Just Doing What I Do

Since my last blog, I have taken my wife to Dr. Abrams, an ophthalmologist in Chattanooga, in preperation of a proceedure that he will be doing tomorrow, Oct. 10. She has a condition called Trichiasis: Ingrowing Eyelashes. Hopefully, she will be able to see clearly, without discomfort and therefore be a happier wife, making me a happier husband.

I participated in the Walk-For-Life event at Cleveland High School. It was really a breeze. Walking! Not running nor jogging. Just walking. I completed the course and could have done it again, but I guess that was a good starter, being less than 2 miles. Who knows? You may read a blog one day about me doing a marathon!! Not likely, but you never know.

For 3 nights and 2 days, I stayed at Laural Crest in Pigeon Forge, TN to attend an Assembly of God ministers retreat which was held at the Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburge. I'm not a credentialed minister with the Assemblies of God, but being on the staff at Grace Assembly, I had the priviledge of attending. Actually I am a retired ordained minister with the Church of God, serving on the staff at an Assemblies of God church.

I attended a Peacemakers (Senior Adults) Fellowship Meal at the North Cleveland Church of God.

I took my mother to a hearing specialist at the Chattanooga Healthy Hearing office in Ooltewah, to be tested and fitted for hearing aids. The test proved what most of us already knew, that mom needed hearing aids. She was fitted and one weak later her hearing aids were ready. I took her back to the specialist to get the aids and she is now wearing them. She has worn them now for about a week and she is happy. They are working great. It's amazing how those devices have changed in the past few years. They are now like little computer chips in the ear. She doesn't have to adjust them. She only has to change the batteries. From time to time she may have to have them adjusted by the specialist but I assure you, it doesn't require a screwdriver nor pliers. The aids are simply attached to a computer and a few key strokes are made for the adjustment and all is well.

Last Sunday night, I went to a party!! Don't turn me out of the church now, for you see, it wasn't a sinful party. No, it was a good 'sanctified' party. Grace Assembly had church at one of the members house and of course we had a great time of fellowship and food.

Monday was prayer meeting time in the NCCOG Prayer Center.

Wednesday night was church.

Now, here we are today. oooooops! I mean here we are tomorrow. I started yesterday and I'm finishing today. Or was it, I started today and I'm finishing it tomorrow?? I don't know but it's after midnight and I've gotta close out and see about going to bed.

What Have I Done?

Maybe it's a sign of old age. Have you ever done something and then wonder, "What have I gotten myself into?" Sometimes it turns out to be OK and then sometimes, well, you just keep asking yourself, "What have I done?" I have done two things that I hope doesn't embarrass me.

1) I have committed to participate in a walk-a-thon for New Hope Pregnancy Care Center. That's right. I will report to the Cleveland High School Saturday morning to walk in the Walk for Life event. I'm needing sponsors, so if you would sponsor me just let me know how much you will sponsor me for. $5, $10, $15, $20, more or less. If I had only 10 sponsors @ $20 each, I would have my goal of $200.00. Some can do it and some can't, but most people can do something. How 'bout it? If you can, I'd appreciate it, but let me know fast because it's this Saturday. I'mm taking sponsors all the way up to the event. Really, if you decide after the event, I can still get the money to the Care Center.

2) I have just returned from the Cleveland High School band room where the Greater Cleveland Community Band meets every Monday night at 7:00pm. You see, I have decided to join the band. Well, when I was in High School, I was in the band. When I was in basic training for the Air Force, I was in the drum and bugle corps. In my younger years, I played the trumpet in church from time to time. Now the problem is that it has been about 36 years since I did anything with the trumpet except for a couple of times when I thought I would fire it up and get back to playing, but I found that my lips, which had been cut and scarred in an auto accident about 36 years ago, were not trumpet friendly. So, basically, 36 years of inactivity. A little over a month ago, I took out my old Conn Constellation, cleaned it up, oiled it and tried again. I decided that I would practice a little most every day and now I have been thinking that I may be ready for the community band. I did go tonight, but WOE Nellie! WOW! Am I far behind! I'm glad you don't have to be an expert to be in the band. Otherwise, I would have been very embarrassed. I'm going to go back each Monday night and get it right. Of course I'll be doing a lot of practice at home. (I hope my neighbors don't call the police)

OK! What do you think about that? And look! I've posted another blog. This time, less than a week from my last one. Man! I'm telling ya! I'm just getting better and better. Oh, and if I get good enough on my trumpet, I just might post a youtube movie of it. Well, maybe not. Mmmmmmmm, Probably not. Naw. Let's just forget the youtube thing, but I'll try to get another blog posted again soon.

My Monthly Blog!

