THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves.” – Luke 21:25

The following is a recent press release from NASA:

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- NASA's Deep Impact spacecraft has created a video of the moon transiting (passing in front of) Earth as seen from the spacecraft's point of view 31 million miles away. Scientists are using the video to develop techniques to study alien worlds.

"Making a video of Earth from so far away helps the search for other life-bearing planets in the Universe by giving insights into how a distant, Earth-like alien world would appear to us," said University of Maryland astronomer Michael A’Hearn, principal investigator for the Deep Impact extended mission, called EPOXI.

When I came across the above announcement while checking headlines from the Fox News Gadget on my Google Homepage, I was reminded again of how foolish and shortsighted most scientists and their followers are when they examine the universe with their sophisticated equipment. My first impression when viewing the video online and watching the moon passing over the earth was one of awe and appreciation for God’s magnificent creation in which we live. Their primary interest is in the vain search for any kind of extraterrestrial life to substantiate their idea that our life and our planet are not unique, the product of billions of years of random chance. Though some might postulate the possibility of a Creator or superior intelligence affecting our existence, most seem unconcerned in their quest for validation of their preconceived conclusions.

I am certainly not against space exploration of any kind for the sake of gaining knowledge or seeking usefulness and resources for our human needs. The efforts themselves, though at considerable cost, are likewise fruitful and have yielded many benefits to our lives as earth-bound people. My early career in aerospace engineering and manufacturing gave me an appreciation for scientific exploitation and its practical effects. But what a shame when the beauty of God’s Creation is not appreciated for what it really is: His loving provision for living creatures made in His image that the Bible calls man, “male and female he created them.” And then he gave us authority to rule over all the earth and over all living things.

Yes, we human beings have made a mess of things and we can expect that sinful man will continue the process, especially among those who fail to appreciate what our Heavenly Father has done for our reconciliation and welfare. Sending his Son Jesus Christ to redeem us and give us new life in Him further shows the purpose and intent of his beautiful creation.

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1

The End of Our Journey

On Friday we stayed at the campground relaxing until evening when our group held a potluck at the campground pavilion. Then we gathered again in a central location for a campfire before heading off to bed.

Today, Nelda and I left the campground with no specific plan but did stop at Uncle Bill’s Flea Market, strung out on the highway as we headed toward Dillsboro. Bought a couple items, including an Elk Ridge pocket knife for me and a Rooster embossed hot plate for Nelda. Have to find out from Butch if I got ripped off on the knife! Then we stopped in Dillsboro at a craft store, then on to nearby Sylva just looking around. There we found the Heinzelmannchen Brewery where we enjoyed a beer tasting treat of 6 or eight different brews (who’s counting?). The young assistant to Braumeister Dieter Kuhn gave us directions to the Mill & Main Restaurant nearby where they served their beers on tap. It was a delightful lunch and after several glasses of Heinzelmannchen Kilted Gnome Scottish Ale (a High Gravity 7.5% ABV ale, “wee bit lighter than most with a hint of smoked peat flavor, balanced maltiness and a lingering hop note with a warming alcohol finish”) we came back to camp where I was ready for a brief nap, then a quick cold swim in the pool.

Tonight we will join the group a last time before leaving in the morning for home. One of the ladies is sharing a pot of beans and rice, which is probably all we’ll need to eat after our filling lunch. It has been an enjoyable time, meeting new friends, seeing new sights and just getting away for a few days. But we are ready to go home and pick up where we were and continuing the ministry that the Lord has given us in his mercy and grace.

Trail of Tears and Other Things

Cherokee NC is only 10 miles from our campground, so Nelda and I took off to get our tickets for the play without knowing where to get them. Several years ago when we went to Robbinsville with Butch and Mavis they took us to Cherokee as we saw the sights in the area. That was when the Indian in one of the shops told Nelda she was supposed to let the man walk ahead of her and for her to get behind me as we left his store. This trip she definitely didn’t want to go back to that shop, but not to worry—we would never be able to distinguish which of the many such shops in the town it was. A young Indian maiden in a local convenience store gave us directions to the Mountainside Theatre which we found easily enough but with the ticket office closed. We then located the ticket office in town, got our tickets and a Subway for lunch before heading back to the campground.

