Monday, October 30, 2006

Habakkuk's Concerto

My good friend Natalie Elizabeth (or E. Natalie as I have been reminded in her comment) has posted something new on her blog! As far as I'm concerned, Di is her name. Now that's news! She's actually more consistent than Brodie has been lately. Her latest post entitled Habakkuk's Concerto should send us leafing through the minor prophets to this little book so we can more fully appreciate Natalie Elizabeth's post.

Here it is:

Habakkuk's Concerto
2006. E. Natalie Johnson


MOVEMENT ONE
‘Why?'
‘How Long?'
Cry, and worry.
Wrestle with questions beyond you.
With eyes wide accuse God of indifference.
‘Do You not care’?
‘Do You not listen’?
‘Will You not save’?
MOVEMENT TWO
The answer ~
No explanation,
A Revelation ~
‘Watch and be amazed’.
Helpless.
Hungry.
Hope.
Faith in God’s Promise ~
Rest on The Rock.
Watch.
Linger.
Wait.
Hold to Assurances of The Holy One.
MOVEMENT THREE
Justification.
Meaning.
Purpose.
Righteousness not your own.
Grace.
Glory.
Presence.
See what The Everlasting has done, is doing, will do.
Power.
Praise.
Strength.
Counting on God’s Rule and reign.
FINALE
Sing.
Dance.
Feel the coolness of a peaceful joy.
The enemy is carried away on the four winds.

posted by E. Natalie Johnson @ 11:10 AM
David's Note: Now go and read the book of Habakkuk! Don't worry about the pronunciation of his name. Just read his book. Wouldn't it be terrible to arrive in heaven, converse with Habakkuk and be forced to admit that we never read his book?
Thanks, Natalie Elizabeth!
NOTE: Please read E. Natalie's comment to better enable you to enjoy Habakkuk's book!

Winter Is In The Air

HELP!!! Winter is coming! I love being able to watch the seasons change but I DO NOT LIKE WINTER AND THE SNOW!

This picture was included in Stephen Weber's Daily Encouragement Net devotional today and it reminded me of the path that I cut down to the creek in our back woods. A few weeks ago it looked a lot different. In a few days there will be no leaves.

Reminds me of that wonderful song, GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS.

"Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above;

Join with all nature in manifold witness,

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love."

We change, the seasons change but the great three-in-one, Father, Son and Holy Spirit remain changeless. We can count on them!

Hallelujah!

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Encouragement Through Baseball Cards

Two weeks ago something happened following the Sunday morning worship service that brought much encouragement to this weary pilgrim.

Our guest speaker at Auburn Bible Chapel was a teacher at the Peoples Christian Academy in Toronto...the Christian school affiliated with The Peoples Church.

I enjoyed his ministry immensely as he incorporated a missions component, gave an expository message and captured my attention. Following the service I went to the front to let him know that God had used him to encourage me and to bless my heart. As we talked I told him that I had been on staff at The Peoples Church back in the late 80's and early 90's. Then he asked, "Are you the man who conducted the chapels for the Toronto Blue Jays?" I answered in the affirmative and his face lit up.

He recalled how he would come to my office (which was located in a big trailer behind the church) at recess and lunch time and I would give him baseball cards and talk about my work with the ballplayers. He had been a student at the school where he is presently teaching.

Before we parted that Sunday morning he left me with these words, "Thank you for your ministry to me when I was a kid at school!" As I drove home from church the Lord reminded me of the truth of Paul's encouraging words to the Galatian believers. "Be not weary in well doing, for in due time you will reap if you faint not." - Galatians 6:9.

We may not see the fruit of our ministry for years but God doesn't forget our labor of love. (Hebrews 6:10)

We've often heard the expression, "what goes around comes around". God used the one who I had blessed my years earlier to bring an encouraging word to me.
GOD IS GOOD AND HE IS FAITHFUL TO ACCOMPLISH THOSE THINGS HE HAS PROMISED TO DO!

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Bell Mobility or Biblical Literacy

Today I received an e-mail from my Grade 7 teacher (now that was a long time ago) comparing the Bible with a cell phone. It certainly gives us something to think about. Here it is:


The CELL PHONE and the BIBLE



I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we flipped through it several times a day?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to kids as gifts?

What if we used it as we traveled?

What if we used it in case of an emergency?

This is something to make you go..."hmmm...where is my Bible...I need it"!!

Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't ever have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill!

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

The God of the Impossible



Blogging buddy Pilot Mom (her only son pilots a C-130 in the U. S. Air Force) wrote the following post recently. It sums up my thoughts on the subject exactly. Read this and rejoice in a God who loves you and cares deeply about the circumstances of life:

Are you like most people experiencing some kind of difficulty at any given time? I know I go through times which I think of as "tough times." Lots of people place their confidence in someone or something other than God to get them through. No matter how complex your difficulties are, I believe the solution is simple: knowing and trusting in God's faithfulness. Why? Because the basis of my confidence is the character of God. When a person doesn't know Him, when they have an inaccurate picture of who He is and what He can do, then they allow the storms of life to overtake them.

However, as I live my life before Him, confident that He knows exactly where I am and what needs to be accomplished through my life, I can walk with joy through confidence in Him. You see, God is always with me. And He is always with you if you are a believer. He isn't standing idly by, hoping against hope that life will turn out okay for us. He's active and involved. I can have complete confidence that everything that comes my way has either been sent or allowed by a God who is both all-loving and all-powerful.

I don't know what you are facing in life right now, but I do know what I am facing. It may seem like you are up against the impossible. I belong to the God of the impossible. A God who loves me, who is greater than my needs and problems, who has the power and ability to help me, who has my best interests in mind. He's a God in whom I can place my confidence at all times. Why don't you give Him a try?! Call on Him for help. He will be faithful to respond.

