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What's your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavly by John Wesley and the Methodists.
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Saturday, March 1, 2008
Me, Religiously!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Not Me, But You!
I don't know what to title this poem. I thought about, Not Me But You, Making the Transition, Passing the Wand, Passing the Crown, and I have even thought about, Passing the Buck! I would be delighted if you would let me have your suggestions. Whatever the title, here it is:
Why can’t I ever be the one
To win the races I have run
And get the crown of victory,
Instead of all those who beat me.
I worked so hard to pass the test
And tied to be my very best,
But after all was said and done,
It was somebody else who won.
I tried so hard to get ahead,
To be accepted and be led
To higher grounds and lofty heights,
To touch the stars and see the lights.
Oft-times I never stopped to see
The many people there by me
Who cheered me on, along the way,
Who cheered me on, most every day.
But I was rushed and hand no time
To shake their hand and be so kind,
‘Cause I could only see my goal.
It took my all to play my role.
About the time I thought I’d win,
I’d stumble because of my sin.
I’d try then to regain control,
But I had lost my heart and soul.
‘Twas not just once nor twice nor thrice,
Continuously I’d see my vice
Arise and distract my intent,
And then my anger I would vent.
My friends would gather all around
And pick me up from off the ground.
They’d dust me off. I’d hear them say,
Keep running friend. Be on your way.
Well, I have since resigned the race
Now that I can not keep the pace.
Besides, it’s hard to pay these dues.
So I’ve hung up my running shoes.
I’m now content to stand aside
And cheer you on and watch your stride.
So, if you ever need some friends,
I’ve found the time to make amends.
Run on my friend and don’t slow down.
I want to help you win your crown.
I’ll find great joy down deep within
If I can see, I’ve helped you win.
The crown awaits, it’s there for you.
Go for it now. You’re crown persue.
Do not look to your left nor right,
It’s there for you. It is in sight.
--Lowell A. Brannen
Why can’t I ever be the one
To win the races I have run
And get the crown of victory,
Instead of all those who beat me.
I worked so hard to pass the test
And tied to be my very best,
But after all was said and done,
It was somebody else who won.
I tried so hard to get ahead,
To be accepted and be led
To higher grounds and lofty heights,
To touch the stars and see the lights.
Oft-times I never stopped to see
The many people there by me
Who cheered me on, along the way,
Who cheered me on, most every day.
But I was rushed and hand no time
To shake their hand and be so kind,
‘Cause I could only see my goal.
It took my all to play my role.
About the time I thought I’d win,
I’d stumble because of my sin.
I’d try then to regain control,
But I had lost my heart and soul.
‘Twas not just once nor twice nor thrice,
Continuously I’d see my vice
Arise and distract my intent,
And then my anger I would vent.
My friends would gather all around
And pick me up from off the ground.
They’d dust me off. I’d hear them say,
Keep running friend. Be on your way.
Well, I have since resigned the race
Now that I can not keep the pace.
Besides, it’s hard to pay these dues.
So I’ve hung up my running shoes.
I’m now content to stand aside
And cheer you on and watch your stride.
So, if you ever need some friends,
I’ve found the time to make amends.
Run on my friend and don’t slow down.
I want to help you win your crown.
I’ll find great joy down deep within
If I can see, I’ve helped you win.
The crown awaits, it’s there for you.
Go for it now. You’re crown persue.
Do not look to your left nor right,
It’s there for you. It is in sight.
--Lowell A. Brannen
Monday, February 25, 2008
Sleep Apnea
Here's an article I found on Careplace that I thought might interest some of you. It's a 'Sleep Disorders Blog' From About.com. According to this article, my arteries must be very clean. I've been using the CPAP for about a year now. It really does make a difference.
Treat Sleep Apnea for Clean Arteries
Monday February 25, 2008
Treating sleep apnea for four months has the same effect on the plaque and stiffness of your arteries as taking a cholesterol drug for a year does. Using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure device) doctors were able to reduce heart attack and stroke risk in 24 men with sleep apnea. After four months, their arteries were much cleaner, according to the study. Yet another reason to take treating sleep disorders seriously.More on Sleep Apnea
Treat Sleep Apnea for Clean Arteries
Monday February 25, 2008
Treating sleep apnea for four months has the same effect on the plaque and stiffness of your arteries as taking a cholesterol drug for a year does. Using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure device) doctors were able to reduce heart attack and stroke risk in 24 men with sleep apnea. After four months, their arteries were much cleaner, according to the study. Yet another reason to take treating sleep disorders seriously.More on Sleep Apnea
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Check it out!