About 4:30 p.m. we joined the other Dixie Chapter folks in a caravan and headed to Sylva for a delightful supper at B’Regards then on to the theatre for the drama. We all sat together with our red “Dixie Chapter” t-shirts in the General Admission section and waited for the show to begin. Then the rains came, not much but enough of a thunder shower we headed for shelter above the seating area until it passed. Meanwhile the show was underway, first with a choir and comedy skits, then a fourteen scene play that depicted the whole history of the Cherokee nation with emphasis on the Indian Removal Act under President Andrew Jackson whose life had previously been saved by Junaluska, one of the Cherokee warriors that helped the U. S. Army at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in Alabama. This was the traitorous act as seen by the Cherokees that led to the Trail of Tears with the loss of many lives as they were forced to migrate to the Indian Territories—now Oklahoma. It was a moving drama which we thought well done, but not to the same quality for some who had seen it in years past. All in all it was a very entertaining evening.

A Ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Wednesday we took the Tuckasegee River Excursion on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad from Dillsboro to Bryson City and back. Dillsboro is a small mountain tourist town near Sylva and only about 4 miles from the campground. The trip along the river takes about an hour and a half each way with about the same time at Bryson. At the train stop is a museum of Lionel trains with a large and extensive display of model trains in full operation on a beautiful scale mountain table setting. We splurged on the Club Car tickets and enjoyed our beer and wine in comfortable chairs along the way with a large picture window to view the scenery. Lots of rafters and kayaks full of waving participants and other pictures I’ll share later.

Back at the campground we put some Johnsonville Brats on the grill and relaxed a while before going down to the Dixie Chapter campfire and joining our new friends for an evening of tall tales and good conversation. Met some Dixie members from the LCMS church in Foley who are looking for a new pastor, but I told them we still like Gadsden. It’s a small world after all! Anyway, tonight looks like we may go to Cherokee with the group and see “Unto These Hills,” the outdoor play about the Trail of Tears. Let you know more later.

NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAIN VACATION

Relief from heat and beautiful surroundings in the mountains of North Carolina, what better way to enjoy a week of vacation at the Holly Cove RV Resort campground? Nelda and I arrived safely pulling our TrailManor camping trailer through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests to the Great Smokies near Bryson City, N.C. This trip was planned to meet other TrailManor owners of the Dixie Chapter Trailblazers having a Get-Together this week.

After an uneventful trip up I59 to Tennessee, I24 through Chattanooga and briefly on I75 to Cleveland, TN, we began our trip along the Ocoee River on US74 through the lush forests and scenery leading to Whittier, NC, and our campground. Along the way we saw many rafters on the white water rapids and the frequent blue busses carrying the rafts back to their head waters. We also found a nice roadside table for our lunch and a later very attractive rest stop near Andrews, NC. Much of the way was 4 lane, but in the heart of the National Forests along the rivers was winding 2 lane and slow going. But we arrived in mid-afternoon after 5 ½ hours got checked in, set-up and began enjoying the cooler fresh mountain air at an altitude of about 2600 ft. We also met a few Trailblazers who had already arrived, but most were coming in the next two days.

Tuesday, we hiked one of the trails from the campground, met some more Dixie members then went off to Sylva and nearby Dillsboro to check them out, get our train tickets and find the local Wal-Mart for a few supplies. Nelda found a Cross-Stitch shop in Dillsboro that carried other craft supplies and bought some sock yard to add to her knitting time. Then back to camp and a quick swim (the water was cold) before back to our site and a Taco Salad supper with appropriate adult beverages. The campground featured an informal white elephant Bingo game in the Pavilion which entertained us until we gave up and began our hike back up the hill to home. Along the way we stopped to meet and visit some Trailblazers who recently arrived then relaxed listening to the Angels and Braves games on XM (Angels won, Braves lost). Wednesday we are taking the 4 hour train ride from Dillsboro on the Great Smoky Rail Road. Should be a good trip.

Lutheran Videos

Lutherans and Lutheranism on Youtube

Hot & Humid in Alabama

It's another hot and humid but dry day here in Alabama. Not much to write about except some musings of here and there. Looks like the Democrats have finally settled on their candidate for the presidential race with Hillary giving her concesssion speech (finally- oh, I already said that) today. Only other big news will be the outcome of the Belmont Stakes race and if Big Brown wins the Triple Crown or goes lame from his cracked hoof.

Did hear from son Pat in California with news concerning his employment options. Hope it works out for him.

