Westphalia Bound

(Apologies to Jerry Reed and Dick Feller)

I recently had a chance to visit with the good folks from the Salem United Church of Christ in Westphalia. Had a marvelous time talking about the old days. For all the churches in Knox and Davies Counties, I think this congregation does one of the better jobs at outreach.

I then stopped and had a late breakfast at Country Charms Cafe. When I left I drove around a little and was amazed at how little I know about this little community in my own backyard

.

When I got home I did as my great-niece DeeDee always  recommends and Googled it. Guess what? Hardly a thing there about Westphalia.

What I did find was:

From Goodspeeds History of Knox and Daviess Counties, Indiana:

I would like to know what was this building originally?

And I found this great shot of the Post Office by one Cade Overton. This young man has some fantastic photography on his site. Check him out!

CADE OVERTON http://cade-overton.blogspot.com/

Finaly, I am not saying if this was seen in Indiana or not, but it could have been!

CADE OVERTON: 66

CADE OVERTON: 66: Austin, Texas. April 2012. One day, one roll of film. It's almost like you knew it was almost all o...

Just A Few Memories

I was going through one of the many cigar boxes of treasures that have accumulated over the years and found these items that I thought I would share…..

So we are getting close to the 150th of the city. Think we can make it?

I think my granddaddy left this to my mother. Kinda interesting huh?

Greetings.

And more greetings!

And now for a Redneck Moment.....

Stepping Out

One of the biggest song hits of 1950 was Mona Lisa by Nate King Cole. What a smooth voice he had. We were young, in love, full of vinegar, yet still innocent as we began to prepare to leave home for college.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIDX18Xl16s

A lot of things and a lot of people came together to make this trip into the world for me. I would not of had a chance to live the life I had if hadn’t been for a certain high school teach and a certain Baptist preacher who seen something in this good ole boy. They both (And I don’t believe they were working together) rode me to never give up and to keep pushing forward. To never except what was in front of me as the final answer. Rather question, explore, dig and search till you have seen all the options.

The Journalism studies at Franklin College just south of Indianapolis called and through some good people there and the workings of the two already mentioned things began to happen. There was no turning back once the boy left hicksville.

The Catcher In The Rye

In 1952 I became enthralled by  J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher In The Rye. The book for the most part was considered a “Must Read” by the crowd I ran with. I was skim reading it until I reached the point where Holden meets with Sally Hayes, at that point I had to stop and reread the book from the beginning. Holden’s relationship with Miss Hayes struck me in the gut. I knew the story, I had felt the feelings!

He was obviously torn in trying to admit to himself that he loved this girl. He decides to call her and ask her out since she is intelligent and sophisticated, while on the other hand he thinks she is stupid. I remember in trying to define my love at this time I couldn’t make up mind. A joy? A pain? Want? Love? Lust? Why does the female do this to us? Even as a suave young man soon to turn 21 I felt crazy like Holden and unable to think straight when in their (most of all HER) presence.

She arrives late, but that’s ok because she has the looks! He wants to marry her, yet he hates her! He is crazy! They go skating and it is blatantly clear that he is checking her out. He thinks that she chose to do this only to provide the chance for her to wear a short skirt and how off her “cute ass”. And he admits that it looks good.

But then he makes an offer that speaks more to me than anything, he suggests they should run away to New England and live in a cabin together. I do not believe that this anything more than a ploy to either run her off or to run away from her. And that was my downfall in my earlier years. Either run off the people around me or get out of Dodge myself.

If I could erase time and change anything it would be to stop running from my fears and admit my loves…..

Doctrine

I have been asked to expound on some of the things I believe. Many could be controversial. That is not the reason for stating them, but rather to enlighten and awaken. I am not one to say that basic doctrinal teaching will keep you out of heaven, but I am one to say that as we grow in Christ we should look at all the things we believe and reevaluate them. We grow in Christ based on the Spirit’s guidance and our learning.

1) Hell: Yes there is a hell and it is the place you spend eternity if you have not accepted Christ as your Savior. I cannot believe that many today teach it does not exist. 

2) Baptism: Some teach that baptism is essential to salvation. It isn’t! Consider the following;

• Romans 4:5 (KJV) 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV) 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
• Matthew 6:33 (KJV)33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
• Romans 10:3-4 (KJV)3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
• Isaiah 64:6 (KJV)6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
• Acts 10:43 (KJV)43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
• John 14:6 (KJV)6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

3) Assurance: Yes you know in your heart if your saved and if your right with God

4) Trinity: Three in one. Father Son and Holy Spirit. Yes it is true!