Check out Stephen's new cd album and if you'd like you can buy it. For those who may not know, Stephen is my oldest son, living in CO. Am I proud of my son? Yes I am!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Friendship
Well! It was such fun hearing and reading the comments on my last poem, I think I'll do it again. Obviously, the title came after the completion of the poem. Here it is:
Friendship
Since you liked my poem so much, I thought I’d write another.
One that I thought all would view, plus sister and my brother.
This poem doesn’t have the tone, that grips you at the heart,
But if you want to read it still, be sure it’s not ‘in part’.
This message may be silly, and it may be serious.
I do not know which way I’ll go. It’s so mysterious.
What ever comes is what you’ll get, ‘cause that is what I’ll write.
It may be something meaningful. It may be oh, so trite.
Let me start by saying this, “You now are my good friend.
I do not want to say a thing that brings it to an end.
A friend is very good to have, when / if you need someone,
But even better is a friend, to help you get life done.
We sing together and we pray, and worship our Dear Lord.
We do it in the church you know? It really isn’t hard.
What we really ought to do is worship on the street,
For God deserves our highest praise wherever we may meet.
Someone may be in great need, and if they watch us pray,
It may entice them to the Lord, by just the words we say.
We’re not ashamed to make it known; the blessings of our God
He really wants to bless all men who walk upon this sod.
If they approach us with their need, will we turn them away,
Or will we give them our friendship if only for a day?
Jesus gave us His friendship for all eternity.
He wants us just to share His love, and do it just for free.
Hey, now I see where this has gone. I really didn’t know,
That it would be about friendship; and kindnesses we sow.
So let this be a message clear, for everyone to see;
If we want to make our mark, then friendship is the key.
– Lowell A. Brannen
Since you liked my poem so much, I thought I’d write another.
One that I thought all would view, plus sister and my brother.
This poem doesn’t have the tone, that grips you at the heart,
But if you want to read it still, be sure it’s not ‘in part’.
This message may be silly, and it may be serious.
I do not know which way I’ll go. It’s so mysterious.
What ever comes is what you’ll get, ‘cause that is what I’ll write.
It may be something meaningful. It may be oh, so trite.
Let me start by saying this, “You now are my good friend.
I do not want to say a thing that brings it to an end.
A friend is very good to have, when / if you need someone,
But even better is a friend, to help you get life done.
We sing together and we pray, and worship our Dear Lord.
We do it in the church you know? It really isn’t hard.
What we really ought to do is worship on the street,
For God deserves our highest praise wherever we may meet.
Someone may be in great need, and if they watch us pray,
It may entice them to the Lord, by just the words we say.
We’re not ashamed to make it known; the blessings of our God
He really wants to bless all men who walk upon this sod.
If they approach us with their need, will we turn them away,
Or will we give them our friendship if only for a day?
Jesus gave us His friendship for all eternity.
He wants us just to share His love, and do it just for free.
Hey, now I see where this has gone. I really didn’t know,
That it would be about friendship; and kindnesses we sow.
So let this be a message clear, for everyone to see;
If we want to make our mark, then friendship is the key.