Sermon for tomorrow is done, just need to go over it some more before tomorrow. The message is on Christian hope based on Romans 4:18-25. I will post it at the church's website http://www.tlcgadsden.com/ when we get home. It takes me about 15 minutes to copy from my Olympus voice recorder to my laptop and upload it to the website. Christian hope is a very important benefit of Biblical Christianity as the Apostle Paul demonstrates from the story of Abraham in Genesis. Having done two funerals in the last 10 days I am especially reminded of the value having hope in Christ gives to us.

I'm still reading Dinesh D'Souza's book What's So Great About Christianity. I find his arguments very compelling and supporting my own conclusions in 40 years of studying the Christian religion. My only departure is his acceptance of a general view of evolution without Darwinian influenced conclusions that lead to atheism. His support for intelligent design is commendable, but I still see no scientifically determined absolutes that preclude a young earth creation as inferred from an inerrant Word of the Creator - the Bible. Dinesh is a good writer, however, and very thorough in his research. I appreciated some years ago his biography or Ronald Reagan, which I did complete and holds a key place in my home library collection.

Well, it's nearing race time and though I have no money riding on the race, curiosity needs its fulfillment.

IT’S JUST POLITICS!

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. – Romans 13:1

Here we go again, it’s another election year! Super Tuesday is February 5th. How ironic the next day, when we may find out who are the most likely Democratic and Republican candidates in the fall elections, is Ash Wednesday. Of course Ash Wednesday for Christians is an annual call to repentance and cleansing in the Blood of Christ. Would that our elected government officials could focus their attention along the same lines! Not to mix religion and government, yet a parallel cleansing of national interests would add a refreshing tone to the politics of our national elections. But, alas, the personal attacks and dirty tricks have become an inherent part of the game and election strategy on both sides of the aisle. It will be a rough year as the campaigns for each candidate become more desperate for our votes and our support. Sometimes it’s difficult to understand that their authority exists and has been given by God’s administration, but it’s a good point to keep in mind. As it is said, people usually get the government they deserve. Perhaps that should guide us to stop blaming the politicians so much and examine more closely what might improve the results for what we deserve.

In other words, shouldn’t we be looking inwardly as much as we look outwardly? Or, to coin a phrase, all politics begin inside of us (not just at home!). King David, a politician of a different era, prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” And his example has been at the heart of Christian renewal as far back as the church begun. What effect do you suppose would happen, not just personally but corporately as well, if a majority of people in our churches seriously took David’s words to heart? And what effect do you think that would have on our nation? And what effect might it have on the world? One can only imagine, but one thing is for sure: for there to be any effect at all it must begin in me and you. For if the motivations and desires that guide our lives and propel our votes come from God cleansed hearts, then regardless of who wins the nominations and elections that govern our land, in God we can still trust.

One of course must fulfill their civic duty as well, especially in our country where we are free to vote for those we believe will serve us best in the authority God has given them. And that in itself is an awesome responsibility, for it is more than a popularity contest. We are forced to look below the surface and avoid the pressure of media and movements, but as objectively as possible consider the merits of each candidate in the face of grave and serious national and human interests. Our criteria in this endeavor are what separate church and state. Our civic interests should always be compatible with the purposes of our faith, but must first be concerned with America’s strength as envisioned by its founding principles and conserving it for the generations that follow us.

But let it begin with a grateful heart for all we have received and enjoy through faith in Jesus Christ who for our sakes and the forgiveness of our sins went to the cross to give us a greater freedom than any nation or government on earth can offer. And to our God who through divine providence has given the people of America great privileges in electing those who govern our lives here on earth.

2008: A Time for Faith to Grow

“. . . a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.”
– Ecclesiastes 3:2b