Just Wondering

Last night I was nosing around in the basement trying to find a strange, pungent odour that was wafting up into the kitchen area. Crouched in the corner of the root cellar I found this funny-looking creature.

Please contact me if anyone out there "nose" what this is. I'm puzzled!

Hearing Challenged Cheerleader

Presently I'm battling an ear infection and I'm not hearing as well as I should. So...I found the following story humorous. I've changed the denominations just for fun. Nothing personal!

Three Chairs

A Free Methodist minister meets three Pentecostal pastors on the golf course and invites them to come to his church some Sunday. Not too many weeks thereafter and just as services are starting, they show up.

Attendance was good in the small Free Methodist church and there wasn't a pew available. Several church members were already seated on folding chairs. When the minister, just starting the service, saw the three Pentecostal pastors enter, he leaned down from the pulpit and whispered to the nearest usher, "Please get three chairs for my Pentecostal friends in the back."

The usher, hard of hearing, leaned closer and said, "I beg your pardon?"

"Get three chairs for my Pentecostal friends," repeated the minister. The usher strained closer with a puzzled look still on his face.

Once more the minister tried, speaking slowly and distinctly. "Three chairs. For the Pentecostals," he enunciated.

The usher's face lit up in comprehension, and he turned to face the congregation.

"All right, everybody," he called out to the assembled worshipers. "Three cheers for the Pentecostals!"

P. S. This one was for you, Brodie.
Another P. S. Nothing personal, Lloyd.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Dreaming

A guy can dream can't he?

Earlier last week I stood at one of the easternmost parts of Canada and looked across the Atlantic (by faith) to Bristol, England.

One of these days I'll hop on a plane, fly to London, rent a car and drive to Bristol. 'Til then I'll continue dreaming of the day I arrive on Ashley Down in Bristol where George Muller's orphanages stood.

Praise God for the legacy Mr. Muller left!

Going Home











Fellow pilgrims...we're getting closer...

Many times in my childhood when we'd travel so far
By nightfall how weary I'd grow.
Father's arm would slip 'round me... so gently, he'd say
"My child, we are going home."

Chorus:

Going Home... I am going Home.
There is nothing to hold me here.
I caught a glimpse of that heavenly Land,
And now, I am going Home

Now the twilight is fading... The day soon shall end.
I get homesick the farther I roam;
But my Father has led me each step of the way,
And now, HE will lead me Home.

Tune & lyrics by William Gaither

Being Careful

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Dear blogging buddies:

Hope you've had a great weekend so far! It's been a busy one for us, very hectic but relaxing at the same time.

I found out this afternoon that some of our family members have just experienced "identity theft" and they're having to replace credit cards, debit cards, etc.

Also, with the increased dangers inherent in giving out too much information over the internet, I have decided to change the way I do my blogging. I'm not going to include photos of my immediate family members any longer. Over the next few weeks I will delete pictures that already have been posted.

As well, I have changed my profile on this blog, deleting our home town and other identifying information.

I'm sure you understand my reason for doing this. I'm still committed to posting on a regular basis. As you know, my 2nd blogiversary is coming up next month and my 1,000th post will happen even before then.

Thanks for your regular visits to PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS and for your encouraging words and comments.

May the Lord be gracious to you and give you His peace!

In His embrace,

David

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Silent Witnesses

Yesterday David Kennedy and I went to view the Silent Witnesses Memorial just outside Gander, NL. In 1985 a U. S. Air Force jet carrying over 250 soldiers re-fueled at Gander and then took off for an air force base in the U. S. The plane failed to gain altitude and crashed just before reaching the Gander River. The plane took out a swath of trees and brush before coming to a stop just before the water. Everyone on board lost their life. It was the worst air disaster ever to take place on Canadian soul.



Two phrases on one of the plaques at the sight caught my attention. You can see them on one of the pictures. "Cross of Sacrifice" and "Rendezvous With Destiny". Can you think of any parallels in a "Christian sense"? I certainly can!



Without the supreme sacrifice that Christ made at Calvary, my rendezvous with destiny would not be a joyful one but because He took my place, I look forward to a grand meeting in His presence...forever!


Hi Victoria !!!

Good morning, Victoria! You asked me to update my site while I'm away so I did. Thanks for your note! Sorry, I can't bring a piece of an iceberg but I can bring an ice cube from my diet Coke on the plane. It might melt before I get home though.

I love you and I miss you! See you Friday night!

Gramps

Today We Welcome Joseph Stowell

Today we welcome Strength for the Journey by Dr. Joseph Stowell to our Pilgrim Scribblings site. Dr. Stowell is one of my favorite preachers and you will be challenged by his daily encouragement. This daily devotional is made possible by Radio Bible Class and their associated ministries. Check out the link to the left of this post and check in each day for some much needed Strength for the Journey.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Bud the Spud...A Hot Potato

The following news item appeared on the Quinnipiac web site concerning my nephew Bud (Greg) Fisher:

Bud Fisher Named ECAC Hockey League Goalie of the Week
Sophomore backstopped Bobcats to a sweep of Robert Morris


Oct. 16, 2006

ECAC Hockey League Release

Quinnipiac University sophomore goaltender Bud Fisher (Peterborough, Ont.) has been named as ECAC Hockey League Goalie of the Week, as it was announced earlier today by the league office. Fisher helped the Bobcats to a weekend sweep of Robert Morris and carried shutout bids deep into the third period on both nights.

He stopped 69-of-71 (.972) shots on the weekend, including a career-high 43 saves on Friday night against the Colonials. Fisher followed that up with 26 saves in Saturday's win. Both of the goals that Fisher allowed on the weekend were power play markers - one was a 5-on-3 tally, another was a 4-on-3.

