Tree Theft

Terry, the Canadian Blogger, put me up to this. She couldn't understand why I hadn't stolen one of jel's incredible photos from her site entitled My Place. Check it out!

Well here you go, Terry! Satisfied?

I can't just post a picture of a tree without asking my 11 readers (including Brodie) to give me a "catchy caption" for the photo.

Come on friends! Get creative! What should this picture be called?

Perhaps there'll be a prize for the winner. With the number of readers I have, if all 11 of you submit something you'll have a 1 in 11 chance of hitting the jackpot. Submit multiple captions and your chances improve.

Well it's late and I've scribbled enough. This pilgrim is tired and sore!

And, by the way, have you wandered over to "the Barnabas Blog" recently? I'm committed to posting a "fresh" encouragement entry every evening (or morning). I was just trying to use the letter "e".

Good night! Sleep tight! Don't lay awake worrying about your problems. Give them to God! He can handle everything you "cast on Him" and He's going to be up all night anyway.

Hmmmm!

My Moment of Glory

Last night our local paper, the Peterborough Examiner, had an article about past winners of
the Soap Box Derby races here in my hometown. They were looking for former winners to contact the paper so that the organizers of the SBD could build a wall of honor or something like that.

I e-mailed the local contact person to tell him that I had won the Senior Championship waaaaaaaaaay back in 1959. I also attached this photo. At the risk of severely embarrassing myself, I'm posting it here. Please reserve your comments and hold back your laughter. It was, remember, my moment in the sun, my moment of glory. Yes, it was many, many years ago but I still have fond memories.

GO, FISH, GO!

By the way, in case you didn't guess, that's me sitting in my car...the Fisher Flash!

Celebrating Our 2nd Blogiversary

Two years ago, on November 25th, 2004, we launched Pilgrim Scribblings. I will reproduce that first-ever post at the end of this announcement. What a privilege it has been to communicate God's truth and His faithfulness to you during the past two years.

Personally I have experienced more stress, more challenges, more seemingly insurmountable situations than ever before. It has been a difficult two years and I'm understating the facts. Yet, our sovereign God has provided, protected, preserved and continues to perfect as the days have passed.

Thank you for your many comments, your encouragement, your love and support! We praise God for the many new friends we have made over the past two years. We look forward to cultivating even more friendships in the days ahead 'til Jesus returns.

Two weeks ago we launched "the Barnabas Blog", a ministry of encouragement. Please check it out if you haven't already paid a visit.

God has been faithful and will continue to be just that...FAITHFUL!

Here's that initial post from November 2004 entitled
NOISY RESTAURANTS/WHERE WOULD JESUS SIT?

Recently I stopped at a favourite restaurant of mine, hoping to enjoy a quiet, relaxing lunch in the middle of a busy, hectic day of “ministry”. The hostess seated me in a back room away from the buffet area where people were helping themselves.

A few moments later a group of mentally challenged adults, with their caregivers, were seated at a long table next to me. My solitude was short-lived! These people were grunting and groaning, shouting and calling out. Two other families asked if they could be seated in another area of the restaurant when they saw these people arrive. In the midst of the noise, God’s Holy Spirit spoke (or shouted) to my heart. I immediately thought WWJS …”where would Jesus sit?” if He were here. Of course He would be found at the center of that table, showering His love, care and compassion on these dear, precious people. If that’s where Jesus would sit, then I wanted to follow “in His steps” and look upon this intrusion on my “quiet time” as an opportunity to watch God at work.

The caregivers lovingly attended to their clients, helping them with their food and patiently expressing God’s love in a tangible way. The outbursts of these people, created in the image of God, became like a symphony, a choir, to my ears.

I was so intrigued by watching this transpire before my eyes that I lingered at my seat long after I’d finished my meal. As I was leaving, one of these dear people choked on her food and her caregiver handled the situation so well. Tears came to my eyes and I thanked God for my “quiet lunch”.

Oh that we might see people as our loving, compassionate Father sees them! Oh that our hearts might be broken by the things that break His heart! God had noisily got my attention that day!

Let’s look for opportunities today to witness God’s loving care for His people. Let’s ask how we can be His arms extended to His people today, ministering His love, mercy and grace to those who so desperately need His touch! For more information on the organization that these wonderful people are involved with, please check out their web site at: http://www.christian-horizons.org/

Woody Is Home At Last

Long-time friend Woody Williams signed a two-year contract today with his home town Houston Astros. Woody spent this past season in San Diego, his second stint there with the Padres.

