were able to show us where our ancestors lived, fought, farmed and raised their families. They became good friends even if our relationships might be somewhat obscure. The surprise of it all, however, was after our return home and hearing from a niece also researching our history that we may not be descended from these Moores after all, but that my grandfather was likely adopted by one of them later living in Illinois. Perhaps this explains why my Y-Chromosome DNA test results don’t fit well with most of the Moores of which I could compare. Oh well, I still consider myself a Moore by the legitimization of adoption as well as their family history, traditions and values.

In the same way, all of us who believe in the testimony of Jesus Christ are legitimized as God’s children, descendants of the Christian family of faith and true heirs of all that our adoption as son’s guarantees. We don’t have to go through court records, census data or cemeteries to research our genealogy in the Faith, all we have to do is go to God’s Word. For there it is clearly established in the only court that really matters, the court of the Kingdom of God’s Son. Ephesians 1:3-6 is just one of many places in the Bible where this promise is recorded:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved."

The value of this spiritual and eternal genealogy is also found in the relationships that we enjoy. Other members of our family with the name Christian become true friends and with them we can enjoy our common genealogy, for we are all adopted, we are all brothers and sisters sharing the same family history, from the Bible and the history of Christ’s church on earth. With them we can live, work, promote the Kingdom and enjoy the spiritual fruits of our faith in Christ.
So, whether you are interested in your own family’s genealogy or not, and it can be fun, take especial interest in your Christian name and family tree.

That can be a lot of fun too.

EARTHLY GOODS LET GO

Every once in awhile things happen in life to remind us of what’s important. These are necessary reminders, for without them most of us would just get carried away with the way things are and our daily effort to maintain the status quo. I was struck by this last week while preparing for Sunday’s sermon on Jesus’ calming the storm. His disciples were doing something very ordinary in taking a fishing boat across the Sea of Galilee – something very usual and familiar in their way of life. It was so normal and comfortable that Jesus was asleep on a cushion in the back of the boat. But suddenly things changed – a vicious storm arose to threaten their earthly lives and their earthly goods. Then in their distress they called out to Jesus to save them.

What gave me pause to look again at the personal implications of this familiar Bible story were the events of the previous Sunday when suddenly things happened that were unexpected and life threatening. We were returning home from what had been a very delightful vacation trip, making new friends and seeing new sights, learning about our nation’s history and some family history too. Then the first wave struck, while we were still sleeping in our camping trailer. Thieves broke in and stole some expensive and valuable goods from our Jeep tow vehicle as it was still attached to our portable home on wheels but, alas, unlocked. That was enough to cause distress, for with the loss of my laptop computer and digital camera hours and months of labor were lost, not to mention all my vacation pictures except for several rolls from Nelda’s camera. But our little storm wasn’t over and when a light rain fell on a twisted narrow highway in Kentucky we were left skidding across the road into a granite hillside bank on the other side. Needless to say we were shook up but were not hurt. God had preserved us from what could have been a fatal end. Like the disciples, who suddenly found that the storm had been stilled, we were left standing beside the road alive and well despite our scare.

Some things, of course, had changed. Damage to our Jeep and trailer will have to be fixed. Extra trips to retrieve them will be needed when ready. Many hours of rebuilding lost data and steps needed to prevent identity theft and fraud if files on my computer are misused. But the best change is to realize that none of these earthly matters matter in the real scheme of things in this world. Only our faith in the living God and trust in Christ our Savior and life with the indwelling Holy Spirit are the things that ultimately matter. That was the lesson for the disciples in the boat and that is our lesson anytime we are brought to realize that earthly goods can be let go and we cannot be destroyed by such losses. Even if our lives had been lost in a head-on collision as we crossed the centerline of the highway or a cliff had awaited us instead of a solid bank, our life with Jesus had been secured forever. This is the joy of true Christian faith, not that we will be spared of problems and threats, but that whatever happens we will in the end see Jesus in the Promised Land.

Sunday Was Not As Planned

Throughout our vacation we had been blessed with cool weather, beautiful days and a modicum of rain while we slept and one day in Maryland as we rested. But Sunday morning, preparing to make our leg to visit daughter and family in Danville Kentucky, began with an ominus awakening. Making ready to collapse the trailer and load the Jeep still hitched and ready to pull us on the road, I was startled to notice something wrong. Stupid me I forgot to lock the Jeep and had left some valuable equipment aboard as I was tired and done after a very busy and productive visit to Adam's County. Then I noticed my laptop computer was gone, also my new Cannon digital camera, my portable XM satallite radio and our very helpful companion and navigator "Jane" the voice of my Tom Tom Go700 GPS. Well, it was early Sunday morning in a small rural river resort town and by the time I was able to get a sheriff's deputy to write up my theft it was noon before we left in a most dejected manner our final stop in public facilities. Never in 35 years had I lost anything camping like the sudden loss of that day. But that wasn't the end of it.

