From My Heart To Yours

Cozumel Diving 2011 - Day 10 The Final Chapter

2011-07-22T18:19:00.004-05:00

Day 10, The Final Chapter -- Okay, I know some of you are tired of all the underwater photos, so I assure you that this is the final chapter of Cozumel 2011. Today we will show photos of a large gray ray, a trumpet fish, a five point star fish (this is the only one we saw this year), Mitch with a turtle, a small eel, and a balck & yellow reef fish that wanted a kiss from Reva. Then there are four macro shots of very small critters. You'll have to look closely at some in order to find them. They are a black-red-white nudi-branch, a sand blennie, a red rock bleenie and a lettuce nudi-branch. Reva did a great job of photograph this year. She had to carry the ball after Mitch's camera case flooded and ruined his camera. Thank you all for looking and PLEASE leave some feedback. God has given us so much beauty that is hard to imagine until you've been there! Enjoy and God bless!

Cozumel Diving 2011 - Day 9

2011-07-21T14:47:00.016-05:00

Day 9 -- Palancar Horseshoe Reef followed by San Clemente Wall. These were very nice drift dives that produced great colors of coral, sponge and fish. Greeted shortly after our decent by a friendly feeding sea turtle, the fun was on. Lobster (big enough to feed a family of six) poked its head out to say "hello". An unfriendly Lion Fish met its doom at the end of Dive Master Julio's spear and would be held over to the second dive to make a festive dinner for a large Mutton Snapper. A large crab waved goodbye as we prepared for our first assent of the day. On the second dive, though the current was swift, we were quickly met by another large lobster. Along the way were an array of beautiful reef fish, large Parrot Fish, large Brown Angels Fish, a couple of grumpy looking Barracuda and too many others to name. As we began our final assent a six foot Nurse Shark swam out to say goodbye. We hope you enjoy the photos and the videos today.
Gram doesn't like videos taken of her. Grandpa says, "Get over it, Gram!"

Wow! Watch these big Parrot Fish chompping down. Don't let them get your finger!

Cozumel Diving 2011 - Day 8

2011-07-20T16:47:00.007-05:00

Day 8 - Trips to Dalila and Punta Tuniche Reefs were unique, enjoyable, but not our best dives. Swift currents made photograph difficult, but there were rewards, as you will see. Enjoy the photos of: crab; splendid toad fish; blue tipped sea anonime (see if you can find the tiny cleaner shrimp); green moray eel, and the sand dollar. We'll also try to load a couple of videos, but can never tell if they'll actually load. One is a special request from our grandson, Thatcher, who told Gram that he wanted to see a video of Grandpa swimming. The other is of our divemaster, Julio, feeding a Lion Fish to a Trigger Fish. What fun!

Cozumel Diving 2011 - Day 7

2011-07-19T16:23:00.011-05:00

Day 7 -- A beautiful day for diving with calm winds and flat seas. S trip down toward the southern end of the island brought us to Palancar Garden Reef for our first dive. Lazy swim through tunnels between 70 and 90 feet were relaxing. Coming out on top of the reef brought an array of sea life. Our second dive was at San Clement Reef. This is a reef which we dove earlier in the week at night, but this was the first ever daylight dive for us at this location. It is a shallow reef (20-45 ft.) and was one on which we spent just over ninety minutes today. We looked for and found many tiny sea creatures: Nudi-Branch of assorted varities; tiny sand and rock blennies; a flounder about the size of a quarter; and many very small fish. Toward the end of the dive we found ourselves face to face with a small school of Reef Squid. This is something we'd never encountered before. We hope you enjoy the pictures and please leave us a comment.

From some of the LARGEST (Mitch with a Great Grouper)......................To some of the smallest (Mitch with a Nudi-Branch lying on his arm) Spider Crab (Good shot, Reva!) Trunk Fish (or is that Mitch looking in a mirror?)
God's glorious beauty shines through at 90 feet under the sea!

This little reef fish is only about 3 inches long and very difficult to catch in a photograph. In all our years of diving, this is the best we've been able to do!

A nudi-branch (about 1/2 inch long) inside a yellow barrell sponge.

School of Reef Squid passing by.

Very nice File Fish, but Mitch will never catch him! Reef Mermaid. I think I'll take her home with me!