5) King James Version: While I do believe the newer versions of the bible can be used as ‘commentaries’, you must always revert back to the KJV for a final reading. I am amazed at how many preachers today scoff at those using the KJV.

6) Communion: In remembrance. To have it every week takes away the specialness of it.

7) Book of Revelation: Yep it’s true.

8) Worship: 

• There is nothing wrong with good old gospel music. 
• While casual and informal clothing is becoming more accepted, I believe that you should honor God by dressing in your best (Sunday is not casual Friday). 
• Refreshments do not belong in the sanctuary. 
• Foot washing should make a come back
• Testify what God has done

Bringing In the Sheaves

Somebody asked me the other day about why he seemed to have no effect on those around him. He lives a decent life, obeys the laws is a model all around Christian.

Mark 4:26-29 (KJV) tells us; 26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. 28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. 29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

Here we find a farmer that sows his seed, he gives it no mind after that and goes about his business. The seed, influenced by the earth, sprouts and brings forth fruit.

Same for us when we try to take Christ to the world. We plant a seed and sometimes we get to see the whole cycle of it sprouting on through fruit bearing. But other times we plant the seed and may never know if it sprouted and if so to what extent.

I try to live my life remembering that to even those I do not speak to directly are influenced by me. Words, actions, inactions we are sowing seeds all day long. Are they good though?

It bothers me when the Church today is not doing the same. The gospel may be preached from the pulpit on Sunday, but is it lived from the membership the rest of the week?

Bringing In the Sheaves

Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness,

Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve;

Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping,

We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Refrain:

Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,

We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves,

Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,

We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Sad Sam Blues Jam

In all my years the one thing that I can honestly say I have lucky with is that in my travels I have had amazing opportunities to experience music. Through my time in Austin, New Orleans, Memphis and Chicago I have seen some the best and most varied of musical talents. I also find it amusing that when people look at me they think they see a good ole buy that surely likes bluegrass. And to me honest I love bluegrass, but I am not one to rule out blues, rock, country, reggae, whatever!

In June I had a chance to visit the Fort Wayne Rib Fest and while there I seen a fantastic group of teens play some foot taping blues. Fronted by three girls (young women?) the Sad Sam Blues Jam, rocked the park that day!

The group is made up of sisters Sadie and Sam Johnson, Krista Hess and Jacob Gates.

The good news? They are scheduled to play at the Linton Music Fest 6:15 pm Sunday September 1. I for one plan on attending that!

Find out more about then at:

http://lintonmusicfest.com/bands/sad-sam-blues-jam/

https://www.facebook.com/sadsambluesjam/info

http://www.reverbnation.com/thesadsambluesjam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAY9OhZW3zk

Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these

The Greene County Daily ran a great article Friday on another organization that seems to have their act together! The article “Backpack Bonanza helped 885 students prepare for the start of school” can be found at http://www.gcdailyworld.com/story/1994517.html

Family Life Center (http://www.flcminis.org/) in Bloomfield this year assisted 885 students with backpacks, school supplies and other items. Their mission statement is, “The mission of Family Life Center of Greene County Indiana Incorporated is to assist all the members of a family with the support required to enhance the emotional, social, mental, Spiritual, and Physical balance in their lives. In doing this we support our community by teaching, training, and supporting them.”

WOW! The part I like best is “…we support our community…”.

Remember the parable that Jesus told about the sheep and the goats? It was in Matthew 25:31-46 (KJV):

31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

See when the Day of Judgment comes, the proof of our faith in Christ is tied to our actions. Now don’t think I’m saying you’re saved by acts, because you’re not. I’m saying that if you are saved then the actions of your life will prove it.

So the sheep are true believers and they because of their actions enter into heaven.

Meanwhile the goats are those who professed but were not sincere. They claimed the kingdom but did nothing to acquire it. They get the one way ticket to hell.

The two interesting parts of this are first neither group felt that their actions or inactions were directly tied to the Master. The sheep did good because they felt that was what was right (not because the Master was involved). Their hearts were filled with love and compassion. While the goats did nothing because in their mind the Master wasn’t tied to the needy.

The second part is the thought that is expressed by the goats that had we seen the Master in need we surely would of taken action.