Not having much further to go in Kentucky we headed toward Lexington, then around to the US68 and KY33 south. A light rain was beginning, but the Jeep was doing fine pulling the trailer as it had through mountains and valleys for two weeks without any problems. But then as we began the winding twisting road southwest of the city we slowed to almost stopping at several places and then, suddenly, we were out of control sliding across the highway, off the shoulder and finally stopped by a granite bank. The road was slick and wet and we simply hydroplaned, unable to brake at all. But the rig was almost stopped, enough that the air bags did not deploy and we neither suffered any damage nor bruises, climbing out down on the passenger side and finding the trailer still upright and hitched, though the front bumper of the Jeep was hanging down by the wheels. We called 911 immediatly and got two sheriff deputies and two tow trucks, called Sheri who got there in about 30 minutes and by 4 pm the Jeep was on its way to a Chrysler/Jeep dealer in Nicholasville and Sheri's neigbor had our trailer in tow to her house with his truck. Of course there was much more to be done and many loose ends to clear up, but we were safe, unhurt and it can all be fixed. So we have much to be thankful for and we are!

Came home on Wednesday in a rental, left the trailer in the driveway until we can come back get the Jeep and take it to the manufacturer, which just happens to be on the way in Knoxville, TN. We'll leave it for its repairs (minor but significant) and get it sometime later. By then we'll be ready for a nice quiet trip to Guntersville State Park only 45 miles away.

The Moore Pioneers On the Move

Friday morning, the 16th of June after a breakfast of eggs, sausage and toast, we struck out again on Interstate on our way to Ohio, picking up US50 at Clarksburg and crossing the river at Parkersburg. Then we dropped down on OH32 to the Lazy Dog Camp-Resort 4 miles east of Jackson. This was a neat camping stop with a lake, well run facilities and clean pull-through RV sites. We also got there early and enjoyed an afternoon of relaxation at the pool and the gazebo with the rocking porch swing by the lake. Then we went into town for a nice dinner at an Irish Resturant/Pub. Refreshed we left early Saturday for West Union in Adam's County, the next Moore stop and our final geneological destination.

Arriving at the Adam's County Geneological Society building and Heritage Center a little early we enjoyed another beautiful day while waiting for it to open for my research. We were expecting Bart's family to join us in the afternoon and take us on a visit to the old Burkitt Cemetary near Brush Creek and the area that Aaron's son Hosea and his family came to live. This they did after I had some time to puruse the rich store of records and files on the Moore's of Adam's County. They were among the first residents, Hosea having been given a land grant for his war service. Son Newton David married Rebecca Burkitt and remaining today is the cemetary where Hosea, Isabelle his wife, son Newton and wife Rebecca were buried. All the grave markers and monuments are in good condition and the cemetary still in good maintenance. A Moore reunion is planned for July 9th this year, unfortunatly after we will have gone. But it was still a very interesting visit, and great to meet a cousin decendant from my great-great grandfather Newton. His son John moved to Cole County Illinois to a farm bought by his father for him near to Mattoon where my grandfather Thomas Moore became a business man in the early 20th century. We sincerely enjoyed Bart and family, including Uncle Bill and his wife who shared the old Moore family Bible and other records with us.

Leaving West Union we headed to a campground on the Ohio River advertized in the Adam's County Visitor Guide. It was convenient and pleasant, but little did we know what was ahead.

Aaron Goes West and So Do We

Leaving Prince George's County Maryland we headed out the Beltway west to I270 then north to Frederick in Washington County where Aaron and Mary Prather Moore made their way with wagons and mules or horses. We didn't make any better time with the traffic than they but once we left I495 we made good time. Frederick is where Hosea was born on Christmas Day in 1763 as his family headed toward Springhill Township, Fayette County Pennsylvania. Actually we traveled on I70 & I68 through Northwest Maryland and West Virginia, up and down the Appalachians to Morgantown were we made camp by noon at Sand Springs Camping Area, a rustic campground in the mountains and trees northeast of the city. That gave us the afternoon to detach our trailer and take the Jeep north into Pennsylvania on 857 (same CR in WV & PA). Crossing the state line in just a few miles we were greeted by a sign stating "Springhill Township, Fayette County" and behind it "Welcome to Pennsylvania." Now we had to find "George's Creek," the only identification I had of Aaron's farm. Then crossing over to US119 at Smithfield and taking the road to Ruble Mill we continued to find a bridge over a good fresh running creek and next to it a municipal plant sign declaring it as "George's Creek." After taking our pictures we crossed the bridged and followed the gravel road along the creek for several miles, viewed an old abandoned house (Aaron's??), then back to the 857 and our traveling home. It felt good having been at least in the area of Aaron's property where he raise his family and called home as he fought in the Revolutionary war for the new republic of America that his father George had given to his decendants.