Cozumel Diving 2011 - Day 6

2011-07-19T16:13:00.002-05:00

Day six took us to Columbia Reef and Columbia Shallow Reef. Columbia Shallow has become our favorite diving destination because it is shallow (meaning we can stay down longer) and there is an abundance/variety of sea life. Our second dive today lasted over one and one half hours and we hope you enjoy the photos.

The splendor of God's creation. Looking up from 85 feet below the waters surface.

Sea Snails mating at 35 feet. (the slugs are extended from their shells...in between the two shells)Puffer FishSplended Toad Fish (found only in the area around Cozumel)

Trumpet Fish

Cozumel Diving 2011 - Day 5

2011-07-17T21:52:00.009-05:00

Day 5 took us to Santa Rosa Wall and Tormentos Reef. There were many reef fish, some tiny critters and one huge Green Moray Eel. Enjoy the photos!

Beautiful Queen Angel Fish

Tiny Deep Blue Sponge attached to large Red Sponge. Very Unique. Small Fish searching the heart of an Orange Sponge

Purple Shrimp

Green Moray Eel (look closely for Mitch peeking in from the back side)

Can you find the Yellow Blinnie? He's about the size of a match head!

Cozumel Diving 2011 - Day 4

2011-07-17T20:58:00.005-05:00

Day Four brought another couple of great dives on Carribean reefs just off Cozumel, Mexico. Our dives today were a late afternoon dive on Cedral Wall followed by a night dive on San Clemente reef. Here are a few photos and a couple of short videos. Enjoy and feel free to leave a comment or two.

An intrusive Lion Fish attacking a Conch nestled in the center of a Giant Sponge.

A Multi-Tiered Flower Worm

A beautiful blue Trigger Fish.

Hawk Nosed Turtle

Does anyone out there know what this is? Even our divemaster, whose been diving these reefs for sixteen years, had never seen one.

Let's Do the Crab Walk!

Flitting and Flirting With a Yellow Ray.

Cozumel Diving 2011 - Day 2 Night Dive

2011-07-15T16:51:00.008-05:00

This is the sunset as we headed out for our Day 2 Night Dive. Hey, we know it's beautiful and you'd like to be here, but we hope these few photos will help you live the moments with us. Enjoy and feel free to leave comments. A beautiful Peacock Flolunder nestled on the Carribean floor.
This is not Trigger, but it is a horse of sorts. We found four or five on this dive.

Female Parrot Fish
Straight off the Northwestener! Capt. Sig would be proud.

Video of Octopus

Cozumel Diving 2011 - Day 3

2011-07-15T15:28:00.007-05:00

Well, here we are on Friday and we had two more fantastic dives this morning. Dive one was to the famous "Devil's Throat" reef which is basically a long cave like dive inside a coral reef. The cavern is entered at about 80 ft. depth and then goes straight down to about 130 ft. There's not much sea life inside, but the penetrating sunligt is beautiful on the coral. Photos taken there didn't turn out because of the lack of light Sorry.
Photos are from the second dive of the day, on Columbia Shallows. This is a great dive with many fish and other sea life. It is one of our favorite, and shallowest, dive locations. All of the photos are from Columbia Shallows. Oh yes, we did have a mishap Yesterday on our night dive. My camera case, for unknown reasons, flooded immediately on entering the water. I checked it and it was locked down. Apparently a piece of sand had gotten on the O-ring, but we're not sure. Anyway, the camera is now history so I'll be on line when we return home looking for another one just like it. The case cost as much, or more, as the camera and will only accept that model of Canon camera. So, the rest of the trip we'll be using only Reva's camera. Hopefully, she'll let me take a couple of pics each dive. She let me take about five today and the green Moray eel is my only photo shown here. The rest are hers! Thanks for checking out the blog and we hope you enjoy the pics.

Cozumel Diving 2011 - Day 2

2011-07-14T17:52:00.005-05:00

Day 2 -- Thursday 7-14-2011 This was a great day of diving. The weather and water were perfect and we saw so much of God's creation/creatures, from some of the smallest to some of the largest. We saw tiny nudi-branch, sea worm, crab, lobster, reef fish, shark, two HUGE grouper and then as the grand fanalie...........a pod of pilot whales! These are very rare around Cozumel. One lady we were diving with has been diving here for over twenty years and never seen one. Today, as we came up from our second dive the boat captain was very excited because he had spotted the pod off in the distance. As he approached the pod, what he thought was three or four was actually several dozen. Pilot whales are similar in appearance to dolphin but their nose and dorsal fin are different. They are much darker in color than dolphin and much larger. These ranged from around eight feet up to about twelve feet in length as best we could tell. While we were't allowed to actually swim with them, it was a sight to see. The last photo in this group is of a couple of these whales just as they breeched. Reva did a great job catching the action. We'll be headed out for a night dive shortly, so what for more tomorrow.