I’m looking forward to a good year in 2008, how about you?
What will 2008 bring? What might we see happen that could bring the kind of happiness we hope for? In general terms related to the world we live in, it should be an interesting year at least. With the improvement seen in our military success in Iraq we are hopeful that fewer of our soldiers will be needed in the Middle East to secure a complex and dangerous political situation there. We hope also that greater security from terrorist movements will lessen the threat to our homeland. But then there are major political issues that will be at the heart of an election year sure to become at the center of our expectations for the future. It will truly be an interesting year indeed.
There are always a good many external events of which we have little control except in their aftermath that will also affect the coming year. Weather, human tragedy and institutional failure will all take their turn in bringing their own affects upon communities and individuals across our land and possibly including ourselves either directly or indirectly in major ways.
But whatever happens, and we can never depend on our knowing beforehand, we can be sure of the most important and essential thing that should matter the most to us, and that is God’s love for us in Jesus Christ and what faith in Him can bring. This can become a great year for us under any circumstances if we allow our faith to grow. There are many ways we can contribute to this growth process, all of course dependent on God’s Spirit and grace as the enabling power making it work. Devotions and Bible study are key activities requiring only a little self-discipline to be effective. Start with the Portals of Prayer booklets that we give out at church. There are also some good on-line resources and email lists that can be of help for those of us who spend a lot of time in front of a computer. A daily reading plan such as found on page 299 of the Lutheran Service Book hymnal coupled with a review of Luther’s Small Catechism is another helpful way, and there are many other such tools that can help us. Just reading and reflecting on a portion of Scripture each day will help your faith to grow. Of course these times are useful for fellowship with the Lord in prayer. As James tells us, the prayers of a righteous person have great effect, and we are made righteous by faith in the Lord Jesus that grows while we are in the Word and pray.
There are a lot of people who say they don't attend a certain church or they don't go as often as they should. But then how can you be growing in the Lord without a church to feed you in the Word? If you don't water a plant, it will wither and eventually die. The same is true of our walk with the Lord. We can grow complacent and immune to the ways of the world far too easily without being held accountable and being fed with His Word on a regular basis. Besides, your regular participation in church will bring you fellowship with other believers, vital to permanent growth in your faith. There is nothing like having that special "bond" with a fellow brother or sister in the Lord with whom you share a spiritual relationship in your church when you need a shoulder to cry on, advice, or encouragement in your life.
So make 2008 a year of growth, for you and for your family, and may God continually bless you in your commitment to him and in your endeavor to see your faith in Him grow.

PEBBLES IN THE SAND

Sir Isaac Newton, after his sublime discoveries in science, said, “I do not know what I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem only like a boy playing upon the seashore, and diverting myself by now and then finding a pebble, or a prettier shell than ordinary, while the great ocean of truth lies all undiscovered before me.”

—Foster

Newton apparently had nothing on us after all, except of course his great intellect. Most of the time we, like him, are like that boy on the seashore finding pebbles in the sand. That is, we are so preoccupied with our own interests and thoughts that we pay no attention to the greater realities around us. Our circle of truth encompasses only what our short attention spans seem able to handle in a given moment. But though most of what is true escapes us even as we touch on it with great frequency in our meanderings, there are truths and realities that we are compelled to consider from time to time. Jesus draws our attention to one such significant truth; one which brings light, knowledge and wisdom to the most basic problem that faces all people whatever age or circumstance they may find themselves in.

Invariably one of the pebbles in our life that we pick up and examine is an act or attitude of our own doing or being that wants to lead us to guilt or remorse. For some that pebble is like a hot potato and it is dropped immediately and quickly forgotten as something more attractive gains their attention. For others it is like a rough and heavy rock that is hung around their neck as a burden that weighs on the conscience and hard to remove or ignore. For these latter Jesus spoke his words of comfort and release, “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Only He, the Son of God, can forgive us and remove the burden of sin that we carry, but not only must we be willing to give honest scrutiny to that ugly “pebble” in our way we must also be hearing him and abiding in his word. So the Gospel tells us very plainly.

We are now approaching the end of another church year and a new Advent season. Soon our thoughts will be focused on celebrating our Savior’s birth, another significant truth to believers in the Christian message. But in the midst of our meanderings, another pebble we can pick up and examine carefully is the opportunity to give special thanks to our loving and gracious Heavenly Father God; both for the goodness we enjoy in our nation and for sending his Son Jesus to set us free from sin and death so that we are free indeed. Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. we encourage all who can to join us at church – another way we can abide in His word. May you enjoy His grace as you continue along the shore of life and truth, picking up pebbles and pretty shells.

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” –John 8:31-32

LIBERAL CONSERVATISM

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,
for he who promised is faithful. – Hebrews 10:23

