A Simple Request...

What would I value the most from you, my faithful readers?

Your prayers are of the utmost importance these days.

Thank you in Jesus' strong name for standing with us during this present trial.

He is walking with me each step of the way and will lead us all the way "home".

Thanks for praying and for joining me on the journey "home". The load seems much lighter when others come alongside and help carry the burdens.

Unfailing Love...Can We Even Imagine That?

God's unfailing love is something I can't understand. It's beyond me!

Just like His mercy and His grace, the fact that Abba loves me passionately in spite of my sin is one of those things that will take me all of eternity to understand, to grasp.

Paul, writing to the Ephesians, told them that "it would take the ages to come" to show us the exceeding riches of His grace.

This isn't something we understand overnight. I takes a lifetime plus eternity to fully understand His lovingkindness.

Thank you Father for Your unfailing love. May my love for others be patterned after Your unconditional and unfailing love for me. Grant this O God, through Your Son, Jesus Christ. AMEN!

One Of My Favorites

This scripture verse is one of three (3) passages in the New Testament that have encouraged me to stay the course in spite of everything that's going on around me.

God WILL NOT forget our labor of love, done sacrificially in Jesus' name.

The other scriptures???

Galatians 6:9 and 1 Corinthians 15:58

Go ahead! Look them up and praise God that He will reward us in His way and in His time.

Isn't that enough?

Press on, dear friends!

VBS Pictures

Oops, I accidentally posted this picture and I don't know how to delete it.

Maybe Brodie (Hope of His Calling) will help me with this. This picture was taken at Calvary Church where Brodie is the Childrens' Pastor. It was taken during the VBS program.

Usually VBS stands for Vacation Bible School but in this case it's VERY BIG SUPPER.

Sorry, Brodie. I didn't mean to post this.

New Family Members

Last night I added six (6) more links to the PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS blog. Earlier in the week I had placed two new links on the site. I've checked these out and I know some of the bloggers. Please pay them all a visit and tell them that David Fisher from PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS sent you.

Here are those links:

THE HOLY EXPERIENCE OF LISTENING

LIGHT FOR THE WRITER'S SOUL

WINDOWS TO MY SOUL

CREATED FOR HIS GLORY

PRAYING FOR OUR PRODIGALS

A CHELSEA MORNING

SWEET INSPIRATIONS

HIS GIRL

Happy reading, friends! God bless you all richly!

David

Larry Likes Lyndhurst

Last Friday Larry Boy went to Lyndhurst to visit Holly.

Holly couldn't wait for him to sing one of his "Silly Songs".

Larry didn't disappoint. When he started singing the "Lip Song", Holly burst out laughing. Her brother Brock and I joined in.

It was SOOOOOO good to see Holly laughing although it seemed like it hurt for her to do so.

If you haven't caught on to what we were doing, I took several Veggie Tales DVD's to the hospital for Holly to enjoy. The Silly Song that goes like this:

"If my lips should leave my mouth
Pack their bags and go down south
What would I do?
What would I do? ...

had been running through Holly's mind for quite some time and when we heard it...it really made us all laugh.

Here's the latest update from Holly's father, Ken:

Sorry it has been some time since I gave you an update on Holly’s condition.

God is answering prayers! Holly’s recovery is progressing but very slow. She is feeling good, is mentally sharp, and continues to have a positive outlook. Her rehabilitation is being hampered and limited by the serious wound on her backside where she had surgery. This wound is slow to heal and the plastic surgeon told us a week or so ago, that it may take another two months before it is completely healed. This restricts Holly’s time spent in a wheelchair as she can only sit in the chair, for approx. 1 hour per day, therefore gets only one hour a day of Physio. Just a couple of days ago she finally had the cast removed from her left leg and we had bitter sweet news! Holly can actually move her ankle! This was very exciting news, but the surgeon who had done the surgery, soon brought us back to reality. The break in Holly’s ankle was in an area that receives very little blood flow, thus making the healing process slow and also iffy. The surgeon said that there is only about a 50-50 chance of this break healing properly. If it does not, the alternatives are bone graft, or fusing the ankle. As you can imagine this was rather devastating news as we just saw Holly move her one ankle (her right ankle has no movement) and now we hear that it only has a 50% chance of staying that way and may ultimately have to be fused. This would seriously affect her ability to learn to walk again. PLEASE PRAY that her ankle will continue to heal and that she will continue to have the use of it as this is a critical step toward her ability to learn to walk again. This week Holly will be fitted for her own personal wheel chair, which she is actually kind of excited about as there are many options to personalize it, including color. Who knows what she will come up with as Holly has always been one to “push the envelope” a little.

Please also pray that Holly will maintain her positive outlook, as this means so much for her healing process.

Thanks for your continued Prayerful support!

Ken, Gail and Family

The Great Shepherd

Click on this link for "an audio visual experience"!
God truly is the Great Shepherd of the Sheep and cares for His own. He is the Shepherd of Love.

May you be enfolded in His everlasting arms today! AMEN!

Decently and In Order

Just wondering...