So Family Life Center sees a need, someone hurting in their community and reaches out to them because they have the Spirit’s guidance in their lives. They have compassion and love for those around them.

In addition they have posted a very foreword thinking financial statement (http://www.flcminis.org/about_financial.htm). I believe from this statement that they are dedicated in doing the Lord’s work. They are not into it for their glory but rather His. What an example for the local church! It is time that we stop building shrines for our creature comfort and attend to the hungry. It is time that we walk away from the fellowship table and minster to the sick and dying. It is time that we look beyond our comfort zone and take the Word into the world!

Let us reason together

I was thinking of my statements about the multiple churches in a neighboring town and that reminded me of a story I had recently heard. A story of a group that I think are working hard to become what Christ meant for us all to be; The Three Nails Project over in Monroe City IN. Here is a family that had devastation visit their lives. Their story leads us from a couple who had wealth only to lose it all. They then heard a calling from God, to redirect their lives, dedicate themselves and serve Him.

In their own words, “We decided to change how we lived. Instead of pursuing the American dream, we began to sell off or give away all unnecessary "stuff".” And “We are beginning to recognize the awesome experience you can have when you quit living your life in pursuit of the empty American dream.”

Their calling is to reach out and help those in need. To assist those that God leads them to. Some of the mission activities they have worked in include:

• ·        Tornado relief in Joplin, MO, and Henryville, IN
• ·        Hurricane relief following Hurricane Sandy
• ·        Earthquake relief in Haiti
• ·        South Dakota Indian Reservation assistance
• ·        Plus a bunch of service projects locally

They have a web site at: http://threenailsproject.weebly.com/index.html

Just think of this, a family that sold off to support Christ, just think a Church or a community could do IF they reached out for Him!

Isaiah 1:11-14 (KJV) says “11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. 12 When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? 13 Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with ; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. 14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth : they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.”

I honestly believe that God is sick of us building great buildings, landscaping multiple acres, decorating sanctuaries in finery and hosting great fellowships for our comfort, while the world around us hurts. Our mission is NOT to make ourselves comfortable but to minister to the lost and needy.

Read on, in Isaiah, 1:17-19 we are told, “17 Learn to do well ; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. 18 Come now , and let us reason together , saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient , ye shall eat the good of the land:”

Works!

Raisin Pie and Dedication

Last Sunday I was headed up to Linton to eat at Stolls. I know one of the last things I need is their “Bountiful Buffet”, but sometimes you just have to scratch an itch. And beside all that I had not had a raisin pie forever and knew I could score one there.

I took a roundabout route enjoying the day. My drive took me east over through Elnora and then back 50 to 59 and up through Sandborn. As I hit Sandborn city limits I got to thinking about my earlier post and the percentage of people here in Knox County that claim a religion.

So off on a tangent, my meal (and pie) put on hold. I knew there was more than one church in Sandborn so I began to crisscross the city streets. I found three houses of worship in Sandborn; a Baptist Church, a Christian Church and a United Methodist Church. And I must admit there did not appear to be a problem with parking at any of the three locations.

Three churches for 415 people (2010 census). Basic math then (and some liberal averaging) would tell you that if only 49.61% of the residents attend church then only 206 of the 415 go to church. Now divide that by 3 and that would place the average attendance at each of the churches at 69 people.

Or if you break it down by the denominations of the 206; 25 are Methodist, 20 are Baptist (I’m assuming they are American Baptists) and 9 are Christian. While the others drive somewhere else for service because their flavor isn’t offered in Sandborn.

Now I am not picking on Sandborn and her churches per say, rather the whole concept of what this means.

If the 206 church going, God fearing people in Sandborn joined together as one united group rather than three small splinters think of what they could accomplish!

First, ever hear of the 5% solution? It states that 95% percent of a group don’t do much and that 5% carry them. So yes, 5% 0f 206 is still only 10, but that could be 10 in one location rather than divided into three locations (3.33 per building). I’m starting to confuse myself with all the numbers. But bottom line is more manpower to do the work.

The other side of this is money. Pay for three locations, three sets of salaries, and etc. Pay for enough items like this and how many children continue to go hungry? How many seniors freeze in the winter?

Bottom line I think is we need to move past the niceties of life, roll up our shirt sleeves, forget our differences and help the lost and needy. Leave our egos at the door and do what is right.