– Lowell A. Brannen
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Charismatic Morality
In reference to a blog by The Dawg Howse entitled "The Fuzzy-Wuzzy World of Charismatic Morality", I mad a reply that I thought I should use as a blog of my own. If you want to read the article, go to http://thedawghowse.blogspot.com/ and read his blog. The following is my reply to his blog:
I think the "fuzzy wuzzy world of charismatic morality" is getting "fuzzaier" all the time. I have watched several of these tv evangelists with admiration and a few with a grain of salt. I looked on, helplessly, as PTL crumbled. I watched the 'Swaggert confession - I Have Sinned' and was disappointed, the Bynum 'royal wedding' and was amazed, the White 'announcement' and was puzzled, and several other dramas that left me with unanswered questions. I've seen sights, inappropriate for saints to behold in our own churches, and heard 'sermons' that, in my opion, should not have been preached. I see the COG loosing it's holiness distinctive. I know that holiness begins in the heart but if it is given a chance it will show up on the body. Lest I stray from the point, let me say that we must be serious in our desire to please God and we must get serious in our practice of holiness. I know I am convicted already when I say that, but by God's grace I will do better. I still believe that it is God's desire for one man to be married to one woman, or vice-versa, and that they should be bound by their pledge, 'until death do us part'. However, there might be a few cases where..........................Oh Lord!.............Help us!
I think the "fuzzy wuzzy world of charismatic morality" is getting "fuzzaier" all the time. I have watched several of these tv evangelists with admiration and a few with a grain of salt. I looked on, helplessly, as PTL crumbled. I watched the 'Swaggert confession - I Have Sinned' and was disappointed, the Bynum 'royal wedding' and was amazed, the White 'announcement' and was puzzled, and several other dramas that left me with unanswered questions. I've seen sights, inappropriate for saints to behold in our own churches, and heard 'sermons' that, in my opion, should not have been preached. I see the COG loosing it's holiness distinctive. I know that holiness begins in the heart but if it is given a chance it will show up on the body. Lest I stray from the point, let me say that we must be serious in our desire to please God and we must get serious in our practice of holiness. I know I am convicted already when I say that, but by God's grace I will do better. I still believe that it is God's desire for one man to be married to one woman, or vice-versa, and that they should be bound by their pledge, 'until death do us part'. However, there might be a few cases where..........................Oh Lord!.............Help us!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Here's my latest poem
For lack of a better title, let's call it:
The Sighs of a Sluggard
The day has come, the day has gone,
And here I sit. I’m all alone.
The day was short, and not so kind,
I could not satisfy my mind.
Were you out there? I should have known.
You did not speak. Then you were gone.
But then I thought, Why should you care,
About my plight, or my despair.
I had the day just like you did,
And all day long, My face I hid.
I could have called, or visited,
But here is what I did instead:
I sat me down upon my chair,
And focused only on the air.
I only thought of me myself,
And all my dreams upon the shelf.
I viewed them over in my mind,
And knew that they were left behind.
What a wise man I’d have been,
If I had only let you in.
Time and time and time again,
I know you tried to be my friend,
But I refused to let it be,
Because of my concern for me.
Why, oh why did I do wrong,
By doing nothing for so long?
Now, it’s gone. My days are spent.
And for this sin, I now repent.
— Lowell A. Brannen
The Sighs of a Sluggard
The day has come, the day has gone,
And here I sit. I’m all alone.
The day was short, and not so kind,
I could not satisfy my mind.
Were you out there? I should have known.
You did not speak. Then you were gone.
But then I thought, Why should you care,
About my plight, or my despair.
I had the day just like you did,
And all day long, My face I hid.
I could have called, or visited,
But here is what I did instead:
I sat me down upon my chair,
And focused only on the air.
I only thought of me myself,
And all my dreams upon the shelf.
I viewed them over in my mind,
And knew that they were left behind.
What a wise man I’d have been,
If I had only let you in.
Time and time and time again,
I know you tried to be my friend,
But I refused to let it be,
Because of my concern for me.
Why, oh why did I do wrong,
By doing nothing for so long?
Now, it’s gone. My days are spent.
And for this sin, I now repent.
— Lowell A. Brannen
Friday, January 25, 2008
I'm up but not running!
Yes, I'm up. For those of you who may not know, I had surgery Wednesday for a femoral hernia on my right side. I went into the hospital about 10:45 am and left about 7:00 pm. Rushed in and rushed out like cattle. The unit in which they were holding me, before and after surgery, closed at 7:00 pm, and they wanted me out of there before that time. It may have been 6:50 pm, but it was close. Such a rush that they forgot to give me my discharge papers. Now, I know that I wasn't that bad of a patient. I was just thinking.....my pre-op instructions were such as 'no food or liquids after midnight on Tuesday', 'no jewlery or valuables' 'no lotions or body creams' etc., but I could wear deoderant. I was wondering if that ment 'PLEASE wear deoderant'. :) Then again, I did wear deoderant. Must have been the wrong kind!! ha!
