The Shirt Off My Back

Unlike many men, I enjoy shopping! Like many women, I love getting bargains!

This morning I picked up a shirt at Eastern Hills Mall in Buffalo for an unbelieveable price. Maybe when you look at the picture you'll say, "I wouldn't pay a dime for that dish rag!"

I was almost as excited as Debra was when she picked up an old dish drainer at a yard sale for nothing, nada, FREE! Check out her find at:

http://debrasotherthoughts.blogspot.com/2006/07/dish-drainer.html

This evening I pulled 20 straight pins out of my shirt, ironed it and I'll wear it to work tonight. I also took the price tag and peeled back each of the stickers on it.

The price began at $30.00. Then it dropped to $12.97. Then $9.97, $4.97 and $1.97. What a deal, eh!

I call it good stewardship of the Lord's money! Wanna buy a shirt? I'll sell it cheap (for $10.00) but you better be a big guy. It's an XXL.

Simon Says, "Great Day for a Tan!"

Thanks to Saija for sending along this cute comic this morning! Now we'll have to think up some "funnies" for all those other New Testament "stars" like "James the Less".

With weather like we've been having, it could very well be "Simon the Burnt to a Crisp"!

Don't forget the sunblock, friends!

Linda McKechnie's Worship Collage

Last week I picked up a new CD and I couldn't help but "post" a strong recommendation for this latest addition to Linda McKechnie's incredible collection of piano music CD's. As a pianist I'm always looking for CD's by others who "tinkle the ivories" as they say.

This CD of concert pianist Linda McKechnie, accompanied by the Cool Springs Orchestra is a blending of the old hymns with some classic numbers that have stood the test of time. It will lead you into intimate worship of and with the Savior.

Here's a review of Linda's latest work that I came across on the web:

Pianist Linda McKechnie Releases New CD
posted by Deborah.Walker Wednesday July 26, 2006

Linda McKechnie, 1964 Nyack alumna and current member of the Nyack Board of Trustees, has released a new recording entitled, Worship Collage. The project was produced and orchestrated by her brother, Don Marsh a 1965 Nyack graduate, who is president of Coolsprings Records.

This peaceful listening experience is a collection of hymns with classical and original themes featuring Linda McKechnie on piano with the Coolsprings Orchestra. Worship Collage is available at a special introductory offer of $15 with one free copy of Reflections, a recording of music and scripture readings at www.lindamckechnie.com. Worship Collage is also available at your local Christian bookstore or it may be purchased at www.coolspringsrecords.com

I encourage you to visit your local Christian bookstore and pick up a copy. If they don't have it in stock they will order it for you. You'll be glad you did. - David W. Fisher

Note: Click below for a sample of Linda's artistry. Be sure to turn on your speakers to hear one of my all-time favorites hymns, Grace Greater Than All My Sin.

Click here >>> Marvelous Grace (with Amazing Grace)

Queen Victoria is 14

Today our granddaughter Victoria celebrates her 14th birthday. She has lived with us for 11 years so we've had lots of parties and celebrations.

I took a picture of Victoria and one of her with her father Brad and her little brother Jack.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, VICTORIA! You're a joy to have around.



Victoria spent two weeks at Graphite Bible Camp as a Counselor in Training. She made some wonderful friendships with some young children. She is caring and compassionate and loves Jesus.

We love you, Victoria!

Joy Came In The Afternoon

or...I should say, "Nathan went to Joy Bible Camp on Saturday afternoon." Yes, Nathan's Excellent Adventure at Explorer Camp began on the weekend. We arrived at camp just west of Bancroft around 2:30 on Saturday afternoon and made sure that everything was alright and Nathan was feeling "at home" before heading to upstate New York.

Nathan was so excited about his first time away at an overnight camp. We pray for him every day that he will make some new friends and create memories that will last a lifetime.

When I went to the same camp there was no such thing as computers, cell phones, microwave ovens, VHS or DVD players. There weren't even those antique 8 track tapes. TVs were still a relatively new invention and those early 50's cars were covered with chrome. Man, I'm old!

Have fun, Nathan!

We love you, Mom and Dad

'Til the Storm Passes By

While we were away a storm passed through our neighborhood, missing our home but felling some of our neighbors' trees, knocking down several hydro poles and causing the



traffic to be re-routed from the highway onto our road.




Here are a few photos that Victoria took.