Reva says, "Hello" to everyone.

Pilot Whale Video (19 seconds)

Cozumel Diving 2011

2011-07-13T21:57:00.006-05:00

Day 1, Thursday 11-13 Well, we arrived safely and right on time. After picking up the rental car and dropping off luggage it was straight to El Chalango's for an authentic Cozumelen "lunpper" (combo of lunch and supper). Homemade soup and two excellent chicken dishes (mine was Pollo Poblano) reallly hit the spot. A quick trip to the grocery store to stock up on essentials like fresh shrimp, avocados, fruit, veggies and Coke Zero assurred that we would not be going hungry. Checked in with our dive shop (Dive Paradise), rented a locker and hit the water for our check-out dive. This was a dusk shore dive just behind Hotel Barracuda and was one of the best dives we've ever had at this location. If it was an indication of what we will see this week, it will be fantastic diving. Below are a few photos of the dive. The first one is of my Do-Rag Babe and I think you can figure the rest out. Hope you enjoy them.

2010-08-12T10:36:00.007-05:00

Hope you enjoy these short videos shot on our recent trip to Cozumel, Mexico.
All footage was shot by Reva and me using a Canon 1200 SD camera.

"School Is In Session"

"Grace Under the Sea"

Master of Disguise (Peacock Flounder)

Porcupine Puffer Fish

Toad Fish - Out and About -- This is only the 2nd time we've seen a toad fish outside of its hole. Very rare footage.

Last Day of Diving in Cozumel 2010

2010-07-25T15:01:00.006-05:00

It has been a super week of diving in the beautiful waters of Cozumel. Sadly we have completed our final dives of this trip spending a little over one hour on Columbia Reef and then just over 90 minutes on Columbia Shallows Reef. Columbia Shallows is (as its name implies) a shallow dive, mostly less than 25 feet deep but it is amazingly beautiful. We hope you enjoy these final posts from these two dives. We salute our excellent Dive Master, Julio, and all the fine staff at Dive Paradise for another great diving experience. We will try to upload some short videos when we arrive back in the U.S.

Again, please leave comments.

Mulit-Level Flower Worm (Reva) She also has a movie of this worm in action!

Four Lurking Baracuda (Reva)
Peacock Flounder (Mitch) Also have a movie of this flounder flittering off into the sunset.

Male Parrot Fish - Finally some good color! (Mitch)

Beautiful Purple Arrow Shrimp (Reva)

Pipe Fish (Mitch)

Pipe Fish, up close and personal. Can you find his snout? (Mitch)

Golden Eel (Reva), She has a knack for finding eel.

Anemone Crab (Mitch)

Star Fish (Reva)

Brown Hind (Mitch)

Splendid Toad Fish (Reva)

2010-07-24T15:28:00.004-05:00

We've now completed dives 16 and 17 on this trip to beautiful Cozumel. Today we dove Plantanca Gardens (down to 119') and Chhankanab Ballones (about 70'). We saw both large and small critters, but amazingly no turtles today. We saw some hugh Grouper. Be sure to look all the way to the end today for a look at just how big.

Enjoy, and please leave a comment. Last dives, and last post will be tomorrow. :(

Two Sea Snails (approx. 1 inch long) (Mitch)

Purple Fan Coral (Mitch)
Lettuce Nudibranch (approx. 1" long) - Can you find his antenni? (Reva)

4" Blister Worm (Reva)

Flower Worm - about 3" across- the bloom retracts when approached (Reva)

18-20" Parrot Fish - their color is hard to capture. This one is fair. (Mitch)

Small conch (2") in Sponge (Reva)

On our 2nd dive, we met this. Could it be drug trafficers from Ecuador, J.K. coming to visit, or the sightseeing submarine "Atlantis"? (Mitch)This is photo of a nurse shark and a BIG grouper. Can you find the grouper? (Mitch)