Have any of you had trouble posting your entries lately? Often, when I post, my latest "offering" appears below an earlier entry on my blog (like this one just did). Is there any way to ensure that my latest post will appear at the top?

Thanks for any feedback that you can offer.

Tribulation worketh patience and my patience bucket is now overflowing.

Opportunity to Increase Readership

Dear Blogging Buddies:

I've created a ready-made invitation to encourage your faithful readers to visit PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS. This can be easily posted on your blog (if you wish).

You can paste the "html code" when creating a new "post". In an effort to reach more readers, I thought this might be a way to acquaint some of your blog's visitors with my PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS site.

Thanks for your consideration and, if you post this on your site, I will be very grateful. To receive the html code, please e-mail me at:
dwfisher@nexicom.net Thanks!

Working together to share God's GOOD NEWS!

David

Here's what the "post" will look like:

David Fisher, of the PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS blog, invites you to drop by for a visit. David has spent the last 30 years ministering to professional and amateur athletes. For 29 years he served as the chapel leader for the Toronto Blue Jays baseball club and for the last 10 years has been ministering to the Peterborough Petes hockey club. David is the founder of Epistle Sports Ministries, a letter-writing ministry of encouragement to athletes in all the major sports. David has sensed the call of God to encourage fellow believers for many years. For 15 years David owned and operated the Christian bookstore in his hometown. David has a deep love for Christian literature and often features reviews of life-changing books on his site. He has a heart for World Missions and has been significantly impacted by such leaders as J. Hudson Taylor, Jim Elliot and Amy Carmichael. He writes devotional posts and often shares “the best of other blogs” on PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS. Pay him a visit and, if you enjoy what you see and read, please add the PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS link to your blog. May the Lord bless you richly and make you a blessing to others! "The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble, and He knoweth them that trust in Him." Nahum 1:7 (KJV)

An Invitation

David Fisher, of the PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS blog, invites you to drop by for a visit. David has spent the last 30 years ministering to professional and amateur athletes. For 29 years he served as the chapel leader for the Toronto Blue Jays baseball club and for the last 10 years has been ministering to the Peterborough Petes hockey club. David is the founder of Epistle Sports Ministries, a letter-writing ministry of encouragement to athletes in all the major sports. David has sensed the call of God to encourage fellow believers for many years. For 15 years David owned and operated the Christian bookstore in his hometown. David has a deep love for Christian literature and often features reviews of life-changing books on his site. He has a heart for World Missions and has been significantly impacted by such leaders as J. Hudson Taylor, Jim Elliot and Amy Carmichael. He writes devotional posts and often shares “the best of other blogs” on PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS. Pay him a visit and, if you enjoy what you see and read, please add the PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS link to your blog. May the Lord bless you richly and make you a blessing to others! "The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble, and He knoweth them that trust in Him." Nahum 1:7 (KJV)

LIFESTORIES

This morning I picked up a new book at our local Christian bookstore, Emmaus Family Books.

Authored by Mark Hall, lead singer and songwriter of CASTING CROWNS, the book tells the story behind many of this award-winning singing groups songs.

As I'm a little old-fashioned and behind-the-times in some people's minds, I must confess that CASTING CROWNS' music and the testimonies of their members has always impressed me and blessed me.

Their songs hit home and have a stirring message. Mark Hall is the youth pastor at a large Baptist Church and has had an effective ministry both at the church and on the road with CASTING CROWNS.

Even though I haven't cracked the book open yet, I'm recommending it based on the integrity of this group and its members.

That's saying a lot. As you know, I'm an avowed Southern Gospel nut and would choose a George Beverly Shea concert over a Hawk Nelson any night.

If you haven't heard CASTING CROWNS, pick up a CD at your local Christian bookstore and enjoy "The Voice of Truth".

Enjoy the Heat

Enjoy the heat today...winter's coming and it could look like this outside. If you're feeling too hot today, take a look at this picture, pour a glass of cool lemonade and thank God for the changing seasons...here in the far north at least.

Summer and winter, springtime and harvest...

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS...

Note: The larger picture of the two was taken from the Created For His Glory web site. Please check it out!

Quietly Sovereign

Good friend Stephen Weber sends along the lyrics to the following hymn. He has been blessed by this hymn and now I have been as well. I've never heard it before but I know the tune so I quietly sang it this morning. Be sure to check out Stephen & Brooksyne's Daily Encouragement Net and have a good
day.


God Of The Ages
(Tune of "Morning Has Broken")

God of the ages, History's Maker,
Planning our pathway, holding us fast,
Shaping in mercy all that concerns us.
Father, we praise You, Lord of the past.

God of this morning, Gladly Your children
Worship before You, trustingly bow.
Teach us to know You always among us,
Quietly sovereign Lord of our now.

God of tomorrow, Strong Overcomer,
Princes of darkness own Your command.
What then can harm us?We are Your people,
Now and forever kept by Your hand.

Lord of past ages, Lord of this morning,
Lord of the future, help us we pray.
Teach us to trust You, love and obey You,
Crown You each moment Lord of today.

