Quarry Intern Graduation

Intern graduation for all three years tomorrow night @ 7PM at TRC. We are proud of these young people who chose this path to determine where they are and where they are going. Thank you to the leaders, teachers and host homes. I am honored to have had a role in the classroom element. I learned - and hoped I passed on a little doctrinal, spiritual and life lessons. They passed some on to me.

Come join us in celebrating the culmination of this part of their lives.

Back to the Northland

Life just gets in the way of blogging. I missed getting to Alaska for my dad's 90th birthday bash. But things are turning out good since I'm headed there next week for business. My mom and dad will be in Anchorage while I'm there so I'll get to spend a little time with them.

A technician from our company is going with me to try and clear up panel problems at one of the resorts outside Anchorage. Although after all the years I spent there it will not be new for me, but I reminded the tech that he should get ready for sunshine after 10pm. That made him stare off into the distance - gave him something to look forward to. I know it will be nostalgic for me. Looking forward to it.

Mid-week Refreshment

This will refill your tank for the run to the weekend. DO NOT miss this prayer & worship time. It's so great that God has given us this entre into His presence. Not found just at TRC, but is definitely found in the Body of Christ. Come, make this your time of refreshment. If you're like me, nothing beats a ice-cold glass of water. This is my spiritual water. This time of prayer & worship with other believers and Jesus will wash away our wordly, weekly cares.

Risk-takers are Lion-chasers

Our church, The Rock Church in Monroe, WA opened its 2nd campus in Lake Stevens, a few miles west of Monroe. In Monroe we went to 2 services on Sundays in order to not get too crowded. We've had a vision for a multi-campus church - one church, multiple locations - and God confirmed it was time last fall when we were graciously given the new site in Lake Stevens.

Mark Batterson, in his book, "In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day" says things that just happen in our human lives are coincidences. But things that happen when we are prayerfull and watchfull are called providences.

Although this was just the first service - grand opening is on Easter Sunday - there was an SRO crowd in the Worship Center that seats 100-150 worshippers. I'd say we need to stay in that prayerful, watchfull mode to get God's direction on expansion @ Lake Stevens - first for multi-services on Sunday, then physical expansion. GOD IS GOOD!!!

There's a reason for 'jimtwin'

I thought it would be fun to post a picture of my twin brother, Jerry, and me when we were very young. (Don't know the exact age, but looks like we're between 2 and 4 months.) Now you know where "Jimtwin" comes from. That would make this photo from the winter of '37-'38.

Don't ask which is which, as I never did find out. Our mother could have told you in a flash, but she has been with the Lord since 1949. And my dad, well, you know how dads are - he'd look at the picture and say, "That's the twins." Yes he'd still say it to this day. He's still alive and kicking and just going on 90 years young.

He still is trying to get a handle on these new gadgets: the internet, blogs, cell phones, remote controls, etc. But what he does know about he's very sharp on.

Been fun reminiscing. God bless . . . . .

New Blogger

This week I helped wife Marlys to set up her blog (http://marleesjournal.blogspot.com) and I am super-excited since I know how passionate she is about writing. She has been writing her Bible studies and prayers for years and now any of you who choose to follow her will see what I mean.

Marlys has just blogged on the word "occupy" and what it means to us (church) and for us. It is a word that invokes active participation in this thing we call 'kingdom-building.' Read it and be encouraged to jump in with both feet. You will feel the rewards immediately. God bless . . . .

Things that were great in 2008

In response to Pastor Jeff's blog, here is my list of the best ten things in 2008 in my and Marlys' lives (not necessarily in order of importance, that would be difficult):

1. Our daughter and son-in-law (Yakima) have gone full-out in their service to the body of Christ since his accepting Jesus and her re-committment in November '07.
2. We have been able to assist a granddaughter who is going through some rough life experiences. We're praying for her re-committment to Jesus.
3. I made sales goals that earned us a wonderful 6-day trip to Florida in October.
4. We added many new members to the Guest Services team this year and set in place 1st and 2nd service team captains.
5. A granddaughter moved back to Tacoma from NY and is preparing for a mission trip to Romania.
6. One of our grandsons has re-established a relationship with us and we are excited about his questions about spiritual things.
7. We were able to make two trips to Alaska to spend time with my parents who are both still going strong, in fairly good health, and live alone and above all, love the Lord.
8. Our church leadership selected us as part of a team to go to the C3 conference at Fellowship Church in Texas in February.
9. Our church was given an established church site about 10 miles west of TRC and we have participated in cleaning, painting and remodelling. This will be a second church campus for TRC. We are excited about this opportunity to expand the TRC-style ministry.
10. Marlys and I are in our 52nd year of experiencing life together. We will celebrate our 52nd anniversary on June 22nd.