We got to know Woody and Kim when he played for the Toronto Blue Jays at the start of his long career. What a great couple! A wonderful family!

CONGRATULATIONS, Woody! We wish you all the best now that you've come home to the Astros!

Thanksgiving Forecast

The following forecast was broadcast yesterday on CSWA radio! That's Cindy Swanson's excellent blog entitled Notes in the Key of Life. It makes me want to find a restaurant today that is serving TURKEY, my favourite meal.

I trust that our American friends had a great day yesterday. We certainly have much to thank the Lord for!

Here's Cindy's forecast:

Thanksgiving Day Forecast

Turkeys will thaw in the morning, then warm in the oven to an afternoon high near 190F. The kitchen will turn hot and humid, and if you bother the cook, be ready for a severe squall or cold shoulder. During the late afternoon and evening, the cold front of a knife will slice through the turkey, causing an accumulation of one to two inches on plates. Mashed potatoes will drift across one side while cranberry sauce creates slippery spots on the other. Please pass the gravy.

A weight watch and indigestion warning have been issued for the entire area, with increased stuffiness around the beltway. During the evening, the turkey will dimish and taper off to leftovers, dropping to a low of 34F in the refrigerator.

Looking ahead to Friday and Saturday, high pressure to eat sandwiches will be established. Flurries of leftovers can be expected both days with a 50 percent chance of scattered soup late in the day. We expect a warming trend where soup develops. By early next week, eating pressure will be low as the only wish left will be the bone.

Happy Thanksgiving Day, and may God richly bless you!

Lacy Limbs

Last night I saw a breathtaking sunset. I didn't have my SONY with me though. Today I took my camera with me to Toronto but I didn't have an opportunity to catch any of God's masterpieces. Paul Mackay did though! He has a collection of incredible photos on his Still Rambling blog. Cruise on over and take a peek!

Here's one of them! WOW!

Don't those bare limbs look lacy against the backdrop of a gorgeous sky!

His Faithfulness

Tonight I stumbled across a web site which features a CD of Amy Carmichael's poems set to lush, orchestral music, sung by incredible soloists. You can actually hear sound clips of each of the songs. I can tell you...I'm going to order this one!

Check out the site at: http://www.jimspencermusic.com

Here are some of the notes from Jim Spencer's site:

His Faithfulness is a refreshingly reflective musical offering combining the rich poetry of Amy Carmichael, 1867-1951, (Irish missionary to India, read more), and the stirring melodies of modern-day songwriter Jim Spencer (Reason for the Rain - Word Records, I'm Gonna Lift Up My Eyes - Lynda Randle for Feed the Children). From the intimate piano/cello arrangement of Rose from Brier to the soaring strings of On Calvary’s Cross, there is a wonderful cohesiveness to this project that provides the sense that you are not simply listening to ten individual songs but that you are gazing upon one grand tapestry; the testimony of God’s great faithfulness in the life of one of His children that will resonate with all.

His Faithfulness enjoys the contributions of some of the finest musicians of our day, including the fabulous production skills of Dan Israel; the inspiring piano arrangements of Brett Turner Francis; the masterful string arranging and conducting of Carl Marsh (Mercy Me, Steven Curtis Chapman, Point of Grace); Nashville’s finest string players; and the gifted vocals of Ingrid Dumosch (vocalist/vocal arranger, CN Productions, UK; vocalist, Daywind Music, Integrity Music), Shannon Wexelberg (Discovery House recording artist, performances with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and Integrity Music) and Sarah MacIntosh (former Sparrow Records recording artist, background vocals for Michael W. Smith 2002 Worship Again & Come Together and Worship Tours, Horizon Music recording artist).

He Hideth My Soul

One of my favorite hymns is He Hideth My Soul. The words were written by the beloved, blind hymnwriter Fanny Crosby. Click on the song title to hear a wonderful piano rendition of this powerful song. (Depending on what software you have on your computer, you may or may not be able to hear the melody.)

Here are the lyrics:

A wonderful Saviour is Jesus my Lord,
A wonderful Saviour to me;
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
Where rivers of pleasure I see.