Another Beautiful Day on "The Rock"

Wow! What a day here in Newfoundland! We heard that this was the only part of Canada that wasn't experiencing rain today! We had an incredible drive north from St. John's to Gander and then on to Lewisporte.

We drove out to Twillingate this afternoon where you can see icebergs and whales at certain times of the year. What a beautiful spot! I took a few shots of some of God's handiwork! I can certainly see why Newfoundland is called, "The Rock".



The best thing about the trip has been my ability to relax and allow my body (and mind) to be refreshed and renewed. I found myself getting a little uptight when we got behind a slow (and I mean SLOW) driver but I told myself to settle down and relax...we were in no hurry.

I didn't think we'd have a wireless connection here at the camp where David Kennedy is speaking but we do! Now I can get updates on who's winning the Mets/Cardinals ballgame.

Well, enough for now. It's been a great day and I've been reminded time and time again that God is good!
AMEN?
Top photo...Looking out from Joey's Lookout (Joey Smallwood) over Gambo.
Bottom photo...Looking out over the ocean from Twillingate. No whales or icebergs at this time of year. Beautiful sight!

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

I'm On The Rock Hallelujah!

This afternoon David Kennedy and I landed on "the Rock" here in Newfoundland. It's my first visit to Canada's easternmost province.

I'm impressed...already! One of the first places we visited was Signal Hill (pictured), high above St. John's harbour. Looking out over the Atlantic, I heard someone come up behind me and say, "what's David Fisher doing here?" It was a couple from Ontario who had a trailer near ours at Elim Lodge. Small world!

You just can't hide anywhere!


We had to stop and take a photo of the "Big Fish B & B". Maybe that will be my lot after I retire...operating a bed and breakfast overlooking the ocean.

Tomorrow we drive north to Lewisporte where David K. will be speaking at a conference for the Pentecostal pastors from Newfoundland. I'll have a day and a half to read, write, sightsee and relax. Wow! Relaxing! That's a concept that's foreign to me.

I'll keep you posted if I can find an internet connection. On Thursday I may go down to Gander and watch the planes landing and taking off. I should be able to get connected there.

Thanks for your visit!

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Get The Hint?

This humorous note appeared in David Jeremiah's Turning Point devotional e-mail this morning:

A son in college wrote home, saying, "$chool is really great. I am making lot$ of friend$ and $tudying hard. Plea$e $end me a card a$ I would love to hear from you. Love, your $on."

The father wrote back, "I kNOw you are an hoNOr student, but do NOt forget that the pursuit of kNOwledge is a NOble task. You can never study eNOugh. Love, Dad."

Morning Glory

It's a brisk Monday morning here in rural Cavan, Ontario and the frost was certainly on the pumpkins when I went out to scrape the ice off the van.

I was able to capture the sunrise as the rays broke through the foggy, eastern sky.

"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalm 118:24 (KJV)

Note: Please pray that Debra and Tom will get their power back soon. She must be getting anxious to post some reflections on As I See It Now.

Minnow In Net

Bud Fisher (my nephew) led the Quinnipiac Bobcats to victory twice on the weekend against Robert Morris. On Friday night Bud stopped 43 shots en route to a 3-1 victory. Last night (Saturday) he was back between the pipes as the Bobcats won 5-1. Bud was the 3rd star Saturday night and had to settle for 1st star on Friday!

Great weekend for the Fisher boys as Mike scored in the shootout last night in Montreal to give the Sens a much-needed victory!

Makes an uncle proud!

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Shantz Named 2nd Star

My regular readers will recognize the name David Shantz. David was the Peterborough Petes # 1 goaltender last season. He was drafted by the Florida Panthers a couple of years ago and signed with them on May 21st, 2006.

They have assigned him to their ECHL affiliate, the Florida Everblades. Last night they began their exhibition season with a 4-2 loss to the Texas Wildcatters.

David played the first 30 minutes and only allowed 1 goal in 20 shots. He was named the game's second star.
CONGRATULATIONS, David!
We'll certainly miss him here in Peterborough. Our sons, Matthew and Nathan are already feeling the loss of a good friend.

All the best, dear brother! God is good and He is in control!

Friday, October 13, 2006

Simple, Yet Profound


Found this little quote among the comments on Saija's Thro' A Glass Darkly blog. I don't even think Eija was intending to be profound. The thought is so simple that we usually overlook it.

Here it is:

"Life is now - tomorrow is unknown. "

Thanks, Eija!

"Father, help us to live in the present, forgetting the past and trusting You with our future. You have given us today!
May we live it to the fullest for Your glory!
AMEN!"

Old, Yet Ever New

Here's a short poem I penned back in May. I found it on one of my other blogs this morning as I was looking for something else.


Overwhelm us...
Overcome us...
Let Your presence fill this place;
Fill my ransomed heart with wonder God of mercy and of grace.

- David W. Fisher, May 2nd 2006

Short But Succinct

Here's a powerful little thought posted today on the Claire Bug site:

NOTE TO SELF:

"Quit making God my "top priority" and make Him my life!"

Thursday, October 12, 2006

A Reminder...

Dear Friends:
I just went into my Pilgrim Scribblings template, copied the entire text and pasted it to a Word document. Once a month I'll update it. This way I won't lose the content if something unforseen happens.

One of my blogging buddies expressed a concern that if she went into her template she might accidentally lose her posts. I suppose that's a possibility if you press a wrong key but it shouldn't pose a problem.

I'm feeling much safer now that I've copied and pasted my template! Hope you follow my lead.

Have a great and godly weekend!

In His love,

David

Don't Procrastinate

A STRONG suggestion...

Next time you add a post or edit an existing one, why not go to the "template" screen, copy the entire HTML text and paste it to a document.

I did that in the past but not recently. If I had done that I wouldn't be so upset that I lost all my links.

DO IT FRIENDS!
DON'T PROCRASTINATE!