Daily Prayer:

God, You are supreme in our hearts. In adoration we worship You as we trustingly bow and lovingly surrender to You. Teach us to know You, as Your presence is always among us, working in Your quiet sovereign ways as You rule the affairs of Your people. AMEN.

Welland Sunset

Lately when I try to post a picture on the Pilgrim Scribblings blog, I get more frustration than satisfaction.

The sunset taken by Terry (Teresa) down in the Welland, ON area "took" on my first attempt. Hallelujah!

Keep taking those excellent photos, Terry, and thanks for your comments.

Have a good and godly week, trusting the Good Shepherd every step of the way!

And, by the way, I DID NOT take the shot of the bald eagle in my Saturday post. I'm not that quick and not that good with my camera yet. I'm working on it though!

MARANATHA!

Pluto's Plight

Pluto, the push-up puppet, has become Pluto, the pushed-out puppet (see picture), as he was unceremoniously removed from his rightful place in space.

Greg Asimakoupoulos has penned an excellent poem about Pluto's tragic fate.

Poor Pluto! Who's going to get the boot next?

RHYMES AND REASONS

The Tribe Has Spoken
The plight of a has-been planet
by Greg Asimakoupoulos
August 28, 2006

It's kind of Goofy, but it's true.
In spite of what we thought we knew,
ol' Pluto isn't worth his bark
way out there deep in space.

This is no Mickey Mouse-ish ruling.
All those textbooks from our schooling
have been rendered out-of-date.
The dog has been dethroned.

The tally proves he's no Survivor.
Pluto's torch has lost its fire.
The tribe has spoken and the pup's
been voted off for good.

So as you stargaze late at night,
remember "facts" aren't always right.
When science dines on just desserts,
sometimes it's humble pie.

This column appears every Friday only in The Partial Observer.
This article was printed from www.partialobserver.com
Copyright © 2006 partialobserver.com.
All rights reserved.

For The Birds

What a morning! It really was "for the birds!"

While eating my Mini-Wheats I watched hummingbirds, goldfinches, blue jays, orioles and cardinals coming to our feeder and birdbath.

As I was leaving for the "transfer centre" which is really THE DUMP, a hawk flew overhead and then, seconds later, a great blue heron passed over the trees.

While unloading "junk" at the dump, a bald eagle flew over, chasing a hawk with a fish in its mouth. It was the first time I've seen a bald eagle in the wild and it looked incredible.

Earlier, while Carol and I were still in bed, we heard a different bird song than we've noticed before. The bird would make about eight (8) short calls and then let our another eight or so in quick succesion. Any bird watchers out there that can help us with this?

God has given us so many things to enjoy! Let's pause to thank Him for His creative work and power. AMEN!

The Missing Jewel

The renowned writer/preacher, Dr. A. W. Tozer, wrote a searing indictment of Christians entitled, "WORSHIP, the Missing Jewel of the Evangelical Church."

John MacArthur refers to worship as the believer's "ultimate priority".

Tozer goes on to say, “In the majority of our meetings there is…
- scarcely a trace of reverent thought
- no recognition of the unity of the Body
- little sense of the “Divine Presence”
- no moment of stillness
- no solemnity
- no wonder
- no holy fear

So how do you feel about his assessment? Is he "right on" or was he exaggerating?

Personally, I feel that I've lost much of the sense of awe and wonder that I once had. Worship at times has become too commonplace thus making it counterfeit and without value. Jesus is desirous of "true worshipers" who worship Him in Spirit and in truth". (John 4)
This week I penned a few lines as I lamented the lack of awe and wonder in my own experience:

“Lost in wonder, awe and beauty
While upon Your face we gaze;
May the glory of Your presence
Draw from us a song of praise.

Waiting here in solemn stillness
As your people seek Your face;
Quiet, reverent, sober, resting
In the warmth of Your embrace.”

My prayer is that I (and all the Body of Christ) would rediscover the missing jewel of worship and, as Ravi Zacharias writes in a recent book, Recapture the Wonder.

May it be so for His name's sake! AMEN!

Beilgard's Brewers

This morning I flew back from Milwaukee, WI after spending a couple of great days there with some good friends.

I arrived early enough on Tuesday evening to catch most of the Brewers/Rockies ballgame and then visited with Gabe & Kelly Gross briefly after the game.

On Wednesday morning I had breakfast with Wayne Beilgard, the Baseball Chapel leader for the Milwaukee Brewers. In addition to his responsibilities with the ballclub, Wayne stays in touch with the other 29 major league chapel leaders, encouraging them and providing liaison between them and the President, Vince Nauss. It was great to spend time with "Wayno" as he calls himself.

Gabe & Kelly invited me for lunch at The Original Pancake House in Brookfield, WI. What a meal! I'll post a photo of them outside the restaurant as soon as I get it formatted properly.

Miller Park, the Brewers' ballpark is a great stadium (see photos). It has a retractible roof...a good thing because it poured rain last night.

Gabe asked if I could stay with the team longer because he started both games in left field and the Brew Crew beat Colorado in both of those contests. I know that my presence didn't mean a thing but...