Look at that cloud formation! Looks like a little girl with a pony tail jumping over the tree tops as she runs through the sky. Is my imagination running wild or can you see the same thing? Just wondering!

Deer Me

"While the Fishers are away the deer will play."

While we were away for a few days our granddaughter Victoria snapped a couple of pictures of the doe that has been visiting our yard recently. Just another of the joys of rural living! We love it!


Speaking of doe...Victoria's 14th birthday is today and we celebrated with a cookie dough ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins.

Still speaking of doe or dough...We saw a sign while we were away that read, "I hope my ship comes in before the dock rots".

Just some rambling scribblings from the pilgrim...

Sunflower Days

Two of my favorite bloggers posted photos of sunflowers on their sites this week. Most of my "favorite" bloggers posted NOTHING! I spoke with Brodie (Hope of His Calling) last night and suggested that he give me his user name and password and I would post items for him. Now that could be dangerous!

Anyhow, I want all of you who I link to to know...I check your blogs EVERY DAY and when I find NOTHING, I'm disappointed.

Dear friends, you don't want to continually disappointment me (and others) do you?

Anyhow, now that I've severely reprimanded you, I hope you enjoy the sunflowers posted by Saija and Debra.

Nice pix to brighten anyone's day. Who but our awesome Creator God could give us such beauty!


Let us rejoice and be glad in Him! AMEN!

P. S. Cindy has gone to Texas so she is excused from my rant!

Have a great weekend, my friends!

God is good!

Cory in Hockeyville

Peterborough hockey fans came out en masse this morning to meet Cory Stillman of the Carolina Hurricanes and catch a glimpe of the Stanley Cup. The lineup wound through the hallowed halls of Peterborough's Memorial Centre.

The procession with Cory and the Cup came down our main street, George Street, and ended up at the rink.
CONGRATULATIONS, Cory!

CONGRATULATIONS, Peterborough! We truly are HOCKEYVILLE regardless of how the voting went!

Lord Stanley and the Grandkids

Yesterday our son Tim, daughter-in-law Nicole and our grandchildren Carissa, Daynica and Josiah were invited by Cory Stillman to a Stanley Cup party here in Peterborough. Nicole grew up with Cory of the Carolina Hurricanes and, consequently, they were invited to the festivities.

You may recall that I was pulling for the 'Canes (after Ottawa was eliminated) for three reasons:
1. Eric Staal 2. Cory Stillman and 3. Glen Wesley

Now the grandkids will have lots of stories to share when they go back to school. Just think of the millions of little kids in the Toronto area who will never have that opportunity due to the ineptness of the Leafs. So sad for them, eh?

Next year it's the Senators all the way!

This morning Cory is at the Peterborough Memorial Centre with Lord Stanley's mug, signing autographs and greeting fans!

CONGRATULATIONS, Cory, and thanks for remembering the family and friends you grew up with! You've always been a "class act"!

(Here's Josiah, alone with the Cup.)

Nathan's Excellent Adventure

Our son Nathan (9) will be spending a week at Joy Bible Camp beginning Saturday, July 29th. This will be a brand new experience for Nate. For the past few summers he has enjoyed Hope Valley Day Camp just north of Peterborough but this will be his first time at an overnight camp. He seems excited but he keeps reminding us that he will really miss us.

It's hard to believe that it's 50 years ago that I attended the same camp. Sure makes me feel old.

We trust that Nathan will have a wonderful time and will make some new friends and lasting memories.

Sink or Swim

Our grandchildren Madeline and Jack recently took swimming lessons from a neighbor in her beautiful, in-ground, backyard pool. Every summer she teaches many kids in the area how to keep afloat, tread water and learn the basics. Mel really has a way with kids.

Our kids Matthew and Nathan have taken lessons in the past and were back last week for more instructions.

I've included a shot of our youngest granddaughter Natalie looking on from the sidelines.

More Shots From Auburn, NY

New Life Singers from

Freedom Village USA

Big Fish with Doubledays' Manager Dennis Holmberg
Sign Posted Inside the Ballpark

Sign on the street in front of ballpark

Here are a few more photos from my visit to Auburn, NY on Sunday afternoon. What a privilege to preach to the fans in the bleachers as part of Auburn's annual Baseball Chapel outreach to the fans. Players from both teams, the Auburn Doubledays and the Staten Island Yankees, were in the stands as well.