This is only a start, really. . . (Where's yours, Cliff?)

Old Year Out, New Year In

I went on my blog site and found out it's been over a month since I last updated. The holidays have a way of interferring with the non-essentials - like blogging! No excuses for not 'Tweeting' more often since that is quick and easy.

We have finished a fantastic year at The Rock Church (TRC) in Monroe WA. We have had good growth in the church body, many new volunteers came into the Guest Services Team and we (TRC) were given a church building and site in Lake Stevens, mortgage-free and clear, about 10 miles west of Monroe where we plan to have our first services at 10:30am Sunday, January 11th. Before that first service, though, we have much cleaning, sprucing-up and re-configuration of some of the building rooms, including a make-over of the worship center. So God is good and His mercy endures forever.

Now we are looking for a break-out in this year of new beginnings, 2009. I am determined to have a listening ear to God's direction for my life, both spiritual and secular. Yes God is God no matter what part of my life I am involved in. I want to learn how to be consistant in my worship in all facets of life.

Prayers for 2009: God's protection for my entire family; a hedge about the children; a desire to press into the kingdom by the adults (including Gr'pa & Gr'ma); continued growth at the TRC campuses; financial commitment by the church body to fund these locations; people to be moved to attend the new LS campus; and finally, many salvations and re-commitments to the Lord in the worldwide church. There are many more prayers, including those of thanksgiving, praise and worship to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

See you in the new year.

From Church to DQ

How does time slip away? I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last blog. Lots has transpired. The Rock Church staff (some) & volunteers spent last Friday & Saturday sprucing up around the Lake Stevens campus. In fact, they got so much done on Friday that we were notified they really didn't need us on Saturday. Well, that was a blessing in that it let me attack some weekend chores around the house.

We're praying for a rejuvenation in the housing market around here so we can get this place sold next year as we inch toward retirement. If my boss has his way, it won't be a full retirement as he wants me to do some part-time work. So will probably do so a couple of days a week to stay out of trouble.

Getting ready for the great holidays of the year. One of them in which we get to say, "Merry Christmas" to everyone who offers a generic, "Happy Holidays!" Excuse me whilst I honor my wife's request for a DQ ice cream something-or-other. Bye, now.

Church and Work

I have waited a week or so to be sure the word was already out on this first item, and it is, so I will make a couple of remarks.

A while ago our senior pastor at The Rock Church (TRC), Jeff Knight, was called by another pastor from a church about 8 or 9 miles from Monroe. The short version of this story is that this pastor's church that is in Lake Stevens was going to disband and their leadership had met and after prayer felt God was directing them to give the property, a church building and a school building to TRC. I've heard the property has a tax value of about $1M. What a blessing. TRC has been praying about 'expanding our tent' and waiting on God for direction. Our leadership is now praying about the use of this property. We can do a great work with this satellite facility. Thank you, God.

Marlys and I are prepping for a Florida trip starting this Friday that I have earned through meeting sales quota this year. I'm especially glad my wife will be going with me - both our trips are being paid by my employer. It wll be a bit of a working vacation with some meetings I'm obligated to attend, but we'll have a few days for 'fun in the sun.' And it goes without saying, thank you, God for the health and work you've blessed me with at age 71.

Time and Trust

How on earth does a month (almost) pass before I post another blog? Life gets in the way of blogging.

I tweeted about the church intern class I am privileged to be teaching. It is the first full Bible class I've taught since 1976. This one is on Basic Doctrine, based on a textbook written by Kevin Conner and published in 1980. Am thoroughly enjoying the discipline it takes to teach. The instructor learns a great deal as he/she studies. Lots of new revelation. God is magnificent, to say the least!

Marlys and I are steadfast in our reliance on God in this time of economic upheaval. We are in prayer continually for those who are being touched and hurt by the financial situations they face. Brad, our son, and his family feel it as they are on stike from Boeing. The mechanic's pay for this huge airplane manufacturer is great - when you're working, that is. We are able to help some, and are grateful for it. It eats at our retirement potential, but we know we serve Jehovah-Jireh.