Please pray for Corey Koskie, another former Blue Jay now playing with the Brewers, as he makes his slow recovery from a concussion suffered earlier in the season. Thanks!

Blogging Blunders

Scroll down to the Beilgard's Brewers post. 75% of the time two pictures are missing. The other half of the time they're there. I always DID struggle with math.

If anyone can figure out why this is happening, you're a better man or woman than I am.

Any suggestions? I'm frustrated...

The Path Less Traveled

Last weekend (up on the Eagle's Nest), Nathan took off on "a path less traveled".

Got me thinking...

Do we follow the crowd on the broad road or do we take a risk and forge our own trail through the brush and briars?

What path are you taking? Follow the Good Shepherd wherever He leads.

He is the the only Path to redemption and hope!

Eagle's Eye View of Tim's

Last Sunday we took the boys and Tamara, the young lady we provide care for, up to the Eagle's Nest in Bancroft. We had just dropped our granddaughter Victoria off at Graphite Bible Camp, north of Bancroft. Using my 12X Zoom I was able to get a close up of Tim's. This Tim Horton's is a gold mine. It's always busy!

Here's a shot of Matthew & Nathan standing on the lookout and one of Tamara.

Check it out sometime. The view is incredible, especially in the fall.

Gabe & Kelly Gross

Here's that photo of Gabe & Kelly Gross that I was trying to post earlier.

I had some trouble posting pictures and editing text today. Thought that was all solved when I went with BLOGGERbeta.

Oh well...I'll keep trying to perfect this blogging art (???).

Wonder if our Creator gets frustrated when He tries to continue the work He has begun in us. We keep thwarting His efforts through our stubbornness and disobedience. Just a thought!

Holly's Hope Re-visited

This afternoon Nathan and I dropped in to Lyndhurst Rehab Hospital in Toronto to see my niece Holly.

She finally got the cast off her leg/ankle. It's hard to believe that two months have passed since the horrific car accident.

Nathan wanted to give Holly his little stuffed lion with magnets in its legs because she already had a collection of these in her room. She seemed very pleased to see Nathan and to add another critter to her menagerie.

I'll give a more detailed update later but Holly seemed upbeat and very positive today. Thanks for your ongoing prayers on her behalf. I know that Ken & Beth (Holly's parents) appreciate that so much.

Holly was quite willing for me to take this picture and she knows it will be appearing here on my site. Now that you see this photo it may enable you to pray more intelligently. THANK YOU!

True Consolation

Thank you Saija for this reminder of God's wonderful provision.

God gives joyous consolation in the midst of our anxious moments.

Our loving Father's support during our trials is immeasurably meaningful!

"Thank you Father for undergirding Your children during the storms of life. Teach us to truly hand our anxieties over to You, knowing that You care for us far more than we could possibly imagine. We pray through Your Son Jesus. AMEN!"

BLOGGERbeta

To all my blogging buddies who have been having difficulty posting pictures, etc:

Last night I switched to BLOGGERbeta and things seem much better as far as downloading pictures is concerned.

When you go to your sign in page, you'll likely see a link for BLOGGERbeta. I clicked on it, opened a GOOGLE account and my blogs were all converted to BLOGGERbeta.

Here's a link you can click on for more information.

So far...so good. Check it out!

Have a good and godly day...trusting the God of heaven each step of the journey.

Prayer For Today

My friends, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber have maintained a wonderful encouragement ministry for several years called Daily Encouragement Net.

Now they have added a site which includes a prayer for the day. Check this out at Daily Prayer Net.

Here's a prayer from that site that I found particularly pertinent to my present situation and I've made it "my" prayer for today as I begin the day:

"Lord Jesus, help me to remain faithful to You and your calling upon my life. Strengthen and grow my faith as I daily search Your Scriptures and apply their truths to my spiritual walk. As I go through the trials and experiences of my earthly journey would You fix my eyes and my ever-wandering heart upon Jesus. When the howling winds and forceful storms of this life attempt to shipwreck my faith may they instead prove my faith to be more than sufficient to withstand the continual assaults from the enemy. Because I take refuge in Jesus my spiritual foundation is firm, always dependable, and leads me to glorious victory. Amen."

May the God of all hope give each of you, my readers, His strength today as you make your pilgrimage home. - David

Proud Parents

Last week I posted an article concerning Eric Staal taking the Stanley Cup home to Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Somehow that post disappeared into cyberspace somewhere.

Here's the photo of Eric's proud parents, Henry & Linda. I've met them on numerous occasions and they are such humble, down-to-earth people.

Again, I congratulate the Staal family and wish them God's best in the days ahead!

Seventh Day Dumpists

Yesterday (Saturday) I met a bunch of my friends again at church...a different type of church, mind you, but there's always such good fellowship there. I even met a teller from my bank. It was great to see Kathy at church. Made me wonder what she was "depositing" there.

The Church of the Seventh Day Dumpists hold services between 9:00 and 5:00 on Saturdays. They have meetings other days too but the weekend meetings are always well attended. Yesterday's get-togethers were no exception. There was a excellent turnout. No place to park.