Oops! I Blew It!

Guess what? I did something wrong and...I lost all my links down the left side of the page.

Now I have to spend an hour or two re-configuring my blog. Yuck!

I guess now that I've messed this up, I might as well change my template. No, on second thought I don't think I will. Don't want my blog to look drastically different until I get my links up and running again!


Check back later to see if your link has been restored or...if I didn't have a link to your site before and you want me to add one...please let me know.

The joys of blogging...

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Bibliophiles Make Good Friends

Fellow blogger Victoria Gaines of Light For the Writer's Soul and Windows To My Soul writes about the value of good reading and literature in her life. Check out her sites...they are excellent!

She listed the following "quirky pointers", as she called them, about herself:

- No sense in wasting time with books that don’t challenge or edify.
- Not everything on the Bestseller’s list is worthy of my time.
- Life is too short to waste on fluff or nonsense.
- Every now and then I read for fun.
- I prefer meaty spiritual classics over contemporary spiritual writers.
- My books reflect my journey, where I’ve been, and where I’m going.
- My favorite books are dog-earred, highlighted, and written in.
- Books evoke a warm feeling in me.
- I don’t understand people who won’t read.
- Friends who give books as gifts are true friends, indeed.
- A person’s bookshelf tells me a lot about that person.
- I could vacation in the public library and not miss home.
- Books are all over my home and car—I read every chance I get.
- I need to know and share truth.
- My Bible is the most important book in my life.

Good stuff! If they are quirky points then I'm really "off-the-wall".

"When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus in Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments." - 2 Timothy 4:13

Detour Ahead

Thanks to Saija for the following quote by the great preacher/writer from North Carolina who has, I believe, made his final detour and is "home" with the Lord.

"It has been said that a mark of deep spiritual maturity is to be able to enjoy the journey when God puts you on a detour." - Vance Havner

How are you doing with life's detours? Enjoying the journey? We're getting closer to home!

Monday, October 09, 2006

Wow! Fall Leaves Are Gorgeous

Thanks to Debra for this photo of fall leaves in her neighborhood. She has lots of other shots on her As I See It Now blog.

If you haven't paid her a visit, you owe it to yourself to drop by. She's incredible. I'd love to visit their home. It's something else, based on the pictures she's posted on her site. My condolences to Susan down there in California. You can't beat the beauty up here in the fall.

God is good and He has given us much to praise and thank Him for!

Thanksgiving Chorus




Back in the 70's I wrote the following chorus and we used it at our home church just before the Sunday School broke up to go to their classes. It was a song of praise for the first 4 lines and then a song of petition for the final 4. I thought Thanksgiving Weekend would be a good time to shake off the dust and bring out the chorus.

Here it is:

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
Come into His courts with praise;
Lift high the name of Jesus,
Look upon His face.

(now more quiet and prayerful)

Quietly we wait before You,
Teach us now we pray;
Lead us to the Fount of Blessing,
Fill us with your love today.

- words and music by David W. Fisher

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, DEAR FRIENDS!

The Adoption Option

The following note appeared in one of The Peoples Church newsletters back in the late 80's when I was on staff there. I penned this before one of their great World Missions Conferences to encourage Christians to become more involved in world missions. While doing some tidying up this morning I came across it.

THE ADOPTION OPTION...

"In this age of instant abortions the Christian community has responded with Crisis Pregnancy Centres where adoption is put forth as a prefered option to the senseless slaughter of the unborn. Many families consider adoption when they are unable to bear children of their own. Yes, adoption is an exciting alternative.

There's another type of adoption that can give you a first-hand look at World Missions. Why not adopt a missionary family and become invovled in their endeavours through correspondence and financial support?

The Peoples Church supports many families on the foreign field and here on the home front and you could choose one of them to help support. Our children could become pen pals of the missionary's kids. They could also save "loonies"* and do other projects to support the adopted missionary family. How exciting to get together when the Lord's servants are home on furlough! What a great way to involve our kids in World Missions!

They would see that missionaries aren't just "old people" in the jungles of Africa who wear khaki shorts and pith helmets and spend most of their time fighting off lions and snakes.

If you're interested, call the church and ask for me. I'll help to arrange the "adoption".

* For the benefit of those from other countries, a "loonie" is a $1.00 coin here in Canada.

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep

Here's a photo I shot on one of the trips when I took Matthew and Nathan with me.

It reminded me of the prayer time we have each evening at bedtime.

By the time the boys are in bed Carol and I are about ready to drop. They are a real handful but we love them dearly. We often joke about the fact that they will either keep us young or kill us.

Each night we have several people that we pray for specifically. Among them are:

Paula and Grace Ann Kirkland
Mrs. Harbridge
Dorothy Blake
David Shantz
Steve Montador
Mike Fisher
Bud Fisher
Trevor Cann
Holly Edwards
& others

What a wonderful opportunity to teach these young boys about the power of prayer!

Happy Thanksgiving, dear Canadian friends!

Saturday, October 07, 2006

By Their Books You Will Know Them...

The following post appeared on Dr. Albert Mohler's blog and my heart resonated with the author as I read the article...with much joy! Here's someone who feels exactly the way I do about books! Read through and see what you think and then...please COMMENT!

Jay Parini, a poet and professor of English at Middlebury College, has written an elegant essay for The Chronicle of Higher Education, noting his penchant for looking at personal libraries of friends and acquaintances.

In "Other People's Books",Parini writes:

It's not only the physical aspects of books that attract me, of course. In fact, I rarely buy first or elegant editions, however much I like to glance at them; good reading copies, in hardback or a decent paperback, are just fine. But seeing some of the editions in my living room reminds me of that wonderful house in Surrey, which stirred my imagination as a young man and was part of the reason I became a writer myself.