We had a quiet evening with no TV to interupt the sounds of night in the Appalacian mountains before heading west again next morning.

Our Last Day in PFC & DC

Well, the plan was to go up the Washinton Monument today, since we couldn't get into the White House, but to no avail. It too was sold out for advance tickets and we didn't arrive in time for same day, so it was a good time to visit the National Archives. Good thing we were early for by the time it opened at 10 the line was out on the sidewalk around the corner. We were the 7th & 8th people to get in and enjoyed the exhibition that included the Magna Carta, Declaration of Independance, Constitution and Bill of Rights. Then guess what, Nelda wanted to go back to the Natural History Museum (third time!) to get a copy of the Hope Diamond Necklace. I don't quite get the facination, but glad to make her happy with such ease. We skipped the Atrium, had a smooth last trip on the Metro system and got back to the campground early. Tomorrow we leave for Morgantown, WV and a visit to Springhill Township in Fayette County, PA. That's where Aaron son of George migrated to before his son Hosea moved to Adams County Ohio, our stop on Friday. More on that later. It's been a good trip here to Prince George's County. Excellent campground, wonderful new friends, mind boggling informational overload and lots of fun. Someday we'll have to come back to refresh our experience and do some things in more depth that we only touched on the surface. Glad we still have another week of vacation.

The Capitol Tour - Days Four & Five

Our plan was to take a day off to take it a bit easier on Monday and the weather cooperated very nicely. We had been having clear and mild weather making our walkathons as pleasant as possible. Monday we awoke to rain that lasted until mid afternoon, perfect for catching up on laundry and rest. Also called Senator Sessions' (Alabama) office to request a tour of the Capitol. Told to arrive about 10 a.m. we were a little early allowing time for our bus/subway trip into town. We became experienced Metro riders, even transferring from the Green to the Red line and ending at Union Station, closest to the Russell Senate Office Building. Union Station is a shopper's delight, but we were satisfied with some good coffee after an hour plus riding. When the other two families arrived we left the office with the secretary and three interns going to the basement for a ride on the Capitol underground tram. That was a fun beginning to an informative tour including the Old Supreme Court Chamber, the Rotundra of course and the gallery of the senate which was in session, but very limited participation. We thoroughly enjoyed an hour and half tour then ventured back to the Natural Science Museum to get some gifts for our girls (Nelda saw them before, but of course didn't get them while there). After another lunch in the Atrium then walked over to the White House Visitor Center to see if we could get into the White House tour on Wednesday. But it takes six-weeks advance notice for a security check so that was out and we headed back to the Metro, this time leaving from the Archive building stop. Tuesday evening we met Jim & Madeliene again when they came to the conference center in the campground for sqare dancing with their group. Jim had brought me more material for my geneology study. He is the most informed person on early Maryland, the Moore's and others of interest and the local sites and history of the area in and around DC. Again a blessing to our trip.

Sightseeing with Friends - Day Three

Two days on our own and now it was time to be treated to a guided tour. Our new friends Jim and Madelien picked us up at 8 a.m. Sunday for a drive to the National Mall. Parking was free, available and close to our destination - the Lincoln Memorial. On the way we visited the Vietnam Wall, which is one of the most visited memorials on the mall. Seeing the names in simple display is a powerful and meaningful tribute to the sacrifice of noble servicemen. Lincoln's statue enclosed with majestic columns is unsurpassed by the many other representations of this great president. From there we passed and viewed the Korean War Memorial on our way to FDR's and Jefferson's, returning by way of the WWII Memorial and a hot dog stand on Constitution Avenue near our parking spot. Next we drove down to East Potomac Park at Hains Point where we stopped to view "The Awakening," a statue of body parts representing a giant emerging from the ground - a facinating work of art in a rather bizarre fashion. From there we went north on the Potomac to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park for a view of the Great Falls and the old Canal Tavern and lock house. Though the water levels were down from lack of rain the rapids were still flowing sufficient to attract several kayak enthusiasts. It was interesting to see the preserved locks and the canal barge replica awaiting replacement for operational demonstrations. We ended the day with chinese takeout and several games of Train dominoes. Our thanks to Jim and Madeliene for a great day to remember of our vacation 2006,