Conservatives are often considered roadblocks to progress. Sometimes that may be the case, but not necessarily. In fact, they may represent the most progressive elements of society. Indeed, “Christian Conservatives are linked by the Media with the much to be feared “Religious Right” as the most radical segment of the voting public today.
But the true meaning of conservatism is to preserve what is good, reliable and useful while being liberal in the extension of benefit to the largest possible number of recipients. The heart of today’s political debate is over the role of government in extending those benefits. But, at least for the church, our objective and attitude should be that of the true conservative: preserving God’s Word and its application and extending its promise to the widest possible extent.
That this conservative purpose can have much effect for positive change in the world can be shown in just two examples: the world of the Apostle Paul and the world of the great Reformer, Martin Luther. But in both of these cases, the changes first occurred within the church, before their impact on the broader scale was felt. What seems lacking in today’s religious influence is the right balance of the true conservative’s principles in the spirit of biblical and reformational Christianity. These principles may also be expressed as Law & Gospel, both the heart of Paul’s and Luther’s influence upon first the church and then the world.
In Paul’s time it was the Jewish Church that needed the Reformation and the Roman world that needed the Good News of Jesus Christ. In Luther’s day it was the Roman Church that needed the Reformation and Western Civilization that needed the Gospel preached throughout. It was the extent of commitment in their respective churches that produced the effects of their outreach. And though its primary purpose was for personal salvation and the fruits of the Spirit with those in whom the seed of God’s Word was sown, secondary civil and social benefits were clearly accrued for all people.
In our time it may be said that the Protestant Church, the church of Western Civilization, is the one needing Reformation before a more global world can be reached with the Good News and both its primary and secondary effects can be produced. But that needed reformation must be formed on the same principles of true conservatism as those advanced by Luther and Paul.
The problem with the church which Paul was Called to reform was that it had become Law centered, pushing out the refreshing spirit of the Gospel. The same is said for Luther’s church. For each of them the Gospel gained prominence, not by replacing the Law but by keeping them in their proper relationship. This is what gives Christianity its unique and overwhelming value, conserving what is good, reliable and useful; but extending its benefits to the greatest numbers of people.
Unless the Church of our period in history is able to regain the true principles of conservation, making the benefits of the Gospel our goal while keeping it in balance with the Ten Commandments, offering salvation and hope without giving up our moral values and the authority of God in our own daily lives, then we will fail in the commission we have received.
All our endeavors, political and otherwise, will accomplish nothing except further abuse and despair if we don’t take the right course. That course is: Reformation within and Gospel without. Order here is essential. Try to do it backwards, as some in the Religious Right seem to be doing, and neither the church nor the world will benefit. Rather let us be true conservatives and we can be used to change the world for Christ!

Visit To The Creation Museum

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
– Genesis 1:1-2

On our vacation this summer, we visited the new Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky, that opened on Memorial Day this year. What a wonderful exhibit it is, telling the real story of God’s creation and God’s truth about the creation of the universe and everything in it. Not only is it factually based and in total agreement with the Bible, but they have done a fantastic job of showing the comparison of what God’s Word teaches versus the view of human reasoning that discounts or ignores biblical revelation.
With the theme “Prepare to Believe” the museum takes you through beautiful displays showing representations and actual artifacts that illustrate and describe all of the major events of Genesis chapters 1 – 11. There is also a fantastic planetarium show that puts all the galaxies, constellations, stars and planets in context with the Bible’s account of creation. The many rooms of exhibits then explain in scientific terms how what can be observed and proven fit very well with the Genesis account and why there is a difference of interpretation by modern evolutionary based scientific theory. “Same Facts, but Different Views… Why?” are demonstrated regarding such topics as dinosaurs, coal and oil formation, speciation in animal and plant life, recent creation and evolution, our first human parents, the universal flood of Noah and the Ark, Flood Geology, the Ice Age, survival of dinosaurs as the basis for dragon mythology and many more.
I was also impressed with the non-sectarian content and view taken with the museum. Lutherans, Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Episcopalians and Catholics, indeed all Christians having only in common a complete acceptance of all the canonical books of Holy Scripture would have no problem with anything viewed or described. Only the skeptic, agnostic, atheist or non-Christian would be uncomfortable, as in fact many such critics have already expressed themselves. I also appreciated the inclusion of a display figure of Martin Luther posting his 95 theses on the Wittenberg Church Door. In fact one lady hearing my expression that Luther was my hero volunteered to take my picture along side his image in the Biblical Relevance Room.
Perhaps most fulfilling of all was seeing the thousands of people there that day viewing and appreciating the work that had been done in making this a very professional first class museum of the finest quality suitable for its high purpose and glorifying the Creator and Savior Jesus Christ. The last feature after seeing all the display rooms was the Last Adam Theater, beautifully telling the Gospel story in a tasteful and appealing way. That’s the climax to the Creation as the Bible tells it, Jesus Christ fulfilling it all by going to the Cross and dying for our sins so that we might enjoy the new Creation to come forever.
By all means go see it if you can. Every Christian and especially every parent with their children needs to visit this museum. It is a beautiful story told in a beautiful setting with nature trails and gardens and lakes surrounding it. Teenagers especially, about to enter high school and college should have this presentation before facing the secular and brainwashed teachers and professors they will soon come across. The museum doesn’t force your agreement with its viewpoint, but lovingly, accurately and convincingly it will reinforce your faith. Go to www.creationmuseum.org to plan your trip and when you get back let me know what you think. May God bless you as you Believe in Him!