What interests me about other people's books is the nature of their collection. A personal library is an X-ray of the owner's soul. It offers keys to a particular temperament, an intellectual disposition, a way of being in the world. Even how the books are arranged on the shelves deserves notice, even reflection. There is probably no such thing as complete chaos in such arrangements.

Parini, author of biographies on William Faulkner and John Steinbeck, writes of visiting libraries in the homes of authors such as Graham Greene and Anthony Powell.
Of Powell's library, he writes: He lived deep in the English countryside, in Somerset, in an old stone manor on many green acres. We had tea in his sitting room, which had floor-to-ceiling shelves on every wall. There were first editions by his good friend Evelyn Waugh, and countless volumes culled from his decades as a reviewer. "I can't give a book up, if it's a book that meant something to me," he said. "I always imagine I'll go back to it one day. I rarely do, but the intention is there, and I get a warm feeling among my books." I wished I could have spent days wandering in that house, as he had books in nearly every room.

Book lovers know exactly what Powell meant. We do get a warm feeling among our books. Furthermore, true bibliophiles understand the problem in the Powell house -- the books spread themselves to every room.

Finally, he notes:

Other people's books draw my attention, of course. They excite curiosity about their owners and the worlds they inhabit. But it's finally my own books that matter, as they tell me about where I've been, and where I hope to go.

When truly read, a book becomes a part of us. That is why we are afraid to part with even the physicality of it. The book becomes an aid to memory and a deposit of thought and reflection. Its very materiality testifies that we once held it in our hands as we passed the pages before our eyes.

Parini observes that libraries are mirrors into our minds and souls. The books we collect, display, and read tell the story about us.

This may be especially true of Christian ministers. Books are a staple of our lives and ministries. When the Apostle Paul instructed Timothy to bring the books and the parchments, he was writing with the kind of urgency any preacher understands.

To a great extent, our personal libraries betray our true identities and interests. A minister's library, taken as a whole, will likely reveal a portrait of theological conviction and vision. Whose works have front place on the shelves, Martyn Lloyd-Jones or John Shelby Spong? Charles Spurgeon or Harry Emerson Fosdick? Karl Barth or Carl Henry? John MacArthur or Joel Osteen?

How serious a Bible scholar is this preacher? The books will likely tell. Are the books all old or all new? If so, the reader is probably too contemporary or too antiquarian in focus. Are the books read? If so, the marginalia of an eager and intelligent mind adds value to the book. It becomes more a part of us.

Is this person a Christian intellectual, feeding the mind and soul by reading? For too many pastors, the personal library announces, "I stopped reading when I graduated from seminary."

When I think of my closest friends, I realize that I am most at home with them in their libraries, and they are most at home with me in mine. Why? Because the books invite and represent the kind of conversation and sharing of heart, soul, and mind that drew us together in the first place.
By their books we shall know them. And by our books we shall be known.

The pilgrim's scribbling concerning this...

Presently I'm reading several biographies at the same time. I've picked up other biographies and autobiographies in the last week and perused them for some information. Based on the following books...WHO AM I?

A biography of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones written by a grandson
In Retrospect by F. F. Bruce
The Journals of Anthony Norris Groves
A biography of William Carey that I picked up in a used book store in the Milwaukee airport
The Journals of Jim Elliot by his widow Elisabeth Elliot
A biography of John Nelson Darby

Go ahead...tell me...who am I?
Note: I've posted the picture at the top of this article before. It's just one small corner of my library at my office in Peterborough. I have about 1,000 books there and about 2,000 plus in my library at home.
Another note: Don't even think about throwing out any old, unwanted Christian books. I'll pay the postage if you send them my way. Carol might kill me but then someone else could inherit my library.

Lest We Forget

I love the Amish people. We have friends in Lancaster County who we enjoy visiting.

This picture of a funeral procession is gut-wrenching.

What a tragic week for these dear people! Such forgiving folks!

Any0ne who wishes to contribute to a trust fund which has been established to help the grieving families can send a donation to:


Nickel Mine School Victims Fund
c/o Hometown Heritage Bank
P. O. Box 337
Strasburg, PA 17579

Thanks for your prayers on behalf of these people!

Please remember the widow and the children of the one who carried out this heinous crime. That's what the Amish community is asking for.

Bear One Another's Burdens

Many of my blogging buddies or, the "Fisher connection" as Terry has called you, have communicated with Becky from The Faith Expedition in the past. She has not posted since June 14th and I've been concerned. A couple of e-mails went unanswered but Becky wrote me last night and shared some of her situation with me. She is going through rough waters. Her "faith expedition" is just that...a journey into grief and sorrow, yet her destination has been forever settled in heaven.

Please go to The Faith Expedition, click on Becky's profile and you will find her e-mail address. Please write her SOON (right away) and assure her of your love and prayer support. She needs your prayers and she needs to know that you care for her.

Thanks for bearing one another's burdens for in doing so we fulfil the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2

Go ahead now...write Becky a note! THANK YOU!

Note: This incredible picture of autumn splendor appeared on Becky's blog last October! Wow!

Giving Thanks

It's Thanksgiving Weekend here in Canada! All my family, friends and the "Fisher Connection" of blogging buddies join me in extending Thanksgiving greetings to all of you!

As I write this post it is Saturday evening and it's been a beautiful fall day.

At noon I met with the Peterborough Petes for our Thanksgiving lunch. 21 players joined me for a feast! We had a great time! Almost the entire team attended.

When I got home I spent a couple of hours on my good friend John Deere cutting some grass in the yard. While doing that I upset several snakes who had come out to bask in the sun. Matthew and Nathan were fascinated by them and were handling them. Yuck! Please don't tell my mother. She'd faint just hearing about it.

Tomorrow we will attend our local church and give thanks for all the Lord has blessed us with.