Chorus:

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
That shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.

A wonderful Saviour is Jesus my Lord
He taketh my burden away;
He holdeth me up and I shall not be moved,
He giveth me strength as my day.

With numberless blessings each moment He crowns,
And, filled with His fullness divine,
I sing in my rapture, "O glory to God
For such a Redeemer as mine!"

When clothed in His brightness transported I rise
To meet Him in clouds of the sky,
His perfect salvation, His wonderful love,
I'll shout with the millions on high.

Fanny J. Crosby 1820 - 1915

Morning Beauty

My blogging buddy Saija from Thro' A Glass Darkly posted the following on her blog this morning. All I can say about the picture is WOW! Her comments were worth repeating:

"this was the scene outside my window ... taken just a few moments ago ... before the sun burned the icy hoar frost away ...

isn't God's handiwork, which swirls all around us, just amazingly beautiful? ... doesn't it take your breath away?

and this is just an ordinary morning - but when a few seconds of it are captured and preserved, we see that there is nothing ordinary about the morning!

may you see the every day beauty - that is around you - this weekend ... and may it warm your heart and lift your spirits to know - God put that beauty there, just for you to see ... because HE is there, even though at times we don't SEE ..."

"The simple act of stopping and looking at the beauty around us can be prayer." Patricia Barrett

Landmarks

Rebecca posted this incredible photo of an inukshuk on her Rebecca Writes blog. Her son took the shot while hunting up in the Yukon. An inukshuk is a landmark.



Here's a definition from the Canadian Encyclopedia:

"Inukshuk (singular), meaning "likeness of a person" in Inuktitut (the Inuit language) is a stone figure made by the Inuit. The plural is inuksuit. The Inuit make inuksuit in different forms and for different purposes: to show directions to travellers, to warn of impending danger, to mark a place of respect, or to act as helpers in the hunting of caribou. Similar stone figures were made all over the world in ancient times, but the Arctic is one of the few places where they still stand. An inukshuk can be small or large, a single rock, several rocks balanced on each other, round boulders or flat. Inuit tradition forbids the destruction of inuksuit. "

What landmarks do you have in your life to indicate times when God met you in a significant way? What about me? Landmark occasions have been the morning I met Jesus Christ, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Times when God proved His faithfulness. I trust that each of us have plenty of "inuksuit" along the pilgrim pathway to declare God's faithfulness. He has certainly led us each step of the way.

Why Do I Scribble?

Over the last fifteen years or so, the most dog-eared, marked-up, highlighted book in my library has been THROUGH THE WILDERNESS OF LONELINESS by Tim Hansel. What incredible insights for those of us who spend a seemingly inordinate amount of our lives on the backside of the desert.

Hansel, in his acknowledgments, relates why he writes. My heart resonated with his. He took the words and phrases straight from my soul. Hansel writes:

"One day when I was journaling in one of my notebooks, I asked myself, 'Why do I write?' Here were some of my responses: I write because I want to learn. And for me the best way to learn is to write about it. I write because I enjoy putting words torgether to make them sing. I like the magic that occurs when two unknown words meet and hug their way into a new meaning. I write because it makes me observe life more carefully - and live it more fully. It holds me accountable to the quality of my life. I write so that people will know that it's okay to hurt - and it's okay to dance...all in the same lifetime."

That, my friends, is why I scribble. That's why PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS and MY BARNABAS BLOG have become such an important part of my life and ministry.

Hansel said it so well. I can hurt and dance at the same time. Well...to be honest...I can't dance, I don't know how and I don't really want to learn...but I can rejoice and shout and live life abundantly in spite of deep-seated hurts and pain.

Pilgrim Scribblings...one way that I can share my love for the King and encourage His subjects at the same time.

Be encouraged today!

THROUGH THE WILDERNESS OF LONELINESS by Tim Hansel, LIFE JOURNEY BOOKS, published by David C. Cook Publishing, copyright 1991.

the Barnabas Blog

Have you made the short journey over to the Barnabas Blog? We've had this new blog, filled with encouragement, up and running for a week now. You can get over there almost instantaneously. Just click here and you'll be transported back 2,000 years to meet Barnabas himself. His name means "son of encouragement". He was such a blessing to the Apostle Paul and his other contemporaries.

Take the journey! You'll be blessed and encouraged! There's at least one new post each day.