RELEVANT CHRISTIANITY

How relevant is Christian faith and practice to the world we live in? By that I don’t just mean its relevance to your life or my life, or even its relevance to the church – our church or your church. Lutheran theology has always recognized a two-kingdom approach to understanding our Christian life and responsibilities in this world. In other words we each live in two realms at the same time: one of civil authority and the other under Christ. And we owe each its proper allegiance. But under Christ what do we owe civil government? Only our civil obedience and our voice and vote when given opportunity to elect government leaders or approve certain laws or propositions, or can we go further on moral and biblical issues?

The concept of “separation of church and state” has evolved to the point in our day that Christians may feel an intimidation against their speaking out publicly on matters affecting their Christian beliefs based on Holy Scripture. This is especially true when there is conflict with publicly held dogma as in the evolution versus creation debate.

The recent passing of Reverend Jerry Falwell reminds many of the impact his “Moral Majority” had in the political concerns of the ‘80’s. His religious exuberance and appeal was offensive to “liberals” and of some concern to many “conservatives,” But in the aggregate one might recognize certain achievements in highlighting a number of Christian concerns while living in a freely elected civil state. Debate on subjects of abortion, marriage, homosexual lifestyle and others ensued, resulting in the success of some candidates favorable to a Christian worldview, despite some possible excesses that were not as helpful.

The better approach seen by the faithful is the evangelical one: preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ, testifying to our faith by our words and by our actions and raising our families in connection with a Bible based church. These are, of course, obligations to our Lord and His Kingdom done out of gratitude for the forgiveness of our sins, his spiritual gifts and our life to come. But as the relevance of the church diminishes in our culture there may also be a loss in the affect Christianity is able to have in the realm of civil affairs. Christians need to be engaged on both fronts if we are to remain relevant in a world for which Christ died for all. Indeed we must stand up for the truth of the Bible reflected in honest, but loving Christian faith, regardless of the cost, and in the public arena as much as in the religious one.

Having just studied “Christianity, the First Three Centuries,” a video series by Dr. Paul Maier, at our Wednesday night Bible Study, we were impressed with the struggle of those early believers. Many died as martyrs for the faith in the face of fierce opposition from the Roman state, but through perseverance the church flourished and prevailed. The opposition we face is nothing in comparison with theirs. Should we not just as vigorously engage our world both with the Gospel and with our citizenship as Christians in the freedom of an America still under the blessings of God?

MERRY CHIRSTMAS 2006

Christmas Greetings to Ya’ll,

2006 has been an eventful year for us as we near completing three years in our Alabama home. We feel we have settled in nicely here and continue to enjoy our new friends in our church, general good health (for our age!) and all the blessings of our Savior Jesus Christ.

We enjoyed camping with our Jeep & Trailer on several trips this year despite a little accident on the way home through Kentucky. Spent some time in Chattanooga, Nashville, Washington D.C., Ohio and Kentucky. Went to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas to help Jeanne & Ken* renew their 50th. Pomeroy had LCMS meetings in Jacksonville MS, Baton Rouge LA and St. Louis MO. Nelda has really gotten into knitting and helped start a class at church. We both visit the gym several times each week and with our closest church friends we usually “lift one” at a local pub and have Friday dinner at El Tapitio Mexican Restaurant each week. We continue to enjoy our daughter Liz living with us and the holiday visits of Sheri and her family when they come down from Kentucky. We do miss our other children this year, Tim in Utah, Pat & Jeri in So. Cal. But we hope 2007 will see us all get together at least once during the year.

We hope and pray that you too know the blessings of Jesus and his forgiving love and that you have a very merry little Christmas wherever you are. God bless you now and in the new year. May He come soon!

Love from the Heart of Dixie,
Pomeroy & Nelda Moore

* Pomeroy’s sister & brother-in-law living near the area we grew up in.

Merry Christmas !!!

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.