To give you some idea of the size of the fish, here is Mitch within an arms length of the Grouper (did you find it?) (Reva)

2010-07-23T17:17:00.007-05:00

Okay, we're back! Today is Friday and we just completed dives #14 & 15. Here we share photos from those two dives. The first dive was on Planacar Caves and the second one was on Paseo de Cedral Reef (Cedral Pass). Both dives were fairly shallow, 77' and 55' at their deepest point, averaging about 45' each. The first dive was mainly through a series of swim throughs, running throughout the coral reef. Normally there's not much sea life inside the reefs, but sometimes you will see very large crab, nurse shark and a few other critters. Mainly you can see some spectacular beams of sunlight piercing through the openings. Once out and on the reefs there is an abundance of sea life. Some large, like the Nassau Grouper (divemaster estimated length at about 4 feet and 50 lbs.) to the tiny Anemone Shrimp, which Reva captured in a macro shot, which is less that 1 inch long and very difficult to locate. We hope you enjoy the photos, and please leave your comments. We'll try to post more after tomorrow mornings dives.

Looking Heavenward From 65' Deep Inside Palancar Caves (Reva)

Top of Cedral Pass Reef
Spotted Trunk Fish (juvenile, approx. 6 " length)(Mitch)

Nassau (or Black) Grouper (approx. 4+ ft. length) (Mitch)

Purple Sea Anemone (Mitch)

Dinner (Lobster) (Mitch)

Appetizer (Conch) (Mitch)

Reva found a new dive buddy! (Mitch)

Barracuda (3' long)(Reva)

Golden Sand Eel (Reva)

Crab Hanging In a Hole (pinchers 6"+-) (Reva)

Anemone Shrimp (1" long) (Reva)

Spotted File Fish (Reva)

Spider Crab in Sponge (can you find his blue pinchers) (Reva)

Looking toward the water surface from 22 ft. (Mitch)

2010-07-22T16:31:00.008-05:00

Here are photos from our last five dives, two yesterday morning, one last night and two today. It POURED rain all day yesterday so we couldn't post. Here at Casa Martillo the WiFi doesn't work well (or at all) inside the condo. We have to sit on the patio to use it. I didn't want to sit in the rain working on the computer. It is beautiful today and we've spent most of the afternoon lounging around by the pool. We hope you enjoy these photos. Please leave comments.

Squid (night) (Reva)

Squid (night) (Reva)
School of Mutton Snapper (um-um good) (Mitch)
Octopus (night) (Reva) Octopus (night) (Reva)

Mitch and his 2nd Dive Buddy (Reva)

Balloon Fish (night) (Reva)

Blackblotched Eel (night) (Reva)

Rusty File Fish (?) (Reva)

Reef Fish (?) (Mitch)Banded Butterfly Fish (Mitch)

Spotfin Butterfly Fish (Mitch)

Blue Tip Anenome (rare) (Mitch)

Red Sea Horse (Mitch)

Queen Angel (Reva)

Black Sailfin Blenny (Mitch)

Spiny Star Fish inside a Sponge (Reva)Bluehead Wrasse (Reva)

2010-07-20T19:04:00.005-05:00

Well, we've had another great day of diving in beautiful Cozumel. Our 1st dive was at Punta Sur Cathedral and was about a 130 foot dive. This is too deep for may nice photos, but it was a good dive and now we can say "been there, done that."

Our 2nd dive was at La Francisca Reef (French Lady Reef) and was only 60 feet and higher. We saw many wonderful sights here and took several photos. We've posted only a few here, so as not to bore you, but we have many more. Also, I am going to try and post a short movie of a shark (I thought Thatcher and Ashtyn would like that). I hope it works. I think the video will show up at the bottom of the page, but I'm not sure. Please give us your comments.

Sea Biscuit (Reva)

Black Angel Sea Scape (Mitch)
Black Angel (Reva)
Squirrel Fish (Reva...her favorite reef fish)

Female Parrot Fish (Mitch)

Male Parrot Fish (Mitch)

Blister Worm (Reva)

Angel Fish (Mitch)

Splendid Toad Fish (Mitch)

Grunts (Reva)

Small Anenome & Sponge Sea Scape (Mitch)

This is a video of one of the two large nurse shark we saw on our second dive. They are non-agressive and eat mainly planktan (not people). I named the movie "Shark, Come and Get Me" and you'll see why. We also saw a very large (eight or so feet long) reef shark on our first dive, but the depth did not allow for photos or movies. It's the first "real" shark we've ever seen down here. As soon as he saw us, he turned and took off for even deeper water.