Oh well! Anyway, the doctor said the hernia was not as bad as he thought it would be but of course it still needed repair. Plus he strengthened the intestinal wall on the other side and also did a liver biopsy. I was home Wednesday night, up yesterday, Thursday, and feeling even better today, Friday. I'm not supposed to lift any thing over 10 lbs. for two weeks. Yeah, right! I'll probably do it by accident if not on purpose. As you can see, I'm back to my 'hard work' of blogging and computing, but I won't stay on here as long as I have been guilty of in the past. I just thought it would be a good idea to blog while I ate my dinner, or to some that would be 'lunch', so now you are up to date on my situation. Doesn't that make you feel better? Of course it does.
Oh well! Anyway, the doctor said the hernia was not as bad as he thought it would be but of course it still needed repair. Plus he strengthened the intestinal wall on the other side and also did a liver biopsy. I was home Wednesday night, up yesterday, Thursday, and feeling even better today, Friday. I'm not supposed to lift any thing over 10 lbs. for two weeks. Yeah, right! I'll probably do it by accident if not on purpose. As you can see, I'm back to my 'hard work' of blogging and computing, but I won't stay on here as long as I have been guilty of in the past. I just thought it would be a good idea to blog while I ate my dinner, or to some that would be 'lunch', so now you are up to date on my situation. Doesn't that make you feel better? Of course it does.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Ending the Old and Starting the New
The last day of 2007 and the first day of 2008, a Monday and a Tuesday, were days that I will remember for some time. I awoke on that Monday with pain in my hip joint. It was in the joint and not in the hip. The pain was more in the front of my body, right down in the groin area. I wasn't sure if it was the joint or the muscle. If I walked it seemd to get some better and I thought maybe it would be alright by night time, but instead it got worse. By night time, the pain was so discomforting that I was unable to go to sleep. After calling the hotline for the 24hr. nurse about midnight, and taking a hot bath and shower I was able to finally get some rest and sleep. The next day, I could not even lift my leg up off the floor without pain. I managed to hobble around and lift my leg with my hands when needed and thereby made it through the day. Now this second night I was truly getting better, and the next day I felt so much better that I probably would not have done anything about it if it had not been for my wife and my mother. So, I went to the doctor on the 2nd. - what would have been the third day of pain - and he scheduled me to get an ultrasound the next day. I did, and it was decided that I have a hernia. If that seems weird for the kind of pain I had, let me tell you what kind of hernia it's supposed to be. A femeral hernia. For those of you who would know, that is kinda weird because a femeral hernia is most often found in women, not men. I am a man!!
Well, the nurse made an appointment for me to see a surgical specialist and I went to see him today. We have scheduled the surgery for Wednesday. That would be the 23rd. Tomorrow, I will go to the hospital and register for the surgery. It will take about two hours, so I'm told, to go through all the tests that will be performed and get registered. Then of course, Wednesday will be surgery. It will be a one day thing. In and out on the same day. By using the proceedure that the doctor will use, I should be able to get back to my hard work of retirement :) in about two weeks.
I will try to post another blog as soon as I can after surgery. Your prayers will be appreciated. I still believe that God Has Everything Under Control and I'm looking forward to getting back to some kind of 'normal' life.
I always look forward to hearing from anyone who reads my blog.
Well, the nurse made an appointment for me to see a surgical specialist and I went to see him today. We have scheduled the surgery for Wednesday. That would be the 23rd. Tomorrow, I will go to the hospital and register for the surgery. It will take about two hours, so I'm told, to go through all the tests that will be performed and get registered. Then of course, Wednesday will be surgery. It will be a one day thing. In and out on the same day. By using the proceedure that the doctor will use, I should be able to get back to my hard work of retirement :) in about two weeks.
I will try to post another blog as soon as I can after surgery. Your prayers will be appreciated. I still believe that God Has Everything Under Control and I'm looking forward to getting back to some kind of 'normal' life.
I always look forward to hearing from anyone who reads my blog.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
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