Cute Grandkids

Yesterday our son Stephen came to our place with their children Rebecca and Michael. Denise stayed home, relishing the idea of Stephen being both Mr. Mom and Mr. Dad.

After spending some time at our house, we left to go to my mom's house or Grandma Fisher's house as they called it.

I took advantage of their visit to take some shots of the grandkids. Cute eh! Guess who they take after?

The first shot was taken at Grandpa David and Grandma Carol's house. The second one (complete with reflections) was taken from outside Grandma Fisher's home.

Dirt Ball

Preaching to the fans in the stands at the ballpark in Auburn, NY didn't make me nervous at all. Throwing out the ceremonial first pitch was another story.

Friends who were with me asked if the ball would make it to the plate. I assured them it would. Then, when my name was announced and I made my way to the mound, I was sure that I'd trip and fall or do something embarrassing.

I gripped the ball (as shown by countless pitchers over the years), began my windup, released the ball and watched it hit the dirt right in front of the catcher. The Auburn Doubledays' GM, in an effort to heal my wounds, assured me that if he were a batter and I had thrown that same pitch, he would have taken a swing at it.

Anyway, I thought I better take advantage of the opportunity for a fleeting moment of fame. I've wanted to throw out the first pitch for years but was never asked. Now I know why. My fleeting moment of fame? The catcher walked out to hand me the ball, never looked me in the eye, didn't sign his autograph, walked away chuckling and muttering something about my lack of control.

Oh well, I'll do better the next time they ask me...in heaven.

Provocative Post

Want to read a thought-provoking comment on the ongoing issue of the singing of old hymns in our worship services? This is a good one. Check out the link at the bottom of this post.

Doug Groothuis says it better than I ever could! He has a broader audience and is well-respected in evangelical circles.

Loving Hymns and Loving Him,

David

http://theconstructivecurmudgeon.blogspot.com/2006/07/colson-on-being-curmudgeon.html

Great Day At The Ballpark

Today's Baseball Chapel service at the ballpark in Auburn, NY went very well. New Life, a singing group from Freedom Village in Lakemont, NY, ministered in song and two of the young people shared powerful testimonies.

Joe (I didn't catch his last name), from Auburn also sang several numbers and did a marvelous job on the National Anthem.

Art Fritz, the Baseball Chapel leader for the Auburn Doubledays is the driving force behind this annual outreach to the community. This is the 13th year that Art & Marion have co-ordinated this.

I spoke for 15-20 minutes and challenged the fans in the stands. All in all, we felt that it was "a great day at the ballpark". The gospel was presented and Jesus was exalted.

Following the service I had the privilege of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. The ball made it to the plate although the catcher had to dig it out of the dirt.

No Room In The Inn In New York

I'm sitting here in the Comfort Inn in Batavia, New York, grateful that there was one (1) room left between Buffalo and Syracuse on Interstate 90 and I was able to snag it. After dozens of calls (my cell phone bill will be outrageous) I was feeling like Joseph must have felt the night the promised Messiah was born. Everything was SOLD OUT and I was beginning to think that I would spend the night in my car.

After a good night's rest I'm preparing to leave for Auburn, NY where I will speak at a community chapel service at the ballpark. The Auburn Doubledays are the rookie league affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. Each year the ballclub works in co-operation with Baseball Chapel to provide this outreach. Fans from the community are admitted to the ballpark free if they bring along their church bulletin.

I've already found a room for tonight in Syracuse so I can relax. There WILL be "room in the inn"!

Have You Enlisted?

The SENS ARMY is gaining ground as the Senators prepare for another run at the Stanley Cup in the 2006-2007 season. Have you enlisted yet?

What about the Lord's Army? That more important! God is looking for foot soldiers who will boldy bear His colors and go forth to war against evil. His mighty power, through the Holy Spirit, will give us the victory.

Whose army are you in anyway?

The Thinker...Which Type Are You?

This morning's thought by Chuck Swindoll caught my attention! It's short but so true:

"Logical thinking will discourage you; theological thinking will encourage you."

"It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice." - Job 34:12 (NIV)

Clarification: That is NOT Chuck Swindoll in the photo!

My Dream For Revival

A guy can dream can't he?

My recurring dream/desire/goal/prayer is that God would move in a mighty way, bringing revival to my home town of Peterborough, Ontario.