Sorry, but after almost 3 hours, this 40 second video had still not uploaded properly and suddenly the internet connection failed, so if you want to see it you'll have to let me know so I can email it to you. Welcome to Mexico! Ha.

Cozumel Diving 2010

2010-07-19T16:17:00.009-05:00

Well, we're enjoying the beautiful waters off of Cozumel. We'll be posting photos here throughout our stay and hope you enjoy looking at them. We're taking tons of photos of which most are not very good, but occassionally we get one that is at least fair. We'd love to read your coments (cudos or condolences).

Reva

Mitch

Crab
Turtle

Red Hind Fish

Lobster (dinner?)

Lobster (leftovers)

Sea Snail

Turtle

French Angel

Green Moray Eel

Parrot Fish

Will Post More Later. Please Check Back.

V.B.S. 2010 Forest Hills Baptist

2010-06-22T10:58:00.018-05:00

VBS at F.H.B.C. was a blast and one of the best ever. Enjoy the photos!

VBS 2010 Group Picture

Our Fearless Leaders

Here We Go!Welcome To Saddle Ridge Ranch

Drama Queens & Their Crazy Leader

Sharing the Gospel. That's What It's All About!

Pre-Preschoolers

Olivia, Thatcher, Ashtyn & Robie

Are we supposed to be saying the Pledge?

Soap painting is fun!

Thatcher!! Waaaaaaaaa...

Hi, I'm Robie.

Hello, I'm Ashtyn. And I'm Thatcher.This is Gram's class.

And this is AL's class. (Aunt Laura, or mommy...whatever.)

We think we were the best class of all.

Hey, what about me?

I'm Drew.

I'm a cowgirl. Think I look like Annie Oakley?

Who cares about girls? Us men are playing on the fort!

Family Night was a big event. About 180 attended!

All us kids took part in our program.

Well, maybe all but one!

Flood of 2010

2010-06-10T10:47:00.006-05:00

Welcome to the Flood of 2010. Hopefully it is the last one for many years!

The Rise Begins

Special thanks to Jeremy Roy, Marty Johnson and Billy Stephenson for coming over quickly to help us move out of the downstairs area before anything could be damaged.

The Rush Is On!

Also, a shout out to Matthew Scott, Erica Scott, Tammy Johnson and Heather Johnson, who along with Marty and Billy helped us squeegy the mud out of the house, garage and off the patio and then power clean and santitize so we could move back in.

The Soggy-Boggy Aftermath!
>
We got most of the things moved back in by late night and had no damage to the house or furnishings. The water was just over a foot deep inside the house and it left about a one inch deposit of mud everywhere.

Yesterday was our day of prayer for our Vacation Bible School. I am sure we're going to have a great VBS this year, because Satan is doing everything he can to disrupte. I've got news for him. Our God is bigger and more mighty than he could ever hope to be and God will overcome his attacks once again!

A Big Thanks to a Good Friend

2010-01-11T20:56:00.001-06:00

Rarely in our lives do we meet individuals who truly impact our lives in the most significant ways. Oh, there may be two or three along the way, but they are few and far between. One of those people in my life is a gentleman whom I’ve known for only a relative short period of time when viewed on the time-line of life. He moved into a corner of my life about eleven years ago and I immediately was impressed by his intelligence and at the way he carried himself. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy; a nuclear submarine engineer; a retired U.S. Navy Commander; and he holds an earned Doctor of Ministry degree: All quite impressive. These however, are not the attributes that caught my attention. Immediately I saw this man as one who walks with God and one who knows not only in whom he believes, but also why he believes. I saw a man whose heart is filled with love for the church, her pastors and uncompromising truth. Over time, this man became my mentor. He allowed me the privilege to walk with him, talk with him, pray with him, and learn from him. He has challenged me when I needed challenged and has been a great encourager in both my life and ministry. He has been a stalwart during troubled times and in many ways I think I have felt much the same way Timothy and Titus must have felt in the presence of the Apostle Paul. Joseph K. Minton has been more than an Associational Missionary to me: He has been, and is my friend. J.K. has now officially retired as the Director of Missions for the Bluebonnet Baptist Association. He will continue in ministry, though in a more vocationally limited way, working with churches which are plateaued or declining. His lovely wife, Ruth, is one of the most gracious ladies I have ever met and she truly deserves more time with her man. Reva, our church and I wish J.K. and Ruth the very best of life in the days ahead and I look forward to some great golf lessons! As Robby Partain takes the mantle of ministry from J.K., we also wish him the best and look forward to working with him and the churches of the Bluebonnet Baptist Association for many years to come.