That's what it looks like it has become. A monthly blog. So let me see. What will it be this time? Uhhhhhh...... Oh! How 'bout this. The other day, as a matter of fact it was Friday, I took my mom and two of her friends over to Fields of the Wood, a christian theme park operated by the Church of God of Prophecy. As best I can remember, it's only about a 90 minute drive from Cleveland (TN, for those who think OH). We drove up to the alter on the top of one of the mountains and up to the top of the other mountain where the cross of flags is (when the flags are in place). That mountain also tops the huge Ten Commandments that is laid out on the mountain. We also walked inside of the replica of The Garden Tomb. We did a little bit of shopping in the gift shop.

After that, we stopped by the historic site of the first general assembly of the Church of God, saw the site of the Shearer Schoolhouse where Milton McNabb, Joe Tipton, William Hamby, and William Martin...preached the noteworthy 1896 Shearer Schoolhouse Revival, and saw some other COG historical site which I have forgotten the name of. I wanted to show them Barney Creek, (for those of you who know the significance of it) but I was not sure just where it was, so I didn't attempt to find it. Plus, I had my mother and two other elderly ladies with me and they were not excited about this old man getting lost and wasting a lot of their time for nothing. Anyway, I think they all enjoyed it.

Upon returning to Cleveland (TN), we went on out to the Farmhouse Resturant. What good food! What good portions! It's just good home cooking. If you have never been there, you don't know what you are missing. You should try it. It's located out on Harrison Pike, east of the interstate. When and if you go, tell them that I sent you. You'll be treated special. That's right. No, not because you tell them I sent you but because they will want to keep you comming back. They won't even know who I am, but if enough people will tell them that Lowell sent them, I just might have the good fortune to get a discount or something. LOL

OK. There you have it; a new blog. Now, let me bid you farewell. I have written a decent blog. I have told you an event in my life. And I have finished this day. So, there is awaiting me a bed of softness with a pillow of foam, which I shall enjoy because I have legally purchased it with my wife's money, and Walmart will gladly bestow this kind of pillow, and even a better one, to all those who will be willing to pay for them after waiting in line for ever how long it takes.

Farewell.

Where does time go?

Now that's a pretty good question! Where does time go? Does it go to the disposal? How about the storage closet? Maybe it just goes off leisurely meandering down a path that seemingly leads to nowhere! I really don't know where time goes but I do know that it goes somewhere fast. It's already been a month since my last post. It doesn't seem like it though. Seems like just a week or so ago. Really, it seems like just the other day I resigned pastoring and started on this senseless road of retirement, but it was over two and a half years ago when that happened. Why, I remember celebrating my 40th. birthday not long ago (really 25 yrs. ago). I expect that somebody will call me 'old' any day now. Old? Who, me? Did I hear that cashier at the resturant right. The other day when I was making an order, did she say 'senior'? Look, I've had it. I quit. I'm not playing the game anymore. If you want to be old, just go ahead and be old, but just leave me out. I'm going up to the mountain tomorrow (Signal Mtn.) and I may just stay. No, wait. Maybe Fred will let me go to his cabin up on the other mountain (not sure of the name of it) and I wouldn't have to worry about people up there. Wouldn't have to worry about paying a light bill or a water will either. Just me and a few snakes, turkeys, rabbits, and squirrels I'm sure, and maybe a bear. Yieks!! A bear! You never know about these Tennessee mountains. Can anybody help me if I call you? Oh! Wait! There's no phone service up there either. What if I fall down and can't get up? I mean, you know, a man like me might need some help. I don't get around like I used to. And I may not hear the growl of the bear. OOOOOOh! What if I don't even see it. It has to be close before my eyes will focus clearly, you know. I can't run very fast nor very long anymore either. Something has happened to me in the past few years. Ummmmmm! Maybe, I'm not quite ready to quit the game. I think I will stay in the race, but don't try to tell me how to do it. I've been around a lot longer than some young whiper-snappers have and I'll just take care of myself, unless I need somebody. OK, let me get off that subject and move on to the blog I intended to post here today. Oh, my! It's getting late. Past my bedtime. I gotta go for now. Maybe later. Yes! I'll try again later. Soon! Bye for now.

A Primer For Ministry

Everyone who is considering ministry should read the following. It is the meat of the book of 2 Timothy as I see it. It would also be helpful for seasoned ministers as well. Now and then it becomes necessary, because of the distractions of bright lights and dream castles, for me to get my focus back. This has helped me do that. This is not my 'version' of the text; it is my response to it.

I AM CALLED TO PREACH! (2 TIMOTHY)
-- Lowell Brannen

Chapter 1

4) Paul had some unfulfilled desires and Timothy had some tears.
7) There have been times when I was fearful.
8) There has been times when I was ashamed to tell that I was a
minister of the Gospel. You see, sometimes the Gospel has
afflictions, which I try to shun. But because of the power of God, I
will partake of it.
9) I was not called because of my desires or abilities, nor because of
what I was doing, but I was graciously called for His own purpose.
11) I have been appointed by God to be a preacher, an apostle and a
teacher. It's not just by luck or by chance.
12) Because of this, I will have to suffer some things, but I am not
going to be ashamed.
15) Some folks might turn away from me.
16) Afflictions may even include such things as chains.