I did get my raisin pie (Got one to go, a whole one!) and had a great meal that helped to calm my spinning mind.

1948 and a first love

I was reminiscing a little about my more formative years as a teenager last night and the year 1948 stuck out for so many reasons:

That year the Bicknell Bulldog’s Football Team won the SIAC Small Division Championship with a 6-0 record. The Bicknell Daily News filled the front page and headlines with this miracle. So of course that found all of us puffing out our chests in pride and walking with a swagger that told of our importance. I mean even if you didn’t play on the team you were from there!

If I remember his name correctly, the Principal was Mr. Herald Axe and at the time most of didn’t care a lot for him because he ruled the school firmly and without any shenanigans. In retrospect though I think he did his job well and was making sure we lived up to our potential as best he could. But that year we gave him a run for his money! After all we were the Bicknell Bulldog’s and we were invincible!

There was never a dull moment that year and in addition to the championship the year was filled with:

1)      Pranks that involved shoe polish, chickens, lard, ink and even a horse in the gymnasium.

2)      Minor fistfights with rival schools.

3)      Forgotten homework assignments

4)      Tardiness from running the back roads too late.

Great movies came out in 1948, including: The Three Musketeers (starring Lana Turner and Gene Kelly) and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (with Humphrey Bogart).

Books that changed my life hit the stands that year, especially Raintree County by Ross Lockridge, Jr.

But the other thing that stood out that year for me was the girl I met after one of the games. Cindy Schloger who was from Freelandville. I think we were in love but we never made it to that point. I guess at best we could be thought of as buddies. We ran the streets together, laughing and making a spectacle of ourselves.

I had the privilege of one kiss from her. Close to Christmas that year we had hot chocolate at a local dinner after an afternoon of homework, jokes and dreams and I was walking her home. She slipped on some ice and I caught her in my arms. Our eyes met as I pulled her up straight and we both mutually edged in for a kiss.

Oh the glory of it! The fresh washed scent of her hair, the glitter in her eyes, along with the lingering taste of chocolate on her lips. My heart stopped. Then we both seemed to realize what had happened, quickly pulled apart, adjusted ourselves and continued on to her home.

We never talked of it, though I think we both often remembered it. Cindy’s father relocated her and the family to Indianapolis that next spring as he took a better job there. I stayed in contact with her for a short while, then my life got complicated and I (sigh) lost track of her.

Preachers and Divorce

My favorite Preacher, Billy Sunday and while I never got to see him, I have always enjoyed hearing the stories of those who have and reading his sermons.

So I was standing in line at Walmart in Linton waiting to check out, listening to the two white haired ladies in front of me talking about their minister and his ex-wife. This totally floored me and immediately I thought of 1 Timothy 3 and began to question what’s wrong with this picture.

1 Timothy 3 (KJV)

1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Look at the words of Paul wrote to Timothy, “…the husband of one wife…” and “(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)”

For years the church accused anyone who did not live up to the standards set biblically (Ever hear of being ‘churched’?). We never made allowances for people’s mistakes or for their learning a closer walk. We all come as babes into the family of God and like a child learning to feed itself or walk; we too must learn how to adapt to the life. But when it comes to a man who has dedicated his life and spent years learning the gospel and then finds himself at this great of a crossroads I would think that he would realize that he needs to step aside.

The Greek phrase here would translate as “a one woman man.”

Let’s face it divorce represents a failure in the home. And yes God can and does forgive for this. But this would disqualify a man for church leadership.

Second a marriage that ends in divorce should only prove that the man in question cannot run his house.

1 Timothy 4:12 (KJV) tells us that, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” A man of the cloth who sees his marriage end in divorce and watches his home life dissolve can no longer be an example to believers.

God’s truth is God’s truth. Don’t look the other way just because you like or feel sorry for someone. Love the person but hate the sin.

In the Old Testament we find the words of Malachi (2:14-16 KJV) 14 Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. 15 And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. 16 For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

God hates those who do not care and nurture their wives.

God sat in place the qualifications of the Pastor, if those qualifications are not met then that man should not be a Pastor, for them to stand in the pulpit is a sin. And if a congregation decides to turn their head to the sin being committed they too are guilty of sinning.

Too many of my posts have been somber of late, I guess I need to lighten up and enjoy the countryside a little in the near future. 