Let's not forget those who are less fortunate than we are and do our part to help others.

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." - Psalm 100:4,5

Thursday, October 05, 2006

The Ol' Homestead

My good friend Paul Mackay is a boarder at my mom's house. He took this picture today of his new/different car. Check out Paul's blog, Just Rambling.

This is the home that my parents moved into when I was a year old. I have many fond memories of this special place.

Dad went to his "heavenly home" on May 21st, 1992 but mom continues to "hold the fort" here in the ol' homestead.

Thanks for this excellent photo, Paul!

Don't you think this would be a comfortable home for missionaries and preachers to relax in? That's what they've been doing for years. Mom and dad always opened their home for Christian workers and mom is carrying on the tradition/legacy.

Thank you Father for godly parents who led me to You! AMEN!

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Strange Bedfellows

A few scattered, unrehearsed scribblings on a subject that has been puzzling me lately...

Pardon me for being transparent but I'm going to hang my thoughts out to dry and, if you choose, you can do the same with me but...please let me rant for a few moments.

The strange bedfellows?


Contemplative Christianity AND Orthodox Christianity

From much of what I read, these two cannot co-exist. If a preacher/teacher/writer speaks or writes about his own "spiritual direction" or his "personal retreat" his orthodoxy (or commitment to sound, biblical doctrine) is suddenly questioned. We, who were raised in solid, Bible-teaching churches, often equate phrases like meditation, contemplation, rhythms of life, etc. with forms of Christianity that historically haven't held a "high view of Scripture" or of "Jesus Christ, God Incarnate".

Without naming some of those traditions, I find myself in a personal dilemma. After 55 years on the Christian journey I'm finding that I've missed out on so much...things that are legitimate for the Christian believer to experience. All meditation isn't wrong or evil. Quiet contemplation isn't the possession of "new-agers" alone. Perhaps if I had a spiritual director earlier in life I wouldn't have spent so many years trying to "figure out" the Christian walk. Now it's not a matter of "figuring it out" but "falling back into the arms of Jesus and letting Him take the lead."


By embracing some of these disciplines that were foreign to me for many decades am I relinquishing my position on the sovereignty of God, the atonement of Christ, the supremacy
of the scriptures, the person and work of the Holy Spirit? NO!

I'm sure there are those who have stumbled as they tried to blend these disciplines with their stand on biblical doctrines. Many may have ended up confused or perhaps have been sternly scolded by well-meaning Christians for dabbling in these things.

If I'm looking for a book on the doctrine of atonement I won't pull a Richard Foster book off my shelf. By the same token if I'm learning to have a personal, quiet retreat with God I won't find out "how" in a volume by Arthur Pink.

I'm just tired of reading that these two components of a believer's life are like oil and water...they don't mix. They can and I don't have to sacrifice an inerrant Bible in order to contemplate the goodness of God.

Agree? Disagree? Go ahead and leave a comment. How do you feel?

Sin Abounds...But Grace Abounds More

We continue to grieve the loss of innocent young lives in the aftermath of the shootings at Nickel Mine, PA. Carol and I have traveled to this part of the country many times and we have grown to love the Amish people.

We have stayed in the home of Amish friends and our friendship with these dear people continues to this day. Yesterday Carol called Lydia to ask if any of her family were impacted in any way. She told us that their son was a member of the Emergency Response Team that was in place at the site and re-iterated how this senseless act has brought people together in Lancaster County.

Please pray for the families of those who have lost loved ones. The young girls who are still clinging to life need our prayers. If they survive they may have significant medical and psychological issues for a lifetime.

My friends Stephen and Brooksyne Weber live in Amish Country (Mount Joy, PA) and interact with their Amish friends in a loving, caring way. They often drive their neighbors to appointments, etc.

The following prayer appeared yesterday on the Weber's web site. Their site is entitled DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT NET. Drop by for a visit or sign up for their week-day devotionals by e-mail.

Daily prayer:

"Father, our hearts are so heavy and sleep did not come easily last night as we thought about parents sitting by the hospital bedside of their daughters fighting for their lives. Even as I pray today I find myself shaking my head in wonderment that such horrendous acts of violence are being committed year after year upon our innocent children. We seek You for understanding, healing, comfort and renewed hope in the midst of such intense tragedy. We ask for Your guidance as law officials continue the investigation. You're such a present help in times of trouble and I pray that You would still the fears of the children exposed to this heinous crime. Bless the emergency workers who responded to the tragic scene and heal their troubled memories. Comfort those who mourn the loss of their children, and the children who mourn the loss of their friends. May swift healing come to those recovering from the gunshot wounds. Minister Your sustaining grace and supernatural peace to Mrs. Roberts and her children during this horrible hour. May we witness countless acts of goodness that will result from this evil act, for we will not be overcome by evil but we will overcome evil with good. Amen."

And...don't forget to pray for these dear Amish people who are reeling from this sad debacle. THANK YOU!

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

# 950 - Hymns In Hearse

One of my favorite writers, Elizabeth Skoglund, penned the following article concerning the death of hymns in our churches. I concur with what she has written.

She writes:


“[W]e made the strategic decision to stop singing hymns in our seeker services,” said Rick Warren in his Purpose Driven Church. Other churches have so-called blended services with choruses and a hymn or two. Most use screens rather than hymn books.

A strong issue in the so-called Emergent Church philosophy seems to be the elimination of hymn books and the substitution of rock music and repetitive chants. What a loss to upcoming generations of children! What a loss to those of us who will always cherish hymns, at least in our private worship.

In referring to old hymns, like “Rock of Ages” and “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” and their use in providing comfort, David Jeremiah wrote that these songs were “comfort music for weak-kneed saints.” Concludes Jeremiah: “Unfortunately, we often encourage comfort zones in the church.” (Life Wide Open, pp. 164-165) Comfort in the church? Unbiblical? Not needed? Such a viewpoint contradicts large portions of the Scripture. Just from a human point of view, is he implying that comfort is not needed? Has he never lived on Planet Earth, you might ask.