Enjoy your visit!

Here's what's written under the title on the Barnabas Blog:

...a sampling of Scriptures, poems, hymns and selections from other blogs that will bring encouragement and hope to the weary traveler. Our mandate is to provide hope in the midst of your storms but to also challenge you to bless others as you have been encouraged. Visit often! Enjoy your stay! Be refreshed! Leave encouraged! "...that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." - Romans 15:4b (ESV) God bless you today!

Where It All Originates

Two of my best friends in the blogging world are Saija and her husband Leo. Check out her blog Thro' A Glass Darkly. Recently Saija posted photos of her computer desks, past and present. It's always good to know where her notes of encouragement originate. Here's the present version. Looks good!

I'm glad you're settling into your rental unit, Saija. When God gives you your own place again He will also provide the grace and strength needed to make the move.

Enjoy the present!

God is good! Thanks for your friendship, Saija (pronounced Sigh Ya)

Back Seat Driver

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." (Proverbs 17:22) I had to quote that verse from Proverbs to justify posting this funny story.

An elderly transplant to Peterborough, Ontario* called 911 on her cell phone to report that her car has been broken into. She is hysterical as she explains her situation to the dispatcher: "They've stolen the stereo, the steering wheel, the brake pedal and even the accelerator!" she cried.

The dispatcher says, "Stay calm, Ma'am, an officer is on the way."

A few minutes later, the officer radios in.

"Disregard", he says, "she got in the back seat by mistake."

* - The average age in Peterborough is around 89 years old. We have more seniors' residences than any other city in North America. Well...almost.

Words Fitly Spoken

The following was posted on our new "the Barnabas Blog" several days ago. Be sure to come by for a visit as we seek to provide encouragement on the journey home.

The following poem came to me as I drove home from work early this morning:

A word fitly spoken
To a heart that’s been broken
A list’ning ear ready to hear;
Learning to fashion
A touch of compassion
Giving hope where there
Used to be fear.

An encouraging word
Is still too seldom heard
As trials are faced ev’ry day;
So speak words of love
That are birthed from above
From the Giver of life
Christ, the Way.

He brings healing and peace
Sweet joy and release
From the burdens that
Once held us bound;
So trust Him today
And then you can say
I was lost but, praise God,
Now I’m found!

- David W. Fisher, November 11th, 2006

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." - Proverbs 25:11 (NKJV)

Be encouraged today, dear friends!

Thank You!

Thank you for your notes of CONGRATULATIONS on the posting of our 1,000th article on PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS! It has been an enjoyable exercise! Making new friends and communicating God's grace and faithfulness at the same time has been a rewarding experience.

I've jokingly commented on our "10 readers plus Brodie" but I trust that there a many more out there in cyberspace who have dropped by from time to time. When I had my counter on the site I realized that many visitors came by each day.

My prayer for each of you is that your love for Jesus Christ would grow each day and that you would commit to bring glory to Him by your actions and words.

Thanks for making the journey with me! Your companionship on the road home has been refreshing to this weary pilgrim.

Much love in Christ,

David

Note: Be sure to visit the new blog which we launched yesterday...the Barnabas Blog!

Celebrating Our 1,000th Post

Yesterday I spent the day in the hospital being tested for "who knows what"! We were afraid that the cellulitis was returning. The on-call doctor felt that it wasn't but he prescribed a fairly strong dosage of anti-biotics to ward off any return. I had been extremely tired on Monday and yesterday morning I could not stay awake. One thing they detected was a lack of oxygen in my blood which may account for my ongoing sleepiness. More tests are being scheduled.

Anyhow, I said all that to say this...

While laying there on my uncomfortable hospital bed I was trying to think of what to write to celebrate my 1,000th posting on PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS. What I decided was the launching of yet another site which will be entitled "the Barnabas Blog". Our mandate at the Barnabas Blog will be to provide encouragement for weary pilgrims as they journey home. Barnabas was "the son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36) and I want to follow in his footsteps.

Check out the Barnabas Blog at http://www.acts436.blogspot.com

Be encouraged today and thank you for your encouragement over these last 23 1/2 months and 1,000 postings.