Mt. Vernon & Arlington - Day Two

Saturday we decided to provide our own transportation and took the Beltway in our Jeep looking for Mt. Vernon. We went East around to Alexandria and missed the off ramp to the Mt. Vernon Parkway, but finally found it - arriving at the home of our first President ready to enjoy our visit. But by then the line going into the mansion was half a mile long, or so it seemed. So we skipped that part and began walking the rest of the grounds. Actually we saw so much and enjoyed the scenary of the park and the Potomac enough to satisfy our interest. With lunch at the visitor center we were ready to find Arlington. This was a breeze compared to our earlier drive, taking the highway along the bank up to Alexandria then cutting over to Jefferson Davis Highway on up to the cemetary. After considerably more walking we made it to the Tomb of the Unknowns, then watched the army sentinel making his vigil of 21 steps in each direction followed by the ritual changing of the guard. It is a very moving and impressive display of military honor to unkown casualties from WW I, WW II and Korea. But again our feet and Nelda's knees were begging relief so that ended our visit and we returned to the campground for a swim and and jacuzzi bath.

Sightseeing in and Around DC - Day One

After spending my first day visiting Moore geneoligical sites, Nelda and I ventured out on Friday to explore The National Mall via the Metro system. The Metro bus from Cherry Hill begins in the campground and took us to College Station on the Green line for 60 cents each. Having bought two Senior Fare Passes for $10 each we entered the turnstiles for the subway and were soon on our way to the Metro station behind the National Archives building. Our first visit was to the Smithonian Air & Space Museum which was impressive if a bit tedious. From there we walked over to the Capitol steps and saw an openinng ceremony for the National Crime Investigators Runathon. A military honor guard, a solo rendition of the National Anthem and a welcome by Miss America provided a captivating show. Then we made the long trek back to the National Museum of Natural History where we had lunch at the Atrium before visiting the dinosaur boneyard and tributes to evolutionary theory explaining all ancient and historical lifeforms, compete with Neanderthals, charts and graphs as needed to support the presuppositions of modern science. Upstairs the star attraction was the Hope Diamond on display in a rotating glass case. Fortunately next door was the American History museum, afterwhich we dragged our aching feet back to the Metro station for transportation back to camp. With a transfer and as seniors there was no charge for the return bus ride so our total transportation cost was $2.90 apiece including the intial fee for the bus. Not bad when gas around DC is $3.11 a gallon.

Prince George’s County & Washington DC (click for pictures)

Our 2006 vacation is well underway and haven’t had much time to update the old blog ‘till today. We arrived DC area on Wednesday to Cherry Hill Park, a very nice campground with onsite bus access to Metro system.

Thursday I spent the day with James Moore enjoying visits to places and properties where George Moore, my first ancestor to the American Colonies, is believed to have come. James has done considerable expert research on the Moore’s of Prince George’s County in the 17th & 18th centuries. The best reconstruction at present is that George, older brother William and younger John landed at Mt. Calvert on the Patuxent River with their parents, John and Mary Moore, sometime around 1695 when about 15. Visiting the site we saw the likely landing spot below the brow of a hill where Jim’s ancestor James Sr. operated an Ordinary (tavern &general store) a few years later. John and his family may have come from Barbados or the British Isles and stayed with James Sr. at a nearby property named Four Hills. John died within a short time of his arrival and Mary remarried Martin Faulkner, then after his death Hugh Ryley.

George apparently went on his own after 1703 and in about 1715 married Elizabeth Lucas. We visited St. Barnabas Church on Leland Road west of US301 northwest of Mt. Calvert. The current Episcopal/Anglican church stands where the older brick church was located at the time when George and Elizabeth were possible married there and where two or more of their children were baptized. Inside we saw the painting of the Last Supper and the Baptismal Font preserved from the old church that was there when George and his family attended.

Then we went to the Patuxent Research Refuge and were given a tour that came as close as we could go to the location of Moore’s Industry, a 100 acre property owned by George sometime before 1723. We couldn’t go exactly where the property was on the west bank of the Patuxant between Duvall Bridge and Cash Lake because it is currently in a Whooping Crane protective area, but looking down the river from the bridge I could picture it close by. We were guided by the Refuge director Nancy Morrison who very graciously drove us to a number of sites on the preserve, including the Snowden cemetery and nearby ruins of Birmingham, Richard Snowden III's home and whose iron foundries and land holdings were the source of the Snowden’s wealth and prosperity.