My kids always look forward to going with me. It's such a relief to have children who can't wait to go to church. Invariably they get something good out of it and bring it home with them. Why yesterday I even brought home a new Bible for my collection...The New English Bible.

I often see more of my neighbors at our Saturday church than I do on our road. We meet there and always say, "We should get together for coffee." But, we never do.

The Seventh Day Dumpists have been around for quite awhile. Perhaps you've never heard of this denomination. Perhaps the Dunkers or the Doukobors but not the Dumpists.

The patron saint of the Dumpists, Father Seymour Trash, once said, "I count all things as refuse..."

This church has become a little unorthodox though. Rather than talking about redemption we refer to it as recycling. There are big bins where we can get rid of stuff and a big ol' shed where we can pick up old golf clubs, New English Bibles and old 10" televisions from 1956.

Hopefully by now you've guessed that I'm speaking about out weekly trips to the dump or, as the more cultured people call it, the transfer centre. I always meet friends there. That's why I asked Carol not to buy the genuine maple syrup that comes in glass bottles that look like Crown Royale whiskey decanters. I just hate to see my neighbors, with poor eyesight, judging me for drinking too much.

The fellowship there is always great! The kids love attending! There's always something for everyone! You can get rid of your "junk" and start over again!

Great reasons for being a Seventh Day Dumpist...I think.

On a more serious note, many families in Third World countries actually live at or on the garbage dump. This is the only food, shelter and clothing they can find. Missionaries in many countries carry on their ministry of mercy at these disease-infested places, reaching out to the people who live there with God's love and compassion. God forbid that we should carry on living so comfortably with all our "stuff" while others beg for a crumb of bread on the garbage heaps of poverty stricken countries.

We Ran Out Of Sausages

You must be thinking I'm off my rocker with a blog title about sausages. I'm having such a hard time posting anything this weekend. Something must be wrong with BLOGGER or maybe it's just "this" blogger...me.

Now I see I've lost all my links...get it...we have no sausages. No links on my site.

Anyway...by the time you read this, my links down the left side of Pilgrim Scribblings might be restored. If not, they've got stalled in the Eric Staal post graveyard somewhere in cyberspace.

If you can help me with the restoration of my links, please leave me a comment or send me an
e-mail. THANKS!

Have a good and godly week, dear friends!

Blogger Stalled or Staaled

Dear Friends (and you too, Julie and Terry, because you commented on the Staal post):

My BLOGGER system has been giving me problems this weekend. I had more troubles posting the article on Eric Staal than you could imagine. Last night it just disappeared...from my computer at least.

Have any of you blogging buddies ever had similar experiences?

Regardless...this truth remains constant and always will:

"The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble, and He knoweth them that trust in Him." - Nahum 1:7 (KJV)

(My grandmother taught me that verse as a young child and I'll never forget it. Time after time I go back to that scripture and it gives me strength and stability during the storms of life.)

Yukon Produce Produces Good Pix

One of my favorite bloggers is Rebecca from the Yukon. Her theological posts are always well written and thought-provoking.

Her photos are always incredibly clear and she includes shots of her garden and of God's flora grown in the Yukon.


Check out these two photos. Rebecca grows incredible fruits and vegetables up there. Don't those raspberries look delicious! Look at those dwarf dogwoods. Who says there's no God? No intelligent design?

I always visit Rebecca Writes on Sundays to check out the old hymn she's included for the week. Why not check it out as well. You'll be glad you did!

Pastoral Visitation

My cousin Heather from Cabri, SK sent me the following story. I thought it was appropriate for a Sunday morning:

The young couple invited their elderly pastor for Sunday dinner. While they were in the kitchen preparing the meal, the minister asked their son what they were having. "Goat," the little boy replied. "Goat?" replied the startled man of the cloth, "Are you sure about that?" "Yep," said the youngster. "I heard Dad say to Mom, 'Today is just as good as any to have the old goat for dinner.'

Good Night Mr. Sun

Thank you, Terry, for this incredible shot of the sun bidding farewell to our part of the world.

Must be tough being an atheist and having nobody to thank when you see such spectacular sights.

What a mighty God we serve! The heavens declare His glory...

Woman's Brain Found...Empty

Wow! Just when I was about to lose my mind/brain, one of my understudies found hers. Elizabeth Natalie found her brain buried at the bottom of her Cedar Chest. Her last post was on June 16th. Now, two months later, she is up and running again. Hallelujah!

Elizabeth Natalie's resurrection must have taken place this afternoon. We were both at a funeral. EN was the special soloist and she sang incredibly well. Following the funeral I commended her for singing with such anointing. Then I lit into her about her absent bloggedness. She must have gone home and looked for her brain.

Earlier Brodie got back on his horse after dismounting ages ago. He actually posted something on August 10th after being silent since July 9th (my birthday). Way to go, Brodie. Check out Hope of His Calling.

Now I feel that my life is back on track. The two special friends I've been mentoring in the art of blogging have fired up their engines.