Grateful to God for His amazing grace,

David W. Fisher

Make Me A Blessing

This morning we sang the following song in the traditional service (there's a contemporary one as well) at the church where I had been asked to preach. I've always enjoyed this hymn and it reminded me again of a Missions Conference I attended 40 years ago in Wheaton, IL. On the closing night of the conference we stood and sang Make Me A Blessing in the V. Raymond Edman Memorial Chapel at Wheaton College. What a thrill to see hundreds of young people committing their lives to World Missions!

Make Me a Blessing
- Words by Ira B. Wilson
- Music by George S. Schuler

Out on the highways and byways of life,
Many are the weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.

Chorus:

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing;
Out of my life may Jesus shine.
Make me a blessing, O Saviour I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love,
Tell of His pow'r to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove
True every moment you live.

Chorus:

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing;
Out of my life may Jesus shine.
Make me a blessing, O Saviour I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.

Give as 'twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.

Chorus:

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing;
Out of my life may Jesus shine.
Make me a blessing, O Saviour I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.

Mike Fisher Fan Reclines

I've never met Saija's husband Leo but I hope to someday. He suffers from a debilitating condition that my blogging buddy has mentioned on her blog from time to time.

Leo is a Mike Fisher fan and I can just picture him sitting in his repaired recliner watching the Senators play.

Please pray the Leo would get relief from his chronic pain and make sure to visit Saija's blog regularly. Go, Sens, Go!!!

Silent...

Francis Schaeffer wrote, "He Is There and He Is Not Silent."

My friend Brodie... "He Is There and He IS Silent."

Brodie just arrived at work and I'm just leaving. He admitted that he has been very silent with his blogging. I AGREED!

DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! NOW!

NEWS*** - BRODIE POSTED TODAY!

Rx For Reformation and Revival

The following list appeared on Steve Camp's "get-under-your-skin", excellent blog, Audience One. Something to think about and act upon...

There are a few things that historically and biblically mark or accompany true reformation and revival:

- Conviction, contrition, and confession of sin
- Repentance that is more notorious than ones transgressions
- Prayer that is urgent and unceasing
- Renewed loving of, long for, obedience to, and craving of God's Word
- Uncompromised preaching and teaching of God's Word
- Recovery of boldness in proclaiming the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ
- Refutation and correcting of aberrant teaching, skewed doctrine, and theological error
- Worship that is unfeigned in spirit and truth
- And finally, authentic evangelism - lasting regeneration, a heavenly work by the Spirit of God

Sage Counsel

One of the Lord's "choice servants"* who significantly impacted my life as a young boy/man was Harold Wildish. He came to our small brethren assembly several times and his ministry was powerful. The following quote is by Mr. Wildish and needs to be trumpeted again in this age of busyness. Father, teach me to appropriate all that You have given me through Your Son, Jesus Christ. AMEN!

"As you leave the whole burden of your sin, and rest upon the finished work of Christ, so leave the whole burden of your life and service, and rest upon the present inworking of the Holy Spirit.

Give yourself up...to be led by the Holy Spirit and go forward praising and at rest, leaving Him to manage you and your day. Cultivate the habit...of joyfully depending on and obeying Him, expecting Him to guide, to enlighten, to reprove, to teach, to use, and to do in and with you what He wills.

Count on His working as a fact, entirely apart from sight or feeling. Only let us believe in and obey the Holy Spirit as the Ruler of our lives, and cease from the burden of trying to manage ourselves; then shall the fruit of the Spirit appear in us to the glory of God."

Harold Wildish, British Bible teacher and missionary to Jamaica, in mid-1900s

* - Remember when preachers, pastors, missionaries and other heroes of the faith were refered to as "God's choicest servants"?

For more on Harold Wildish please click here.

Powerful Prayer

I thought I better follow up my tongue-in-cheek post about penguins with a more serious post concerning prayer.

My good friend Stephen Weber from DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT NET wrote the following prayer. My heart resonates with his concerning this. I'm sure yours will too.

"Father, I must confess that holy boldness does not come easily for me. Though I may hold an unwavering conviction based upon the teachings of Scripture, I find it difficult to articulate my position when faced with opposing views or by those with a lifestyle contrary to the Christian believer. It is in this setting that I rely upon Your Holy Spirit to equip me with the words I am to speak and the tone of which I speak them. You've instructed the believer to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have. And then You further instruct us about the spirit that accompanies our response. We are to do this prayerfully with gentleness, respect, and a clear conscience so that those who would respond unfavorably toward us would regret their behavior. Keep our motives pure as we unashamedly and boldly declare Your truths to a lost and dying generation. Amen."