George obtained several properties from Richard Snowden, including Moore’s Industry and Moore’s Rest located on the western side of the Little Paint Branch (creek) about five miles north of Cherry Hill Road where our campground was located. Jim and his wife Madeline had taken us on a hike along the Little Paint near the campground on our first day here. I managed to walk into several patches of Poison Ivy along the bank while taking pictures, but with no ill effect after washing my legs with soap and water soon after.

There was more to the genealogical information, insight and familiarization than I can relate in this report, but I thoroughly enjoyed it all and cannot say enough about the help, guidance and understanding and documentation supplied by my friend Jim. He and his wife have been most hospitable and helpful in all we’ve done and seen while here in Prince George’s County – the home of my family’s American roots.

On The Road Again

Here we go again - vacation 2006. I know some people (you know who you are) don't think pastors should take vacations, but boy do we need it. Our people are great and gracious, but most of them know we need a break now and then and we really do appreciate it. Helps us to concentrate on the church the rest of the time.

Enough, this year we are taking our trailer in tow with our Jeep Liberty and heading toward Washington DC. Right now we are half way there, staying two nights at a KOA in Wytheville, VA. Left at little after 8 a.m. CDT and got here about 6 p.m. EDT for a total of 388.2 miles. Not bad considering Nelda never saw a rest stop she didn't like. At least I got away with ignoring her recognition of every Cracker Barrel along the way.

Today was a beautiful day for travel. Temperature in the 70's, blue sky with white cumulus clouds and wonderfully green terrain. Came up I59 and I24 to I75 then I40 to I81. We'll take I81 on Wednesday to I66 then the beltway I480 around to the north where Cherry Hill Park Campground is located. From there we will sightsee DC, visit some properties owned by the first Moore's in my family tree to migrate across the sea, spend some time with some Moore's who have researched our geneology and enjoy a week of living in our home away from home.

That's all for now. Tomorrow we just rest up for the next leg of 311 miles on the interstate dodging all the trucks. Nelda is fixing our dinner so here's to all our friends. Pickle, this one is for you as promised.

NASHVILLE

After planning a camping trip to the Cheaha Resort State Park with our trailer in March, we changed our plans since thunderstorms were forecast for the time we planned to go. So instead we went to Nashville, where I think Nelda really wanted to go in the first place. Stayed at a Good Sam Park close to Opryland and had a great time. Took the backstage tour of the Grand Old Opry on Friday, then went to the early show on Saturday evening. They had a shuttle from the campground so didn't have to find parking at a sold out show. Pam Tillis and Little Jimmie Dickens were the MC's and the show was a lot of fun. Two hours of good entertainment and when we got home the next week we got to see part of it again on the GAC channel. Sunday night we went to a dinner show at a theater next door to the campground. It to was a great program and the food was pretty good. Opryland is on the outskirts of Nashville where Grand Old Opry moved in 1974 from the Ryman downtown. They still do shows at the Ryman in winter but had already moved back to the newer theater complex when we were there. Did try to visit the Ryman and other downtown sites but the NCAA SEC Basketball championships were going on and traffic was crazy and no parking anywhere so we gave that up for another time. There also is a huge outlet mall called Opry Mills adjacent to the Opryland theater complex so spent some time, but not much money, there. Our weather turned out great. Rained the first night after we got set up and didn't rain again until we got home Monday. Then Monday night we had our first severe tornado threat warning. All prepared to go to our "safe room" a a solid brick windowless basement room under our deck, but the storm fizzled out and bypassed us at the last minute.

The Liberty does a great job pulling the trailer. No problems so far and we make it up the grades no problems. A little larger wheelbase and engine would be better I'm sure, but the trailer trails very nicely with the anti-sway bar hitch assembly. I'm quite happy with it and we love the Jeep. I had just got a TomTom GPS that mounts on the dash and it guided me through all the interchanges around Nashville and directly to the campground just fine. I also have a portable XM radio that I had professionally mounted in the Jeep but which I can also use in the house, office or trailer. The Jeep came with SIRIUS but then they dropped Fox News Channel in December, so decided to change over to XM before renewing SIRIUS for another year (the first year was included in the purchase of the Jeep). Of course, after doing all this SIRIUS picked up Fox again but too late. Besides I like the portablility of my XM radio. I can even clip it to my belt and listen although the built in antenna isn't as good as the car and home one's are.
Oh yes, while in Nashville we attended services at an ELCA church near the campground. It actually was a good service, much like TLC Anaheim and a "male" pastor who seemed quite biblical, conservative and competent. Enjoyed the service and the sermon. Nelda said it reminder her of Cursio. Communion by Intincture with choice of wine or grape juice. We, of course, chose the wine!