Do you ever remember sleeping like this in church? I do! And the other vivid memory of church as a boy was my mother and grandmother fanning themselves (and me) with those handheld fans that had scripture on one side and a funeral parlor ad (Duesterberg / Frederick maybe?) on the other. I assume they finally air conditioned the First Baptist Church of Bicknell. I assume.

Honoring the Miners

So talking about Duke Power and their use of coal brought back some harsh memories of coal mine disasters that I can remember. I’m sure there were more but these are the ones that stick out in my mind:

1937 Baker Mine over in Sullivan. I think 20 died here. It is the earliest memory I have of a mine explosion and I remember it not because we lost family but some members of the family rushed there to help out and this of course left the women to wring their hands over their safety.

1941 Panhandle mine here in Bicknell. 14 died here after an explosion. What I remember most about this was that another group made it out by walking about two miles underground and up.

1961 Viking Mine in Terre Haute. 22 died here and while I was no longer in the area I still felt the horror of it when I reached out to home.

American Coal Mining Co. Bicknell

American Mine Bicknell

Freeman Coal Co. Bicknell

In their honor I would like to share this poem by David Ronald Bruce Pekrul:

The Coal Miner

His face is black, his cough is heavy,

He works far underground,

A breed apart, one-of-a-kind,

His type is hard to be found.

He works in the dark from nine to five,

And sees not the light of day,

And when he is done he stands in line,

Just waiting for his pay.

His wife and children are waiting at home,

They worry when he is away,

They hate that damned old coal mine,

And wonder why he wants to stay.

Then news of a cave-in spreads through town,

There's panic on everyone's faces,

The mine has been buried and so have the men,

They're gone and without any traces.

There's weeping and praying, there's cursing and more,

But everyone there pitches in,

They work through the evening and then through the day

Just looking for loved-ones and kin.

Now in the dark distance they see a small glimmer,

The light from a helmet is there,

And then in the rubble they see the coal miner,

Which causes the people to stare.

For over one shoulder he carries a miner,

And with his right hand drags another,

His life he would forfeit if they needed him,

He cares for them like they were brothers.

These days he just sits and thinks of the mine,

And tears overwhelm like a flood,

And often he wishes that he was still there,

For coal dust is still in his blood.

Sorry no Redneck picture today, just something to honor the miners…..

The Air that We Breathe

I was driving through Edwardsport the other day and was amazed by how clean and well-kept the Duke Energy power plant was and I guess I didn’t even know that much about it. So when I got home I did a little research and some of the findings shocked me!

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 2005 listed the old power plant "as the second most polluting power station in the industrialized world". Ouch! I always wondered where those three lagged frogs down by 

Smothers Creek came from.

But don’t fret! Today according to Duke, “The plant is one of the world's cleanest coal-fired power generating stations” Good. Good. But did you know that regardless of the ranking, using coal had been linked to anyone of the following:

• Reduction in life expectancy
• Respiratory hospital admissions
• Black lung disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Non-fatal cancer, osteoporosis, ataxia, renal dysfunction
• Chronic bronchitis, asthma attacks
• Loss of IQ from air and water pollution
• Nervous system damage
• Degradation and soiling of buildings
• Global warming
• Ecosystem loss and degradation

All this makes me so glad I grew up and moved back home here!

The other little thing I learned which I guess don’t surprise me is that cost over runs by an estimated $1.4 billion dollars (Depending on who you ask) will eventual cost the consumers more. A lawsuit capped what could be pushed down to customers, but it was given a ‘time frame’. In addition there was a “ethical scandal.” Imagine that! Big business has ethics!

For my redneck pic today, look close and think about it

A Walk and a Talk with Spirits

I drug my butt out of bed early yesterday and accomplished a task I had been putting off for some time. The task was to visit some family at the Warth Cemetery over by Decker. I had been putting this off ever since I returned, telling myself that those people ain’t going nowhere. Deep down inside my gut I know I was just afraid of the ghosts of my past.

Surprising the visit went well! A beautiful day for a drive and a walk through the country side. Not too warm. And I must admit, the fear I held dissipated as I sat and contemplated these graves. I came away with the idea that maybe those gone on knew the real score. Maybe they just did not know how to convey the message in an understandable and sane way.

While they alienated me with their messages (Or so I thought), the truth is that it was not the message but the delivery! I have realized after all these years that God only expects from us what we can handle. And some people are capable of handling more due to the circumstances in their lives. So they felt that total perfection was the only way, while God only expects perfection to what He asks each of us as an individual.