(Portion of prayer based on I Peter 3:15 & 16.)

Jordan's Return Staaled By Penguins

PORTLY PENGUINS
POSE PROBLEM...

Recently Jordan Staal was heading for the airport in Pittsburgh (that's him on the left...you can't see his head) but was staaled by a phalanx of portly penguins. He tried to get around them but they wouldn't allow it. He missed the plane and had to reluctanly return to the arena. Just kidding...

Now for the "Rest of the Story"...

Jordan Staal (pictured, far left, with brother Eric) is remaining with the Pittsburgh Penguins. After a promising training camp and a great start to the season, the team has decided to keep him with the NHL club rather than returning him to the Peterborough Petes. Jordan has five (5) goals already this season and was promoted to the 2nd line recently.

Our loss is the Penguins gain! We wish you God's best, young man! We'll miss you here but we're thrilled for you!

And that, my friends, is the "Rest of the Story!"

Two Mind Exercises

Here are a couple of mind exercises for you...

Don't answer quickly! Think deeply! Comment when you have come to some conclusions. One of my colleagues challenged me with these this morning. I had to think awhile.

Exercise # 1:

What gifts has God given you which enable you to become or remain humble?

Exercise # 2:

If you could place six (6) objects on a desk or table that would signify YOU...who you are, your character, what you're all about, your personality, your personhood, what would they be? Think about it and give me your answers. eg. - a pair of skates, a book, a picture, a letter.

Go ahead...I'm anxious to receive your responses. THANK YOU!

Cozy Corner...Just For You

My office colleagues, Mark Hines and David Kennedy, always enjoy coming into my office to chat, talk shop, share notes or pray. There's a special calmness that's present there and I thank God for His provision of such a place. What a gift He has given me!

The chair in the corner is waiting for a special guest like you. The door is open, coffee is nearby, calming music is playing, there's a book (or a thousand) which can keep you occupied if I need to slip out for awhile.

Come and see me! Rodney, just hop on a plane. I'll pick you up in Toronto. Cindy, there are plenty of flights from Chicago to Toronto. Julie, just hop in Stubby Sally and come on down!

The chair is waiting! So am I!

UPDATE: Elizabeth Natalie from the Cedar Chest dropped by this afternoon and relaxed in "the chair". It was good to visit with a blogging buddy. Thanks, Di, for coming in!

Care Package Arrives

This week I received a very special "Care Package" from my Blogging Buddy, Terry (or Teresa). She knows how much I cherish books and she packaged up four (4) of them and sent to me (see picture).

Thanks so much Terry! I'll cherish them! I didn't realize that Harold Paisley had written a book concerning the hymns in The Believer's Hymn Book and their composers! Those old hymns of worship and adoration mean so much to me.

Remember...dear friends...I still have room for a few more books in my office(s). They would enjoy the company here rather than being buried in a landfill site.

Have a great weekend in the Lord!

David

Thirteen Thursday Things

THIRTEEN THINGS I ENJOY DOING AT MY OFFICE:


Writing cards and letters of encouragement!
Praying with work colleagues and friends!
Studying my Bible!
Opening my mail!
Posting on Pilgrim Scribblings!
Preparing my Epistle newsletters!
Listening to relaxing music!
Getting long distance phone calls from old friends!
Sitting in my easy chair and slowing down!
(that’s almost impossible for me)
Drinking a Tim Hortons coffee!
Reading a good book!
Thinking about the next post on Pilgrim Scribblings!
Deciding what other 13 things to write about next Thursday!

Drifting...

Something to think about from Dr. D. A. Carson:

"People do not drift toward holiness. Apart from grace-driven effort, people do not gravitate toward godliness, prayer, obedience to Scripture, faith, and delight in the Lord. We drift toward compromise and call it tolerance; we drift toward disobedience and call it freedom; we drift toward superstition and call it faith. We cherish the indiscipline of lost self-control and call it relaxation; we slouch toward prayerlessness and delude ourselves into thinking we have escaped legalism; we slide toward godlessness and convince ourselves we have been liberated." - D. A. Carson

Chairman of the Board(s)

Mike Fisher is Chairman of the Board(s) after taking out a Montreal Canadiens player!