Each time I drive past St. Paul's Presbyterian Church (pictured) I envision the sanctuary packed with people seeking God's touch on their lives.

Maybe it's a "pipe dream" but I believe that God can still work sovereignly in the lives of sinners and saints alike.

I love the architecture of St. Paul's and "I can only imagine" what it would be like if the Spirit of God swept through our city with convicting power and this was the location where the revival took place.

I'll continue to pray to that end. Perhaps you think I'm strange but I'm not going to stop trusting that God will do a mighty work here before Jesus returns.

Just thought I'd pass along that thought...

Every Sunset Is Unique

Wow! What a picture! Wish I could say that I took it but I can't.

All I know is that the Creator, our faithful and true God, splashed the evening sky with splendor and we, His creatures, get to look on in amazement.

Who does the atheist have to thank when confronted with this kind of majestic glory?

NOBODY...until his/her eyes are opened to the realization that there is a God and that He is mighty and compassionate at the same time.

"Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?" - Isaiah 40:26

F A I T H

God Puts On A Display

Here's a very familiar area of Peterborough, one which I've been acquainted with for over 61 years. Yet, I've never seen it in this light or lack of light before. My good friend Paul Mackay took this photo from the front porch of my mom's house, the homestead.

Last night Peterborough experienced a thunderstorm of epic proportions. What a display in the sky! As children sometimes innocently say or as adults often irreverently declare, "God was bowling or moving furniture in heaven."

It was as if God was shouting, "I am still God and I am in charge! I'm sovereign whether you believe in Me or not! The earth is Mine and the fullness thereof. I know what's happening in Israel, Lebanon and in your life. Nothing is taking Me by surprise. Your times are in My hands. Trust Me and leave the uncertainties of life with Me."

Are we doing that?

Better Watch Out

You better watch out when Big Fish has his SONY DSC-H1, 12X Zoom digital in hand. He might capture you picking your nose or spilling mustard all over your shirt.

Several weeks ago the Fishers and the Oleruds (John, Kelly and their son Garrett) got together for lunch and a Blue Jay game.

The Fishers (nobodies) got great seats behind home plate. Well, they were up 26 rows. The Oleruds (famous Blue Jays' alumni) were miles away, out the 3rd base line.

I was able to watch every move with my SONY. It became quite "comical" when I caught them in this pose. It's amazing what you can do with the settings on these cameras and the software available to process pictures.

John & Kelly are actually quite an attractive couple, don't you think? I don't know where Garrett disappeared to though.

My Twin Brother Wilber

Many of you didn't realize that I have a twin brother. He's completely opposite from me though.

He hates Southern Gospel music. Dislikes sports. Is a computer geek. Has a PhD. Lives in the city. Plays the tuba. Enjoys eating bugs. Has a library of 17 books. Enjoys lawn bowling. Craves East Indian food. In other words, he's a wierd and strange dude.

I'll write more about William Wilberforce Fisher IV in subsequent posts. Just thought you'd like to meet him. What a strange duck!

Gator Bait...Obeying the Signs

The 10 Commandments are just that, COMMANDMENTS, not suggestions. Failure to obey brings consequences. Enough said...the picture says it all.

Thanks to my evangelist friend Pastor Dave Chatroom for sending this along. Check out his web site at: http://home.cogeco.ca/~wwjs/

See ya later, alligator!

At least the conservationists have it right. They are concerned about people first and alligators second. (check out the fine print on the sign) The treehuggers/pro-abortionists/greenpeacers have it all wrong:

"Be a hero, save a whale, Save a baby, go to jail."

'Nuf said.

Who But God?

Who but God could fill the sky
With images so fine?
Who but God could write a Book
Precepts...line on line?
Who but God would send His Son
True man and yet divine...
To ransom fallen man inviting
Him to "come and dine"?

None other could my shackles break...
I give Him praise for Jesus' sake!

AMEN!

David W. Fisher, July 16, 2006

Two Sets of G's/G. K. Chesterton

In every picture I've seen of G. K. Chesterton he looks gruff, grumpy and groggy. Here's the best shot I've seen of the renowned author of "Orthodoxy" accepting a dandelion from a little child.

I found the following quote from G. K. on Bob's blog entitled "gratitude and hoopla" and thought it was well worth passing on.