XM Radio Better Than Sirius

Well, I went and done it. Actually I did it yesterday--bought an XM satellite radio. I had been looking at them on the web trying to figure out the best one for the best deal. I decided that I should get one that could work at home and in the car and if was portable enough for camping or office. I still have a few months left on my SIRIUS subscription that came free with the Jeep, but I really missed Fox News and several other talk programs that were canceled from their lineup. Also, XM offers MLB and NASCAR. Anyway, decided on the Delphi XM MyFi / xm2go portable which comes with kits for home, auto or Walkman style use. The list had dropped to $224.00 and XM is offering a $50 rebate for this model. Then stopped at Rex and that was their price as well. Then found an interesting website called xmfan.com that had lots of discussions on the various models and sell the same kit for $149 before rebate. Almost ordered it, but at Walmart with Nelda I checked and found they had it also for 148.88 before rebate. I couldn't wait any longer so brought it home and installed it with the home kit, which includes a stand, AC adapter; separate home antenna and cable to connect it to my AM/FM radio. It works great.

Next, this afternoon I tried putting it in the Jeep. It comes with a seperate cradle and several different mounting brackets, a separate car antenna that attaches magnetically to the roof and a DC plug in power adapter. I put the antenna just above windshield on outside of roof and routed wire around windshield in the crevices and into the dash area using black electrical tape to keep wire in place. The problem was figuring out how to mount it on my dash. Not real pleased with any of the brackets that they supply but settled on a clip on that fits over one of the dash air vents. Again radio works great, played it through the FM radio on 88.7.

Finally tried it with the ear buds and internal antenna walking around the yard. Not so good as it drops out when turning away from southern sky. But if stationary it works ok. From the discussion web they talk of a clip on antenna that provides a better signal, so may have to invest another $20 on that.

Bottom line is I like it but need to find a better way to mount it in the Jeep. Probably need to go to place that installs audio systems in cars and have them look at it. What we go through to keep up with technology!

CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY

"...We must say as clearly as we know how that underlying the pages which follow there is a profound conviction that the Christian Gospel is God's supreme act on man's behalf and that the history of Christianity is the history of what God has done for man through Christ and of man's response."

Latourette wrote over eighty books, many of them on church history and missions. In the above statement he describes his point of view in the writing of his classic work, "History of Christianity." Few modern historians give such unqualifying credit to the Christian Gospel in such terms, let alone the recognition that it has been significant in its effect on the history of mankind.
Today the common theme of historical commentators and analyzers is more likely that of synthesizing all major religions and their histories in such a way as to claim a blend that thus represents God and his desires upon our lives. An example is the best-selling author of the book, "Where God Was Born," Bruce Feiler. In an interview on Fox News “Special Report,” Feiler expresses the view that God throughout history and especially with Abraham as a common ancestor to three major religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, seems to be trying to establish a relationship with Himself that respects any faith-based approach. It is an appealing ideal, but is it valid or just another attempt to accept the “many ways to God” version of politically- correct religion? "The only force strong enough to take on religious extremism," he concludes, "is religious moderation."
But if we are to take Jesus at his word, surely he advocates no “moderation” in our religion, either believed or expressed. Yes, Christianity claims exclusionary rights and privileges. To “moderate” them would mean to lessen the intensity or extremeness of our view. Is that appropriate to faith? If moderation in behavior is all that is intended, then we agree to the extent that we should love our neighbors, treat them as we wish to be treated, respect them as persons and accept them as far as we can without moral conflict. There are limits to the expression of our faith as witnesses too. We are not called to brow beat or berate those who do not wish to hear the Gospel, assuming they know what it is. We are to exhibit the truth in love. But we should be careful not to accept the idea that it doesn’t matter what one believes.
Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. What we believe really matters. And the truth that God has revealed throughout Scripture and especially in the Gospels is for everyone, whether they know it or not. And though we may be uncomfortable and will certainly be challenged by many who think us wrong to make insistence, we have been called to the very purpose of proclaiming the exclusionary message of Jesus Christ. He is the only Savior. He is the only way. His is the only life that will live forever in the grace and forgiveness of an Almighty God who wants everyone to come to the truth and be saved.

See you in Church,

IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
– Galatians 4:4-5

“In the fullness of the time, when the fairest flowers of science and art had withered, and the world was on the verge of despair, the virgin’s Son was born to heal the infirmities of mankind. Christ entered a dying world as the author of a new and imperishable life."