We also are praying for the coming prez elections. We can't help but believe God has placed a believer (Palin) in the position she is in for His glory and His purpose. We can only pray for wisdom and, as Jesus prayed, His will to be done.

Light and Salt

I believe it is so fantastic what is happening on the national scene; I am convinced that God has introduced something spiritual and those that allow the enemy to divide the Church do not understand it. It has them confused and producing all the vicious lies that can be heaped on a believer; and we all know who is the father of lies.

Sarah is certainly not the only (born-again) person who could bring this about, she has just made herself available to be a light in a very, very dark world. If asked, I believe she would explain it the same way. It's not her, it's Him.

Thank you, Sarah for your sacrifices. Thanks to you, Todd and family, for your sacrifices and allowing your wife and mother to be a light and the salt of the earth. Thank you, God, for your favor and extending your mercy to our great America.

Hometowns and politics

Wow! In Alaska twice within 3 months. Just enjoying sitting around and reminiscing with family members here in Seward where we all grew up. The last couple of days have been just beautiful with clear-blue skies and fairly warm temperatures for Alaska - was in the mid- to upper-sixties. We walked around downtown and looked at the area where the tsunami wiped out the old waterfront and railroad terminal.

But, as it will do in this far northland, the blue skies left and the clouds and RAIN came on the scene. Really don't expect snow for some weeks. It has to hit the top of the mountains first. In the old days of construction shutting down we called it "termination dust." But, since the '64 earthquake they have found ways to work through the winter as needed. It's an exciting country.

Well, and don't you know, almost every person I've talked to here is absolutely walking on air with the selection of Sarah Palin as Sen. McCain's running mate. I will tell you this nation is on the verge of seeng one of the most real, down-to-earth up-and-coming politicos seen, at least in my lifetime - and that's been more than a few years. She is a born-again Christian who is neither afraid nor ashamed to profess her salvation and love of Christ. And although she and her husband knew that they were going to have a disabled baby (Down's syndrome) they did not abort but knew God was giving them someone special. What an example.

Musings on church life

Heading toward the great experience of teaching interns. I think we (instructors) are going to meet with Ken Malman (dean of Portland Bible College) prior to beginning our new year this fall. I'm looking forward to chatting with him and getting more insight into my part in revealing insight into the Word and character of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Son of Man.

I'm appreciating more every day the role that the Church (and in our case, The Rock Church) is playing in our golden years. I'm still working at my secular job, but these years are still golden!

Teaching Decisions

A few weeks ago I was asked to consider teaching Basic Doctrine II, a class for the interns at TRC. At the same time I was also jazzed up about leading another Reach Team (aka small group) this coming fall. So, faced with this dilemna, I prayed and mentally reviewed all I knew about both. I know that doctrine is so important in our Christian walk, and sometimes I feel that we don't get enough of this teaching these days, for some reason. And yet, I was excited about leading a RT, especially one involving voluteering in the church.

Although I knew the Doctrine class was going to rough, as I have not taught anything like that for over 30 years (whew, time flies!), I also knew that I like the structured studying that comes with this assignment. So....here we go, jumping into Doctrine with both feet. I'm estimating it will take 6 - 10 hours a week for preparation and then about 3 hours for the weekly class.

And that is the good part, the study time and the challenge of presenting Doctrine (this one is basically about Christ) in such a way as to make it real in the lives of young interns. We are using a textbook by Kevin Conner who is associated with the City Bible Church in Portland OR. I first heard Kevin about 35 years ago in Anchorage AK when he came and held a series of meetings at Abbott Loop Christian Center. So I'm really looking forward to using his material.

TRC now has ownership of our building - well, us and the bank. But because of the not-for-profit status we will be experiencing a great monthly cash savings that will let us accomplish more ministry: about $9K/month through '08 then upwards of $12K/mo. This is one giving church and there is a new freedom to move on now that the building purchase is behind us. I'm expecting some great things.

Church Reflections

Pastor Jeff advised us in the service today that we met our $1.2M commitment for the downdayment on the building. Most of the papers are in escrow and he should sign the last docs tomorrow. It's been an exciting ride since we started attending The Rock Church about 5-1/2 years ago. God has led us through interesting events. We are so grateful to be able to give of our time and resources to this church. We spent many years looking for what we felt was a church to become involved in and were very cautious about jumping in; once burned, you tend to be cynical. We are satisfied TRC is the body where we belong.