Here's what Elizabeth Natalie posted concerning her disappearing brain:

This summer I’ve been useless
At posting on my blog
I tried to think of something
But my mind was in a fog

Perhaps one night past midnight
When no one was around
My computer stole my brain
Since it was no where to be found

I thought I had been spending
Too much time before the screen
And then it finally happened
I was no where to be seen

My computer stole my brain
Yes, honestly its true
I pressed CONTROL and ENTER
And it slipped into the blue......

Good-bye to creativity
The thought now makes me squirm
My brain had caught a virus
And been eaten by a worm

I searched through the recycle bin
And files of every kind
I even used the Internet
My brain was not on-line.

I finally sent an e-mail
‘Please Help Me Find My Brain’
In final desperation
Before I went insane

Next thing I checked my IN BOX
And in the greatest glee
I found that my creative side
Had been sent back to me

I copied, scanned, and pasted it
Right back into my brain
My fingers started typing
andI am writing once again.

- Natalie Elizabeth - August 16/06

Note: That's Elizabeth Natalie and her husband Liver Lips in the photo.

M E S S

"What's MESS?", you ask. This morning I met with another charter member of MESS. We meet whenever our busy schedules permit.

MESS is...Mutually Encouraging Struggling Saints

Do you know any of them? Maybe you are one of "them". I know I am.
God has called us to minister encouragement and hope to fellow believers in the Body of Christ.

After my friend and I met for breakfast we were both energized and encouraged to go out and make a difference in our world.

We shared scriptures and some quotes that benefited both of us. My friend told me how Psalm 34 had buoyed him up this morning. I shared a thought from OUR DAILY BREAD and Chuck Swindoll's thought for the day from his desk calendar.

Let me leave these thoughts with you, dear friends:

Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) was the founder of the China Inland Mission. Following the Boxer Rebellion in which hundreds of his fellow missionaries were killed, Taylor was emotionally devastated and his health began to fail. Nearing the end of life's journey he wrote, "I am so weak that I cannot work. I cannot read my Bible; I cannot even pray. I can only lie still in God's arms like a child and trust." - taken from OUR DAILY BREAD - August 11/06

Chuck Swindoll wrote, "There is not an achievement worth remembering that isn't stained with the blood of diligence and etched with the scars of disappointment."

Discouraged today? Can't read God's Word or even pray? Do as Hudson Taylor did. Lie still in the everlasting arms of our mighty God and simply trust Him. Remember...when we get "home" we will realize that those blood stains, tears and scars produced an inheritance that will never fade away.

Press on, weary child of God. We never walk alone. He is there every step of the way.

"Cast ALL your cares on Him for He cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7 or, as the David W. Fisher Amplified Version would state: "Release/dump/throw/unload EVERY SINGLE CARE into the everlasting arms of the mighty, sovereign God who loves you passionately and cares for you beyond your wildest expectations."

AMEN!!!

Laughing At Ourselves

Click on the following link if you feel you can laugh at yourself. Those who found themselves or continue to worship in a Plymouth Brethren (small "b", please) assembly will find this amusing or will be downright perturbed and angry with it.

Are you curious? Willing to step out and take a chance? Can you laugh hysterically at yourself? Well go ahead and CLICK.

http://wikkidwebsite.mine.nu/ (When you get to this site, click on the words, "Here is a flash cartoon". Click on the other links if you're curious. Be prepared though!)

When the narration stops, click on the "continued" link on the right side of the screen.

Any comments?

P. S. Do you recognize the pictured man? He is John Nelson Darby or JND as the early "brethren" called him. He is held up as the founder of the "brethren movement".

Big Hat and Fries?

My blogging friend Terry (no, it's not a guy, it's a gal, Teresa) stopped at McDonalds with her mother for coffee. Terry had some caffeine and mom chose a hot caramel sundae. Doesn't she look regal in that hat?

Reminds me of one of the ladies who attended our Brethren assembly when I was a child. She was bent over like the Hunchback of Notre Dame because her oversized hat was laden with all manner of fruits. Her husband must have been Caleb, recently returned from the Promised Land with grapes, pomegranates, pineapples, cherries, peaches, pears...

What's the point of my scribblings here? There is none other than to introduce my friend who so faithfully adds comments to my posts and to show how attractive a hat can truly be.

Remember, Terry...I'm giving you $5.00 for every comment just to make it look like there's some readership to this collection of unrelated and often worthless rants and raves.

Have a great week, dear readers.

Our redemption is nearer than when we first believed! Hallelujah!

P. S. I take my coffee black as well!

Pigeon Hole Me...I Dare You

Driving to work tonight at Christian Horizons I got thinking about the complex person that I've become. You certainly can't accuse me of being stuck in a rut. I'm in a continual state of flux. Always changing...or, hopefully, maturing in my faith walk.

I'll share some of my thinking and then dare you to fit me in to one of the theological slots.

Here's where I've docked my ship at the present time. Maybe tomorrow I'll set sail again.

Theologically, I believe that the Scriptures are inerrant in the original autographs and are

our sole guide and authority for faith and practice. I believe in the sovereignty of God, human responsibility, the deity of Christ, the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.