Sometimes it is indeed a little child that leads us. Pulling out a hymn from the long past hymn writer P.P. Bliss, my eleven-year-old granddaughter handed me that hymn this morning, adding “Why don’t you put this on your Web site.” I was blessed, and so here it is.

Let the Lower Lights Be Burning
Brightly beams our Father’s mercy
From His lighthouse ever more,
But to us He gives the keeping
Of the lights along the shore.

Dark the night of sin has settled,
Loud the angry billows roar
Eager eyes are watching, longing,
For the lights along the shore.

Trim your feeble lamp, my brother,
Some poor sailor tempest-tossed,
Trying now to make the harbor,
In the darkness may be lost.

Chorus:
Let the lower lights be burning!
Send a gleam across the wave
Some poor fainting, struggling seaman
You may rescue, you may save.

Music is powerful. It can inspire evil as well as goodness. It can depress as well as uplift. One of my favorite hymns is “Jesus I Am Resting, Resting.” It was also Hudson Taylor’s favorite as, over a century ago, he opened up the interior of China for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Broken hearted after the loss of his wife and small daughter, he would often play this hymn on a small organ in the middle of the night. Did he need comfort? Yes! And he found it through a hymn.

Jesus! I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.

Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For, by Thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole.

Oh, how great Thy loving kindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea!
Oh, how marvelous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!

Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,
Know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.

Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart;

Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets, supplies its ev’ry need,
Compasseth me round with blessings:
Thine is love indeed!

Ever lift Thy face upon me,
As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting ’neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth’s dark shadows flee.

Brightness of my Father’s glory,
Sunshine of my Father’s face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting,
Fill me with Thy grace.

NOTE: For more by and about Elizabeth Skoglund please click on the link on the left side of the Pilgrim Scribblings site.

Monday, October 02, 2006

Nice Ring To It

Several weeks ago I was shocked to discover that the Peterborough Petes were going to give me one of their OHL Championship rings. When GM Jeff Twohey asked for my ring size I was taken aback. This had never happened before. I was with the Toronto Blue Jays for their two World Series championships but never expected nor received anything like this.

Now, after 1o fruitful years of ministry to the Petes, they had honored me in this way. It was humbling! Today I went to their office to pick up my ring. To me it will be a reminder of God's faithfulness and His way of saying, "Be not weary in well doing, for in due season you will reap if you faint not." - Galatians 6:9

It was hard to get a close up of this ring. The glow from the jewels made it difficult. My name is incribed on one side.

Thank you Father for life's little surprises. This one came when I needed a little "pick me up".

Jordan's Return to Petes Staaled

Looks like Jordan Staal has impressed the Pittsburgh Penguins enough that they inked him to a contract and he will start the season in the NHL.

We wish Jordan all the best but we will miss him here with the Petes.

CONGRATULATIONS, my friend!
Here's a press release:

The Pittsburgh Penguins got younger on Monday. Jordan Staal will join Sidney Crosby and newly signed Kristopher Letang as the only teenagers on the Penguins’ roster when the squad opens the season Thursday against Philadelphia at Mellon Arena.
Staal, who turned 18 on Sept. 10, was the second-overall pick in this year’s NHL Entry Draft. The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder is excited to remain in Pittsburgh. "It hasn’t really sunk in yet. Come the first game, I am sure it will hit me hard," he said. "I am really excited to be a part of this team and hopefully I can be here for years to come."

Staal, who had 68 points (28+40) in 68 games last season with the Peterborough Petes of the OHL, knew making the NHL roster was a long shot this season. "I don’t think any 18-year-old thinks he’s going to play in the NHL. Obviously, I’d love to be here. I am glad to be a part of this team," he said. He also knows the Penguins could return him to Peterborough before he appears in 10 NHL games. The short stint would not count toward the expiration of his NHL contract of free agency eligibility.

"There is going to be a decision come game 10. It’s whether I play good enough to be here or not. We’ll wait and see," he said. "They have been pretty fair and given me the opportunity to play in different situations. I am happy with how they have treated me and I look forward to showing what I have."

They've Gone Calvinistic

Just thought I'd post something that I find curiously interesting and provocative. I must confess that I haven't investigated the "charges" laid against this body of believers. Seems like I think about it in the middle of the night or at some inappropriate time when I can't ask anyone about it.

I've heard this statement from several individuals and I don't know if it's a condemnation or a commendation. There's a huge difference isn't there!

The statement... "That church has gone "Calvinistic!"

Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Depends what side of the fence you tie your horse. An insult or a compliment?

How does a congregation "go" Calvinistic? Was it a journey over a period of time or did the folks gather one Sunday to find that the church had "switched" or "gone Calvinistic"?

What led to the change? Had they been reading some of the great Puritan writers? Were they listening to Dr. James Montgomery Boice's Bible Study Hour? Had they watched a John Piper DVD?

I don't have any answers. I'm just curious. Warrants some investigative work.

Until then I'll be satisfied that these dear folks haven't "gone" anywhere. Perhaps they have a greater appreciation for the Word of God than some others. I'll keep you posted...if you even care.

The resurgence of Reformed teaching interests me so I'll be checking it out.

Just a few scattered thoughts...

Cookie Grandma

The following incident took place several years ago but bears repeating:

Carol had phoned me to tell me that had tried to get some groceries but there was no money in our bank account. I hate getting those calls. As I've said before, "living by faith...on the edge...can make you edgy."