Chapter 2

1) But I will be strong.
3) I will put up with hardness and I will be courageous, as a good
soldier.
4) As a soldier of Jesus Christ, when in battle, I will not be involved
in the affairs of this life, but I will devote myself wholly to the
battle so that I may please the Lord Jesus Christ.
9) Because of the Gospel, I suffer trouble like one who does evil.
10) Yet, I will put up with all things, for it is more important that I
preach the Gospel to the ones who will hear it, so that they may
obtain salvation.
11) My will and my desires are as though I were dead, so that I may
live with Him.
12) So, I may suffer with Him; I will also reign with Him. I will never
deny Him.
19) The Lord knows that I am His.
20) Some men are like vessels of gold or silver, and some men are like
vessels of wood or earth; Some unto honor and some unto dishonor.
21) Whether I am a vessel of gold, silver, wood or earth, I will
cleanse and purge myself from ungodliness, and therefore I will be a
vessel unto honor, made ready for the Masters use, for some good
purpose.
24) I will not strive and argue with men, but I will be gentle, patient
and ready to teach them.
25) I will teach repentance and salvation even to those who do not want
to hear it.

Chapter 3

1-5) I am aware of the perilous times that are even now upon us. There
are men who are selfish, blasphemous, unthankful, unnatural, liars,
pleasure seekers and God-haters. I will turn away from them.
7) They are continually learning, but they never learn the truth.
8) They resist the truth. Their minds are corrupt, perverted and
immoral as to the faith.
11) My persecutions and afflictions are known, but I will endure them,
until the Lord delivers me out of them.
12) Yes, a Godly life in Christ Jesus will result in persecution.

Chapter 4

2) Even so, I will preach the Gospel because I am called to preach. I
stand ready at all times.
5) I will put up with afflictions. I will overcome the obstacles. I
will do a good job.
7) I am fighting a good fight and I will complete my task.
8) I have a crown of righteousness waiting for me.
10) Though some may forsake me;
14) Though some may treat me wrong;
16) Though none may stand with me;
20) Though I may fail in some areas of ministry,
22) Yet I know, Jesus is with me and His grace upholds me.

Speaking of Books

What follows is my reply to a blog on my sisters blogspot:
Did you know that I have a love for books. I do. Like you said, I love to touch them, feel them, even smell them, but one awful fact is, I don't love very much to read them. Ain't that a shame! Sometimes I get envolved in a good book and read it. Most of the time I just read the part that I think I need or the portion that I enjoy and then the book gets shelved. If I had read all the books that I have, I would be a smart man.

Since I don't need books like I used to, and since I can just about always find what I need on the WEB, I don't buy as many books now. However, I still can't pass up a bargin in a book. And if it's a Bible, open the cash register. I'm coming to the counter with the bargin in my hand. I just love the feel of a good Bible.

Let me add here that I think books are very important. They make you look educated if you have enough of them, especially big ones. They will cover a lot of stuff you hid behind them on the book shelf. Stack several big wide ones together and it will serve an emergency seat. They are useful as a temporary leg for the sofa if the leg is missing. Take one with you when you go to the doctor's office. People will think you are very studious. With a little work, you can cut out a hole in the pages of a thick book and make a secret chamber when it is closed. Some books provide hours of fun if you like to trace pictures, but the fun will not last if the book is not yours and you get caught. If you don't like the book you can use the pages to make paper mache.

By the way, I have some books that I'd be glad to give away to someone who needed them, but who needs old books published in the '60s, except maybe antique collectors. The last book I bought cost me, let's see.... was it 25 cents or was it a dollar? I bought it at either the Cleveland Public Library in the FOLA room or it was at Lee's Used Books here in Cleveland. I really like it. It is a hardback NIV, entitled Seasons of Reflection. That's Seasons of Reflection. It is 365 daily readings with special helps on prayer. You know. One of them thru-the-Bible-in-a-year reading programs. This one I need.

Happy 4th of July

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HaveFun!

Campmeeting Days

It's campmeeting time in Cleveland! Tennessee, that is. Yes, and I am enjoying the preaching, the praying, the singing, and the shouting. Campmeeting is not like it used to be. There is a reason for that. I need not say anything more about it. If You're under 30, I doubt you have ever seen campmeeting like some of us old-timers have seen it, but I thank God that He is still blessing and touching lives in these modern times. Thank God for campmeeting.

Long ago when but a boy, at old campmeeting time,
How my heart would fill with joy to hear the old bells chime,
Calling all the saint of God into the house of prayer,
Oh, such singing, praying, preaching, for the Lord was there.