Thanks to all the pastors, elders and wonderful, welcoming people who have become so close these past few years.

Busy, Busy, Busy

What exciting times at The Rock Church (TRC) in Monroe WA where we worship. We had one sad event a couple of weeks ago as one of our members went home to be with his Saviour in a bad motorcycle accident. He didn't cause it, rather was hit head-on by carelessness in the opposite lane. We mourned, grieved, cried, comforted each other, then celebrated his home-going.

Then this week we completed our homestretch in raising the $1.2M downpayment for the building we've been leasing since 2004. Buying this building will allow us to save the property taxes (we're non-profit, of course) and use it for other ministry outreaches. We will be dancing during worship in church this coming Sunday! (By the way, for you having trouble with this dancing thing in church, didn't King David dance before the Lord because of his excitement over God's blessing?)

Another exciting thing that I'm getting ready for: teaching a Basic Doctrine class for our church intern program. Imagine, returning to the classroom at 70 years young! This is going to be good and I fully expect to learn something from these young people.

Finally, our small groups (we call them Reach Teams) from church will start up again in October. These RT's can be anything from Biblical studies to financial classes to knitting & cross-stitching. I'm still praying about leading a RT in volunteering in church. Speaking of which, Marlys & I are directors of the Guest Services at TRC. We (the Team) greet and get contact info from 1st attenders and follow up on them, usually via phone calles. Our team members all have a heart for this and are truly called to make people welcome. We encourage them to find a church where they are comfortable if they don't feel TRC is for them. Seems like most who are looking for a church want to come back and get involved.

Geography & Grandkids

It's the weekend and we get to visit my daughter's family in Yakima, WA. In case you're not familiar with our WA state geography, we live in western WA where we get a lot of marine air with the accompanying cooler summer days that are sometimes mixed with rain. From about the end of June the weather changes and we actually go into warm - even hot - days and beautiful evenings that are comfortable for sleeping. Temps are generally in the upper 70's to mid 80's, but we can reach into the mid 90's quite frequently on the east side areas further away from Puget Sound where Seattle is located.

Now, to continue this little lesson, once you cross the Cascade Range about 50 miles due east of Seattle, you hit the hot, dry Columbia Basin (central WA) and on east where summers are typically in the mid-90's to low-100's. Humidity is way low and this area (Yakima) only experiences 7-10 inches of rain a year. A good deal of the fruit and juice you enjoy comes from this area and north of here there are many thousands of acres of wheat. Hundreds of vineyards are found here as well with many award-winning wineries in the area.

So it's nice to come over and enjoy the family with lots of grandkids and great-grandkids running around. Our daughter has horses (she's a barrel racer with lots of regional and state wins) cows, chickens & area for the kids to run in. Kids are our legacy and in generations when each of us are gone, I believe that people will know us best by how our children and their children love and serve God and others, and are just good people. Hopefully, Marlys and I will have done our jobs well if people see that in our family. The Bible says that children are an heritage from the Lord; I do believe that.

Sunny Alaska

Well, finally made it to AK! Am having a great vacation with my family and grandson. Spent Tuesday July 1st 4-wheeling around a huge lake outside of Anchorage. What a beautiful 77dg sunny day. The 11-year old grandson got to drive all the way on the 9-mile return trip. I rode double behind him for safety but he didn't need me. On to another day.

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism

Yesterday, Sunday, we experienced 'OnePrayer' with a video message from one of the pastors whose church is involved in OnePrayer. This is an exciting concept to me: denominational churches, independent churches, churches of similar vision, that we can come together to pray for our nation and the world.

What are we praying for? That the church, the entire body of Christ will come together in unity so that the world will see the church on earth as Christ sees us, not as a bickering family. We have to show - no, have - love for each other. Isn't that what Jesus said, that they (the unbelievers) would know us by our love?

We have disliked each other for too long. Let's take the walls of difference (indifference?) down and come together. Time to do it; we're giving the victory to the enemy, and we know who that is and what he would do to the church. We don't need the world to hate us, we're doing a pretty good job on our own.

Feels like I'm preaching and that's not my ministry. But it is my church and I want to love it like Christ loves it.