Philip Schaff (1819-1893), the renowned German-American theologian and church historian, wrote the above words in his monumental History of the Christian Church, Volume I, Chapter 1 – Preparation For Christianity In The History Of The Jewish and Heathen World. As preface to his statement, Schaff examines the history and contribution of many cultural aspects and events leading to the fullness of time reported by the Apostle Paul. It was a time of spiritual darkness, but God’s Spirit was yet influencing the hearts and minds of many different peoples in readiness for the appearance of God’s Son as the world’s Savior Redeemer. Even in times of great despair, globally, culturally and personally, God is at work on behalf of his beloved creation to bring about the effects of his grace through Jesus Christ, born as a babe in Bethlehem, “that we might receive adoption” as his children.

Advent and Christmastide remind us again of God’s love for the world resulting in his Son coming to earth so that we might believe in Him and have everlasting life. Despite the attempts of many in our own culture to diminish this truth, to marginalize the purposes of our faith and to discredit our right to voice it in public display, God will still be heard. He will be heard through our constant refusal to stop wishing people a Merry Christmas wherever we are in the season. He will be heard through the ringing of church bells, the display of Christ centered symbols and decorations in our homes and lawns. And he will be heard through the singing of favorite Christmas Carols, choir cantatas, Sunday School programs retelling the Christmas story and in a full array of Christmas expression.

But God will be heard even more completely through our Spirit enlivened love that causes us to give. Our giving to community needs for those in poverty, giving to the Church and Christian organizations that spread the message of Christ, and, yes, our giving to one another within our families and congregations that reflect the love of Christ within our closest relationships—all speak of God’s love in the greatest Gift we have received. These all, along with our celebration in the public square, cry out above the sounds of commercial exploitation and critical opinion that there is One whom we worship and adore responsible for all that is good and who stands at the door to be received that we may enjoy all the privileges of our heavenly Father as his dear children. He came as the Son of the virgin to heal the infirmities of mankind and he died on a cross to save us from eternal death. The fullness of time extends to include each Christmas, including this one, as we proclaim the birth of Christ.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.

Merry Christmas!

Pastorpj

A Happy Thanksgiving in Alabama

This year being our second in Alabama was especially treated with most of our family able to come for Thanksgiving. This was Tim's second trip to visit us, coming the Saturday before and staying until the Friday after. He now works for Thrivent in Salt Lake City and has just finished his tests for licensing as an investment and insurance agent. Pat arrived the Monday before and stayed for nearly two weeks, leaving yesterday back to California where he lives with Mr. & Mrs. Bury and works for Chipotle Resturants. Sheri & the grandkids arrived Wednesday just in time for Thanksgiving Eve Service at our church and Sean joined us late Thursday night, having to work at his Cracker Barrel in Danville for Thanksgiving. They all stayed till after church on Sunday and left after treating us for lunch at the local CB resturant.

For Thanksgiving Dinner this year we did two turkeys. One the traditional Nelda way and the other I fried according to Southern preference. Both turned out great, but the fried turkey went the fastest! After being taught by the master, Chef Chuck Baldwin, and getting his recipe for injecting the marinade and borrowing his fryer I managed to get-r-done without burning down the house. Although I did have a little more oil than I needed, it was boiling near the top, no damage was done and the turkey was done just right.

All in all it was a great Thanksgiving week. Liz's boyfriend Dan got to meet her brothers and they all had some entertaining times together - after I was long in bed each night. Nelda and I enjoyed both boys and the family times we had with Sheri and hers as well. The only sad part was the absence of Jeri & Rachel, but hope they will be able to come see us soon. Now we are back to normal (almost) and looking forward to a less crowded but still with part of our family (Sheri & her brood) for Christmas. We were and still are thankful to our Lord Jesus Christ for all He has given us through our family and through our church and our many friends.

A Very Nice Little Trip to North Carolina

Last week Nelda and I got away again for a few days, this time with our friends from church, Butch and Mavis. They took us to a beautiful place they had visited many times, often taking their Miata to drive the winding roads in the mountains and hills of the Southeastern rim of the Great Smokeys. This time we road in their sedan and we stayed in a cottage at Phillips Motel in Robbinsville, leaving on Monday morning the last full week of October. We will have to go again. Might even take the trailer sometime as we saw a number of campgrounds along the way. What follows is Butch’s description of the trip, which turned out quite well:

Had a marvelous time even though the weather didn't cooperate. Rained all day Tuesday. Undaunted, we set out to drive the Cherohala Skyway Tuesday morning. Everything was fine till we got a little above 3000 feet and we began to drive in the clouds. A little above 4000 feet we ran into some snow on the road. At 4900 feet we really ran into some snow and had to turn around. We were thinking how lucky we were that there was no traffic on the road but us. As we started down, we did a bit of sliding but made it safely. Met a snowplow headed up the mountain, which confirmed our decision to get back down to the valley as quickly as we could. Went over to Cherokee and tromped around the stores for a bit and talked with some interesting people.