I don't believe that speaking in tongues in the initial evidence of the filling or baptism of the Holy Spirit. I don't believe that physical healing was guaranteed when Christ atoned for our sins. I believe that believers can have the Spirit of God resident within but not president. In other words He can inhabit the Christian but not be invited to fill and control the believer.

I believe that Jesus Christ is the only One who can provide salvation from our sins. I believe in the eternal security of the believer. As of today, August 13th, 2006, I still hold to a pre-tribulational, premillenial form of eschatology.

Regarding forms of worship, I'm most comfortable with the original Open Brethren style of communion...a Spirit-led, reverent gathering where Jesus Christ is the central figure. I enjoy the weekly partaking of the bread and wine. I don't care for the pre-planned service. The priesthood of all believers is a precious principle to me. The old hymns are my preferred musical taste. Although I have never been involved in a liturgical type fellowship of believers, I often long for the reverence and quietness that usually accompanies such forms of worship. I believe that when a Christian takes his/her seat in our sanctuaries and meeting places that all conversation with fellow congregants should cease and we should quietly prepare our hearts to worship the King, our Host.

I enjoy writers who are Calvinistic and those who take an Arminian stance. I'm still confused as to which side of the fence I pitch my tent. Rather than declaring myself a TULIP Calvinist, I choose to worship and adore the ROSE OF SHARON and refrain from theological debates on this ongoing topic.

I believe that living by faith and trusting God to supply my needs is both scriptural and scary. I adhere to the truth of Hebrews 11:1.

I believe in the value and necessity of world missions. I also wonder about the negative impact on missionaries' children when they are sent off to a Missions School hundreds of miles away from their parents.

Regarding the non-essentials...or the do's and don'ts that became extra baggage for Christians during my formative years...I still think it's wrong for ME (maybe not others) to drink any alcoholic beverages. Smoking is out of the question. I've never danced and never had the desire to. Even attending movies is still uncomfortable for me and I'm rarely in a movie theatre unless it's to watch a kid's flick with my sons. I don't even know to play cards. What a boring existence! On the contrary, my life is full, wierd, busy, unpredictable and often frustrating but it IS abundant!

Getting back to some other matters theological (???) I think it's completely within the realm of Christian orthodoxy to be contemplative and to seek "spiritual direction" and desire "spiritual formation". We have much to learn from some of the practices of others who differ from us theologically. Busy as I am, I long for solitude and quiet. I've seen the barrenness of a busy life and I long for a more contemplative lifestyle.

I could go on and on but I've shared just a few things with you.

Go ahead and try to pigeon hole me. I'll bet that if twenty of my readers (I thought I only had 10) took advantage of this exercise, I'd be slotted in different "pigeon holes" even though I've articulated some of my beliefs and preferences.

Just something to think about. I had to get this off my chest and onto my blog.

Called me mixed up if you wish.

I love you all!

David

Answered Prayer...In the Box Score

Every night I check Major League Baseball's box scores to see how the guys I know made out. For months I've been hoping for The Return of Mike Sweeney, the Kansas Royals 1st baseman/DH, who has been out of the lineup for most of the season. When I saw his name in the box score several days ago I rejoiced. "Rejoice" isn't a word that most "ink stained wretches" who cover baseball would use but for a guy like me who's been praying for Mike, I REJOICED. Mike is a Christian and one of the Baseball Chapel reps for the Royals.

I found the following note on a blog entitled ROYAL REFLECTIONS:

Sweeney Being Sweeney

Game Date: August 9, 2006
Game Score: Royals 5, Red Sox 4
Box Score
WP: Dohmann (1-1), LP: Papelbon (3-2)

"You’ve seen him in this same situation a dozen times or more over the years and nearly every time, he produces the game winning hit. But he’s older now. He’s been out of action for three months and there’s no telling how much longer his back will hold up. The Royals aren’t playing for anything. Their season has been over since late April. And then he does it again.

A solid two-out single to left field in the bottom of the ninth that produces the first walk-off win for the Royals this season, and it all comes rushing back. The thrill of watching a professional hitter do the very thing he was born to do—even though he hasn’t done it in a long time.

You see his teammates rush to gather around him in celebratory high fives and hugs. You see the Royal faithful refusing to go home because they simply want to enjoy the moment. And you hear the joy in his voice during the post game interview and you know it’s genuine. And you are happy to be a Royals fan.

Mike Sweeney will be the first to tell you that he didn’t win the game all by himself last night..."

CONGRATULATIONS on making it back, Mike! I'm looking forward to getting together in two weeks when the Royals come to Toronto. Stay healthy, dear brother!

See you soon!

Dr. Fisher (as Mike calls me)

Check this link from the Baseball Chapel site for Mike Sweeney story:

Mike Sweeney Relies on Faith in Christ

Cann(ed) Gold

Canada's Under 18 Junior team picked up another Gold Medal this weekend in the World Under 18 Tournament held in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Trevor Cann (pictured in the front row) of the Peterborough Petes picked up the shutout in Canada's 3-0 win over the USA in the championship game.

CONGRATULATIONS, Trevor! We're looking forward to a great sophomore season for you with the Petes. With the departure of David Shantz you'll get your opportunity to be the #1 goaltender.