So dear Amanda, you and those that lay there with you, I might have been a disappointment to all of you all those years ago, I now know in my heart that is no longer true.

My redneck picture of the day was titled ‘Bonus Room’

Sin and the Giant Peach

7-31-13

Ran across something today that I never knew existed: The Big Peach in Bruceville. Out on HWY 150 and Pierce Road at the Big Peach Market, stands a 20 foot tall peach with a miniature Washington Monument next to it. I was told this market has been in business for 50 years but now the owners are retiring and selling the place.

This got me to thinking about the children’s book James and the Giant Peach. Did you realize that book is number 56 on the American Library Association's top 100 list of most frequently challenged books? All because of “…occasional macabre and potentially frightening content.” The book was written in 1961 and when I first heard this I thought “Yeah back then there was still some censorship going on.” But after a little research I found this piece of information…

From http://www.deletecensorship.org/james_giant_peach.html

“James and the Giant Peach by Ronald Dahl was challenged at the Deep Creek Elementary School in Charlotte Harbor, Florida (1991) because it is "not appropriate reading material for young children." It was challenged at the Pederson Elementary School in Altoona, Wisconsin (1991) and at the Morton Elementary school library in Brooksville, Florida (1992) because the book contains the word "ass" and "promotes" the use of drugs and whiskey. Dahl's book was also removed from classrooms in Stafford County, Virginia schools (1995) and placed in restricted access in the library because the story contains "crude language" and "encourages children to disobey their parents and other adults."”

So as late as 1995 this book was still thought to be a bad influence on children. What strikes me as funny is that in our society today we continue to sin against our children by doing things that put them at Jeopardy; we don’t monitor their television, we elect corrupt politicians, we allow them to run the streets, surf the internet, we allow leaders in the community that should be tarred and feathered. And yet this children’s book is often banned? Come on. It makes thing that it is easier to pick on a book than it is to confront the sins and sinners in our lives.

So in closing my redneck picture of the day just has to include peaches! Nothing like a warm peach cobbler, Hey?

Have You Got That Ole Time Religion

7-30-13

Ran across this interesting tidbit while surfing the internet (http://www.city-data.com/city/Bicknell-Indiana.html), in Knox county in 2000 49.61% of the people living here claimed a religion. This broke up as follows:

• Catholic 29.2%
• United Methodist 12.1%
• American Baptist 10.1%
• United Church of Christ 7.8%
• Christian Churches / Church of Christ 7.2%
• Sothern Baptist 4.7%
• Christian Church / Disciples of Christ 4.1%
• Lutheran Church 4.1%
• Church of God 3.2%
• Other 17.5%

Source: Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center

Now this concerns me cause half of this county don’t even admit to have a religious affiliation. But even worse is what the bunch of religious people are doing (Or not doing)? We are to take the Gospel to the world, but it is obvious that half our neighbors need some help who is helping them? Reaching out to them?

Now if you look at the list there are some heavy fundamental types in there, the ones that believe in the true old time Gospel. So where is the Good News?

I wonder about the story of Achan’s sin found in Joshua 7:1-13:

Joshua 7:1-13

New International Version (NIV)

Achan’s Sin

But the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things[a]; Achan son of Karmi, the son of Zimri,[b] the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the Lord’s anger burned against Israel.

Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth Aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the region.” So the men went up and spied out Ai.

When they returned to Joshua, they said, “Not all the army will have to go up against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary the whole army, for only a few people live there.” 4 So about three thousand went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai, 5 who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted in fear and became like water.

Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the Lord, remaining there till evening. The elders of Israel did the same, and sprinkled dust on their heads. 7 And Joshua said, “Alas, Sovereign Lord, why did you ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan! 8 Pardon your servant, Lord. What can I say, now that Israel has been routed by its enemies? 9 The Canaanites and the other people of the country will hear about this and they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. What then will you do for your own great name?”

The Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? 11 Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. 12 That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.

“Go, consecrate the people. Tell them, ‘Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow; for this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There are devoted things among you, Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them.

See Israel could not win the battle as long as sin was evident in their lives. Maybe we should clean up what we do and allow then step out to make a difference.

On a funny side check out the Redneck Mansion Trailer Park that was found near by…..

OK I have traveled the world and now have found myself back in the corner I started in (Bicknell, Indiana). Never thought I would return, but here I am. Hated this place back then and not so sure I’m happy with it today.

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