Left this morning around 8:15 for the trip home. All went well until we approached the Ocoee River area. Cars that met us were flashing their lights. We thought they were warning us of a cop. Then, some 8 or 10 miles into the curvy road area, we came to a line of stopped vehicles. We found out from some guy behind us in a delivery van that an 18-wheeler had turned over and spilled 40,000 lbs. of flour. They were expecting a wait of several hours. We turned around and headed back to find an alternate route home. Found an intersection and turned south and drove into GA to Blue Ridge. Found a Chamber of Commerce building and got a GA map. Came down across NW GA to Calhoun and Rome and finally got home. Strangely, it was a very nice drive. Might drive back up there sometimes by that route.

Ablazing Grace & Panama City Beach

Our next big outing included camping at the beach with Laura our DCE and three "Yutes" from our church. Left Sunday after church and with trailer in tow and Laura driving a rented KIA van we got to Campers Inn about 7:30 p.m. Got dark before we got both trailer and five-man tent set up, but all in good spirits staying up rather late before hitting the sack.

Unfortunately we didn't get the rain cover put on top of the tent properly so with the early morning rains guess who got wet. You got it, one trouper DCE and three "Yutes." Also the door to the trailer apparently got accidently locked (guess who!) so they couldn't get in out of the wet tent, but two of the "Yutes" managed to sleep in the van.

By the time all were up the rain had stopped and after fixing them breakfast we managed to get ourselves together and make it over to the Bay Point Marriott where the Southern District of our synod was holding an Intergenerational Gathering under the name Ablazing Grace. Laura was teaching a seminar session and the kids enjoyed the game room set up for the conference. For lunch we stopped at a Wendy's on our way back to camp and Laura and her troop spent the afternoon at the beach. I bbq'd some hotdogs for supper and we headed back to the hotel for the evening program.

The A_G_ program, "Circles of Grace Celebration Eventwith Happy Fun Time, Peder Eide, Jeff Burkart," was very entertaining and fun. Peder led the singing with songs of his own, Jeff told of his spiritual encounter with a taxi driver named Harold and a college group did some very funny improvisational skits.

Monday night went much better than our first night. I had fixed the rain cover, which worked pretty well, and it didn't rain until late morning. Tuesday morning we went back to the hotel and Nelda joined the choir rehearsal while Laura and I attended an Interest session on "Fanning the Ignition in Your Church with Greg Finke." The kids hung out in the game room. For lunch we stopped at Captain Hook's restuarant, shaped like an 18th century pirate ship, then back to the campsite. Even though it rained lightly all afternoon the kids with Laura hit the beach while I worked on my laptop and used the dial-up at the campground to check and send email.

Tuesday evening, having had a large lunch we postponed supper and returned to the hotel for "Places of Grace Celebration Eventwith Happy Fun Time, Peder Eide, Jeff Burkart," similar to the night before but with a grand finalle led by Peder and using lots of glow in the dark glasses and sticks as necklaces and bracelets. The kids had a great time with that, as did most of those present. Of course they were hungry when we got back to the campsite so we bbq'd some hamburgers before they began their card game. I managed to get to bed by 10 and don't know when the rest of them called it quits.

After another dry night and a quick breakfast we began Wednesday morning taking down the tent and trailer before going to the "Ablazing Grace Festival Worship Celebration" that ended the gathering. Then back to the campsite to finish packing, off to Zachby's for lunch and then the highway home. Got home about 7:30 p.m. safely and with some tired but I think happy campers. We all had a good time together and though we did it "our way" we were glad we attended the district gathering at Panama City Beach. Maybe in three years we'll be ready to go again!

We're Home!

Wow, we made it. Our first real vacation since moving to Alabama and our first camping trip through the southeastern United States. It was a great joy to visit some historic sites and then to end our trip with visiting our daughter Sheri and family in Kentucky. We had almost perfect weather the whole time we were on the road. Didn't get hot until Friday when we arrived at Sheri's and no rain to speak of until the last night when we stopped at a KOA south of Knoxville, TN, before coming home. Had a lot of pitter-patter on our aluminum roof in the trailer as we slept. You get used to it though and next day was a short trip to Gadsden with clear skies.

We're glad to be home and have some things to do. Glad to be back at the church and getting ready for Sunday. Glad we've so many good friends, both here and those left behind. Glad that the Lord Jesus Christ loves us all and that he forgives us all our sins and strengthens our faith. Glad to be able to worship with the Herndon's at Our Savior Lutheran (LCMS). And glad we can now refreshed serve the Lord and his Church and his people at Trinity.