Keep up the great effort, Mike!

I'm proud of you!

Uncle David

15 More To Go

Later this month I'll be celebrating my 2nd Blogiversary. This post is my 985th! My quandry...

Do I space out the next 15 posts so that my 1,000th falls on the anniversary or do I just blog on?

Any suggestions?

It's hard to believe that # 1,000 is coming up.

My friend Brodie is closing in on his 10th post. Just kidding! Sorry Brodie!

So, Who Am I?

Yesterday I glanced at the commentary shelves and realized that I have a plethora of expository books on Paul’s letter to the Romans.

It’s a mixed bag theologically. And, to be honest, if you asked me where I stand in relation to the theological position taken by these godly men, I’d struggle to pigeon-hole myself. There, I’ve been very vague and ambivalent. Sorry, that’s where I’m at.

But, they say “you are what you read!” So tell me…who am I based on these volumes on my shelf? Go ahead! Add you comments. It’ll be an interesting exercise.

Here’s a list in no particular order other than the fact that I’m starting from the left and moving right on my shelf:

Romans 1 – 8 (John MacArthur)
Romans 9 – 16 (John MacArthur)
Romans 5 – 8 (James Montgomery Boice)
Romans (Charles Hodge)
Romans 8:5-7 (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
Romans Verse by Verse (William Newell)
Romans (4 volumes) (Donald Grey Barnhouse)
Romans (Alva McClain)
Romans - Tyndale Series - (F. F. Bruce)

Based on the authors you will guess that I lean towards a Calvinistic position. You may be surprised. Maybe not!

The Heavens Declare...

Late yesterday afternoon as we were driving home, we watched God's incredible display in the western sky.

In all of my 61 years I had never seen what my granddaughter Victoria described as "sun dogs" frolicking in the sky. I haven't checked out this phenomenon but it seemed as though there were reflections of the son in other parts of the sky. Note added: I've done a Google search and what we saw seems to be "sun pillars". (Check out this link) They were similar to rainbows but without the full spectrum of color. We saw one on each side of the sun. I wished I had my Sony digital with me but, alas, it was at home.

God created us to offer Him worship, bringing pleasure to Himself and to reflect the glory of the Son as we "live and move and have our being." Are you living in such a way that others want to see more of Jesus? Am I?

Earlier in the week, as the son began to disappear on the western horizon, my good friend Paul Mackay captured this shot.

Today looks like another "nice" day. What a "weak" word to describe 24 hours in the service of the King!

Names and Attributes Chorus

Recently while sorting through some papers I discovered a chorus I had written back in February of 1988. The melody has stuck with me all these years but I had forgotten some of the lyrics. I wish I could play the tune on the piano so you could hear it.

Here are the lyrics, beginning at A and going through to Z:

1st verse:

Anointed One
Beloved Son
Christ, the Mighty Lord of hosts;
Deliverer,
El Shaddai,
Faithful to the very end.

Glorious in all His splendor,
Holy, Holy is His name;
Infinite, Jesus,
King of kings and Lord of lords,
King of kings and Lord of lords.

2nd Verse:

Messiah,
Nazarene,
Omnipresent
Prince of peace;
Quick'ning fire
Redeemer,
Savior, Truth, the Life, the Way;

Upholding all things by His power,
Victory has been assured;
Wonderful,
'Xcellent,
Yahweh, Zions' promised Hope,
Yahweh, Zion's promised Hope.

David W. Fisher - February 18th, 1988

Does My Life Matter?

Often our postings provide soul-searching fodder for our readers. The following question eloquently posed and the answer purposefully declared is a perfect example. I'm not going to name the blogging buddy who "penned" these words but the "Fisher connection" who faithfully read many of my links will know who it is! God bless you _ _ _ _ _ ! We are standing with you and we love you very much!

Life's Inevitable Questions:

"If I live my life for Christ - even though it is a quiet life - trying to be the wife that L_ _ needs and helping him along in this chronic pain journey, and if there isn’t much leftover to do the "great things" . . . does my life still matter in God’s house?"

Life's Incredible Determinations:

"If I remain faithful to Him who called me to this journey, and if I believe that I am living out my life doing what was laid before me to do . . . then even if it is only the dust bunnies that witness it . . . I will remain steadfast . . ."