I told Carol to wait 'til the mail came and perhaps there would be a miracle. Later I picked the boys up at school and decided to stop at the "Cookie Grandma's" house in the hamlet of Mount Pleasant. We all went in to see Dorothy Blake. After the boys said their perfunctory "hellos", they went outside to play. Dorothy, who the boys fondly refer to as the "Cookie Grandma", asked me how things were going financially. I told her about Carol's phone call and my frustrations surrounding these situations.

Mrs. Blake related how the Lord had got her attention that morning while she was doing her banking and impressed our need for some assistance on her heart. Accordingly she withdrew a fairly generous sum of cash from her account and took it home. When I told her of the grocery scenario she went to her buffet to get something. Sensing that this would be an excellent "teaching opportunity" for Matthew and Nathan I called them in.

I quizzed them on the phone call I received and they knew full well what our situation. Then I told them what the "Cookie Grandma" had been led to do. This whole "living by faith alone" lifestyle has its heartaches and its uncertainties but when God sovereignly moves in these miracle moments, we have to stand back and declare,
"this is the Lord's doing and it's marvellous in our eyes." (Psalm 118:23) KJV

Recently Dorothy Blake had to sell her home and move into a retirement facility in Peterborough but she still keeps some cookies on hand.

Thank God for the "Cookie Grandma's" He uses to accpmplish His purposes!

Sunday, October 01, 2006

944

Before this post I had made 944 entries on the PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS site since November 2004. Our 2nd BLOGIVERSARY is coming up soon. My goal is to write post # 1,000 to co-incide with this milestone.

I hate to blow my own horn but...often when I go back into the archives I discover some pretty encouraging "stuff" that was penned earlier in this pilgrimage "home".

Do you ever go back for a swim in the archive pool? Why not check those 944 posts out some time...but don't read them all at once. Ha! Ha!

Another Dip in the Archive Pool

Last October I posted the following picture/poem. Thought it was worth repeating. Enjoy!

Autumn splendor fills the air
Changing colors everywhere!
-------------------
- Matthew & David Fisher
Picture by the young guy...
Poetry by the old guy!

Sally Gets A Check-Up

After much prompting and nagging (from me), my friend Julie has written an excellent "post" on Sally's check-up. "What's he talking about?", you say. Sally is Julie's schoolbus. If I named her, she would have been called "Stubby". That's what I call those short, sawed off, stubby school buses.

The other morning I was leaving my night job at Christian Horizons (right next to Andy & Julie's building) and Julie was hammering Sally with a mallet. How cruel, I thought. I knew she was carrying out her morning check-up to make sure that everything was working properly before starting her day, her school bus run.

I challenged Julie to use that for a launching thought and write about our need for daily check-ups to ensure that we will make it through.

Check out Julie's "post" at Sweet Inspirations.

Note: That stubby bus behind the tree is Sally. Next to her is the little silver Toyota Echo that is used by Christian Horizons, Houses 9 and 11. Next to the Echo is Andy & Julie's new Dodge Grand Caravan which Julie wrote about earlier. Usually my car would be next to the van but I mustn't have been working when Julie snapped this shot.

Now hurry over to Sweet Inspirations for that great article.

Love Written Across the Sky

Check out the awesome sunset photos that Terry (Canadian Blogger) dedicated to Carol and me. Don't they leave you speechless...filled with awe...mesmerized by the handiwork of our sovereign God?

This photo is just one of several which Terry captured with her SONY.

"Colors splashed across the 'xpansive sky,
Evening calmness viewed from solid shore;
Azure tinted clouds drift softly by
O that we would praise Jehovah more!" - David Fisher

As I've posted many times before, "pity the atheist who has no one to thank."

Prayer Power

Fishing in the Archive Pool # 2

Before we hook that faith-building story from my archive pool let me share a prayer request with you. Our blogging buddy Terry (her real name is Teresa) has asked for prayer tonight for her sister Betty who suffered a slight heart attack today. Terry had gone to see her tonight and I haven't received an update.

Let's lift up Betty before God's throne and prayer for Terry as well as she visits her sister. Leave a comment on Terry's blog,
Canadian Blogger, and assure her of your love and prayers. She is quickly becoming the most vocal member of the "Fisher Connection" and it's always good to hear from her.

Now back to our regularly scheduled "post". I shared the following story this morning at Auburn Bible Chapel as we launched "Pray for the Petes" month. For the last few years Auburn has committed to pray for the Peterborough Petes players, coaching staff, office staff, the trainers and the GM. We believe in the power of prayer. You, too, will be encouraged by this true story which was related by Helen Roseveare, missionary to what was the Belgian Congo.


A Doll and a Water Bottle

Who says God doesn't hear and answer prayer? Who says God doesn't provide? The following story came to mind today as I was traveling home from a hockey game. You may have heard it before but if so, be encouraged as you read it again.

Dr. Helen Roseveare, missionary to Zaire (formerly the Belgian Congo), told the following story:

A mother at our mission station died after giving birth to a premature baby. We tried to improvise an incubator to keep the infant alive, but the only hot water bottle we had was beyond repair. So during devotions that morning we asked the children to pray for the baby and for her little sister who was now an orphan.

One of the girls responded, "Dear God, please send a hot water bottle today. Tomorrow will be too late because by then the baby will be dead. And dear Lord, send a doll for the sister so she won't feel so lonely."

That afternoon a large parcel arrived from England. Eagerly the children watched as we opened it. Much to their surprise, under some clothing was a hot water bottle!

Immediately the girl who had prayed so earnestly started to delve deeper, exclaiming, "If God sent that, I'm sure He also sent a doll." And she was right! The Heavenly Father knew in advance of the child's sincere requests, and 5 months before, He had led a ladies group to include both of those specific articles.

Although many of our prayers are not answered so dramatically, God always sends what is best. Let's praise Him for His loving responses to our needs.


THAT'S GOD FOR YOU!