I like the old time preaching, praying, singing, shouthing,
I like the old time reading of God's Word.
I like to hear those old time Hallelujahs, Glory,
I like the old time worship of the Lord.

Need I say more? No, I do not, but I will. I will also say that I like the new time worship of the Lord. That's right. I might like the new time worship better because the old time worship is gone and it is in the past. All I can do with it is remember it. I need something now. I want to worship now. I want to be involved in the praise now. So, when I lift my hands now and sense (lest I say 'feel') the presense of the Almighty, I like it better than just remembering the old times.

I'm calling all senior citizens in the church to a challenge. Let's just get right in there with this 'now' worship and see what happens. Oh, I know. We don't know the songs............Yet. But we will learn them. The now worship may be off our beat, but we'll get used to it. As long as we are worshiping God, let's worship NOW. We have a testimony that can only be experienced by the passing of time. We need to share this testimony with those who have not been there yet, who will listen, and who haven't lived long enough to experience what we have. One day they will, and if our testimony is fresh in there minds, it may be the help and encouragement they will need to make it through some hard times. Oh, they will face difficulties of some kind sooner or later and we know how it feels. They need our testimony, but it won't be effective if all they can think of when they see us, is an old bitter cistern or an old, ragged, worn-out bucket with holes in it. Let's rejoice about the Great and Mighty God whom we serve, even if we may not be happy about the style of praise and worship used today.

I still like the old 'Red Back Hymnal' and good old Souther Gospel, but if I'm gonna worship in church today, I'd better learn the new songs and learn to praise in the new fashioned way. I don't think it's the ways and means that matter but it's the motive and end product that counts.

I'm Back In The Saddle Again!

I was out of the saddle and down on the ground. The ropes were wrapped around me. I had lost control. I still held the ropes and pulled hard on them, but I knew that something was not happening like I thought it should. I was pulled from side to side, wondering if I’d ever be able to lift myself from the dust and stand with pride to face the crowd. Thanks to those who knew how to help me, I suddenly realized that the rustle and tumble of life was slowing, and I was coming to my senses again. Though I wanted to lie on the ground and nurse my wounds and bruises, I was driven to shake myself, rise to my feet, face the peering mob about me and lift my hands as a symbol of victory even if I felt like disaster had fallen my lot.

Now I miss the old rough ride that I had for so long, and sometimes feel that I am doing it again; but I am not in the same saddle and I can tell that my ride is not the same. Adjusting to the new style is quite a task, considering all the changes that have taken place since I last rode a normal steed, but there is hope for a safer journey, now that we have the assurance that the spurs are not under the saddle anymore. I can only drive as I have known to drive, even though my skill has improved by my last treacherous upset, so I will continue to head in the homeward direction. The sun is falling low in the East and I know that I will soon be arriving at my destination. For now, I can say that I am just happy to be Back In The Saddle Again.

Here's What I'm Doing Now

This is just an update - an overdue update. I am doing so much better these days. Just getting off the medication is an improvement. My regular doctor is keeping a watch on my liver function and my enzyme levels, and thus far all is looking good. Now that I have regained most of my strength and ability, I have accepted an invitation by the pastor of Grace Assembly to work with him at that church. It is the last church that I pastored and I count it an honor to be accepted by the present pastor and members, as an associate. I think I will be able to serve the pastor, the church and God in this capacity with a sense of accopmlishment for ministry. I do not have the desire to pastor any church these days but I do have a desire to do whatever God wants me to do. Right now, I feel like it is to serve in this position.

I am still a member of the North Cleveland Church of God and I still have an active ordained bishop certificate. I keep in touch with the NCCOG and attend some of its functions when possible and I continue to observe my financial obligations to that church. I really wish it were possible for the Church of God and the Assembly of God, and all of the pentecostal fellowships, to be united into one fellowship. That would make us, the pentecostal community, a louder voice in the world and we would be a stronger body, physically and financially, and could therefore do more for God. At least it seems that way. I believe that God is doing His work in this world and He continues to surprise me how and by whom He does it. God is an awesome God. Won't it be wonderful there?!

One of the good things that has come out of all this medical bout that I have been engaged in is a greater appreciation for the more contemporary music of this day. I really do love the music by Casting Crowns, especially the song entitled "I Will Praise You In This Storm". There are other groups that I really enjoy who would not have been accepted by my criteria at a time in my past. Really, I have been expanded, broadened, enlightened, or whatever you want to call it, by my experience. I still love the old conservative songs and good old souther gospel too. What I think I am trying to say is, "I am a better man today than I was yesterday." Let me conclude with this old number:
"We'll work 'till Jesus comes,
We'll work 'till Jesus comes,
We'll work 'till Jesus comes,
And then be gathered home."