Thanks for your regular attendance and support and our twice-monthly MONDAY WE HAVE FISH chapels.

Yeah Canada!

A Quiz

I'll give credit where it's due later but...

What do you think I would do with this picture?

What kind of message would I write?

Think about it and leave me some comments.

Go to it! Thanks!

Falling Into the Arms of Depression

The following post by my blogging buddy from Texas, David, is a sad lament concerning the subtle advances made by depression. As one who continues to wage war on the big "D", I was challenged by my friend's words. Hear what he has to say, inspired by the Spirit of God:

To a friend...

It is sad to hear
that you are still in the arms of depression.
He is a deceitful lover.
He invites you into his arms so subtly.
You think you are being comforted,
while he sucks all of the juice out of your brain.

Some do battle with depression,
others give up and listen to the siren song.
They go deeper and deeper into his arms
until there is no light.

There is light on the other side.
A tiny starburst,is trying to break through the abyss.
Open your heart to the light.
Trust that there is hope,
grace, and peace.
Believe that the light
is a better lover
than the darkness.

- David Michael (Barnett)

Getting Under My Skin...Again

Here he goes again. The prophet (in the truest sense of the word) from a recent generation, A. W. Tozer, has a way of making Christians uncomfortable. If I didn't believe he had a legitimate point, I could get downright angry with him. If the shoes fits, let's wear it, even if the little stones hurt our feet.

Here's the latest entry from Literature Ministries International and their Insight for Leaders e-mail devotional/challenge:


A. W. Tozer

Evangelism: Man-centered Christianity

"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head over all." -1 Chronicles 29:11

Christianity today is man-centered, not God-centered. God is made to wait patiently, even respectfully, on the whims of men. The image of God currently popular is that of a distracted Father, struggling in heartbroken desperation to get people to accept a Saviour of whom they feel no need and in whom they have very little interest.

To persuade these self-sufficient souls to respond to His generous offers God will do almost anything, even using salesmanship methods and talking down to them in the chummiest way imaginable.

This view of things is, of course, a kind of religious romanticism which, while it often uses flattering and sometimes embarrassing terms in praise of God, manages nevertheless to make man the star of the show.

taken from Man: The Dwelling Place of God, p. 27

Sound Theology

And speaking of "sound theology"...

Did you hear about the guy who ordered Charles Hodge's 3 volume set of Systematic Theology from CBD?

He made the mistake of ordering Lewis Sperry Chafer's 4 volume set of Systematic Theology at the same time.

When they arrived all seven volumes were in tatters from the theological battles they had en route.

Sound theology? Which is the "right" theology?

Perhaps Linus can give some insight!

I'm reminded of A. W. Tozer's classis quote: "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." I trust that those thoughts come from a sound theological understanding.

Have a great weekend...in Christ!

Window of Opportunity

Looking for a window of opportunity? Here's one...

Talk about a hose job...

That's what BMW stands for isn't it?

Borrow My Windows

Many thanks to my friend Susan Bunts for this photo!

Mission Statement

Fellow bloggers, if you were to state the purpose of your blog what would it look like? How would it sound? Would you have trouble defining and articulating it? Why not think about it and take a stab at it.

After thinking about this for an hour or two, here's an initial stating of the purpose of PILGRIM SCRIBBLINGS:

Mission Statement:

"Pilgrim Scribblings exists to provide an outlet for the author to set forth his beliefs, reflections, thoughts, struggles and victories and to provide a forum for discussion on all these matters. All scribblings are not overtly 'Christian' but the ultimate purpose and goal is to bring glory to God and show how He reveals Himself in the everyday occurrences of life."

Of course this is a dynamic statement, not something that is static and unchanging. I'd like to see the Mission Statements of many of my blogging buddies so please think about this and let me know.

Thanks and God bless!

David

Secretary For Sale?

This week we noticed an unusual ad in the classified section of our local newspaper. It read:

FOR SALE:

"Antique secretary...with round drawers and two secret compartments - $600.00"

Of course it was a typo or, more correctly, the word "desk" was left out.

God forbid that we should revert to the horrendous practice of selling slaves on the open market.

Hooked...Again

When I recently posted the picture of Derry O'Byrne with his Big Fish I thought of this previous Pilgrim Scribblings post from November 2005. Deborah never did respond and offer a comment. Maybe she will this time.

Gone fishing lately? I mean the "fishers of men" kind of fishing. Be sensitive opportunities that arise daily. Follow the Spirit's leading and you'll have a stringer full of fish before you know it.

Here's that "post" from the archives:

Yesterday one of my partners in ministry at Christian Horizons told me that I was in trouble. I don't recall the actual words that Deborah used but she quickly allayed (is that a word?) my fears by telling me that I had got her "hooked" on reading Pilgrim Scribblings and the blogs of my friends. That's why the "Fish" writes these daily "posts"...so get others "hooked".

Now I just have to convince Deborah to resurrect her own blog! I'm patiently waiting, my friend!

Have a great day and don't forget to enjoy the "Quiet"!

P. S. Now I just have to convince Deborah to leave a "comment" after reading this.