"Nothing taken for granted; everything received with gratitude; everything passed on with grace." G. K. Chesterton

Thanks, G. K. and thank you Bob!

Big Wheel or Spokesman

I couldn't resist posting this picture I found on Saija's blog.

Too many of us want to be a "Big Wheel" in God's scheme of things instead of being a humble spokesman (or spokesperson if that word offends you) for the King.

I'm reminded of one of my favorite scripture verses found in 1 Peter 5:6. "Humble yourselves therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time."

Which are you? Big wheel or spokesman?

Blog or Bust

I'm having too much fun editing pictures to use on the Pilgrim Scribblings blog.

Here's one of this old guy who turned 61 last Sunday. I've now enjoyed one full week of being in my 62nd year.

Blow this shot up and use it for target practice if you wish.

Have a great day, dear friends, and may you experience God's loving touch today like never before.

Blogging for His glory, I trust,

David

Holly's Hugs...Holly's Hope

Here's an old but cute photo of our niece, Holly, that Carol found recently. Her shirt says, "HUG ME".

The best way to hug Holly these days is to lift her up in prayer before our loving Father as she slowly recovers from her horrific accident.

I'm including the latest update from Holly's dad, Ken Edwards.

Ken writes:

Holly Hits Another Milestone...

Today Holly spent one full hour in her wheelchair! We were able to take her on a tour of the Hospital cafeteria where Holly enjoyed her favorite drink "Pepsi". We also took her outside for a few minutes to enjoy some fresh air. She was very excited about this little trip and was very appreciative of it although it did exhaust her and it was becoming painful for her to be in the chair for this length of time.

Holly conitnues to improve from her injuries thanks to all the prayers being offered up on her behalf! She has had the oxygen removed and also her IV has been removed and as long as she maintains her fluid intake, it will remain removed. These two items make it much easier for her to be in her wheelchair. She is becoming very alert and is looking forward to getting out of the Hospital environment and moving to the rehabilitation center where she will spend several months. We have been told that if she continues to improve, she may be moved there within a couple of weeks.

God is Good! We see little miracles every day! Please continue to pray for her recovery from her spinal injury. Currently she has no movement in her legs from her knees down. We will not know if this will improve for several more months.

Thanks,

Ken

NOTE: The mandate of EPISTLE SPORTS MINISTRIES is to encourage professional and amateur athletes and anyone we come in contact with. Encouragement is our mandate, our main goal. We glorify God by encouraging others to trust Him in times of trial and need as well as in the "good times". We can encourage the family (Ken and Beth's) during this crisis by helping out with some tangible expenses like travel/gas/accommodation, etc. As I mentioned in an earlier e-mail, anyone wishing to help out in this way can send a tax-deductible gift made payable to EPISTLE SPORTS MINISTRIES. All gifts of $10.00 or more are tax-deductible and receipts will be sent at the year-end. We will, in turn, pass this along to Beth and Ken and their immediate family as we see a need. Thanks so much. Please specify that your gift is for "HOLLY'S HOPE" and send to:

EPISTLE SPORTS MINISTRIES
294 Rink Street, Suite 101,
Peterborough, ON K9J 2K2

Thanks again for your love, concern, prayers and generosity.

David

What a Great Cruise!

While Matthew was away, Nathan had his dad all to himself. On Thursday we drove to Watertown, NY, stayed overnight and came back by way of the ferries at Cape Vincent, NY and Wolf Island.

This is likely the closest I'll ever come to enjoying a cruise. It was fun though.

Meanwhile Dr. Charles Stanley, Greater Vision and others were enjoying the scenery and others were being blessed by their ministry on the annual Alaska Cruise.

Oh well...

The Bosom Buddies Are Back

Carol took this photo of Matthew and Alex at the tree fort at Camp Medeba just before we left to come home.

I stayed in the car, exhausted from carrying one shoulder bag of "stuff" and two full, heavy, green garbage bags filled with wet, dirty clothes. Almost got a hernia.

The important thing is that the guys had a great time together...as they always do. This is their third year at Medeba and they said it was their best.

Foot Washing Needed

Maybe we should reinstate the meaningful practice of foot washing at our church services. Matthew certainly needed something to be done when he arrived home from Camp Medeba.

In addition to the dirty feet, he must have got 100 mosquito bites. He's a very itchy boy tonight as he enjoys his own bed.

Matthew and Alex had a wonderful time though.