The Name of Jesus: Brit Hume and Tiger Woods

2010-01-05T11:45:00.003-06:00

There is and has never been anything more controversial than the name of Jesus. It is the only name given among men whereby we must be saved (Acts 4: 12), but it is also the name that stirs up more animosity than any other. Christians are being persecuted more in America today than at any other time in our nations history, simply because of His wonderful name. If you've never done so, I recommend reading Franklin Graham's book The Name, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2002, in which Dr. Graham addresses the bigotry associated with the name of Jesus.

Last week a noble news journalist, Brit Hume, came under attack because he referred to the dreaded "J" word. Actually, he didn't use the name of Jesus directly. He used the word "Christianity", which in our fallen society is disdained as much as "Jesus". I had heard and seen Mr. Hume's remarks several times, but give thanks to one of my parishioners, Bill Wilcox, for forwarding me this Internet link to both his initial remarks and a subsequent interview with Bill O'Reilly. The link is: http://www.thecypresstimes.com/article/News/Opinion_Editorial/BRIT_HUME_TIGER_WOODS_AND_JESUS/26723

Whether or not you like either Brit Hume or Bill O'Rilley, I challenge you to take a few minutes and watch both clips. As Christians of diverse political persuasions, we must rally behind Brit Hume. He has both the right as an American and the mandate as a Christian to lovingly speak the truth about God's love and forgiveness. His invitation to Tiger Woods to explore the grace of God was extended in a non-threatening, non-intrusive manner, but he is coming under great attack. I thank God that in the world of political correctness, there was a man who stood on truth and principle. Pray with me that God will protect Brit Hume, his family and his career. Pray with me that Tiger Woods will hear the invitation with a conviction of heart and turn to Jesus Christ.

God Is Good -- Health Issues

2010-01-01T20:17:00.002-06:00

During the first week of July '09 I was diagnosed with diabetes, in a rather unusual manner. It was a little scary, at first, but God is good and all is well now. With a good doctor, some oral medication, lifestyle adjustments, a wonderfully understanding and supportive wife, and the hand of God, all is under control. I've taken up golf (or hacking, as it's called in my case) and look forward to a great 2010.

I am making this post simply because in recent days many of my friends have found out about my situation and inquired about just what happened. This is an article first published in our church newsletter, The Trumpet Call, and it pretty much explains it all.

......................

August 2009

I rarely use this space to address personal issues, but on this occasion I take liberty. On Thursday, July 2, my life forever changed. I know that Philippians 4:6 says, “do not be anxious about anything” and 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you,” but on this day these passages would become more than preaching points. They would become tests of my faith.
Let’s go back to late last summer. I made my annual pilgrimage to the doctor for my annual checkup. Everything looked good except one thing. My blood sugar level was at the high end of the acceptable range. My doctor, who is a fine Christian man, sternly advised me to lose about twenty pounds and said with the weight loss and good eating habits we should see the blood sugar level come down. I tried, really tried to be a good boy. With Reva’s help, we stopped eating dinner at 9:00 p.m., at least on most nights. I began eating a small breakfast and making lunch my “big meal” of the day. Supper was generally soup or salad and before long I started losing weight: a little at first and then my body caught onto what I was doing and the pounds began to drop more quickly. I lost thirty pounds and thought I was doing well. Then it happened.
Over a short period of time some physiological changes began to take place in my body. My mouth became very dry and as many of you noticed I began to carry a glass of water into the pulpit with me just to make it through the sermon. I drank more water than usual, a lot more, but really didn’t think much about it. More frequent trips to the restroom came quickly, but hey, it was not big deal. After all, I was drinking much more water. Reva began to get concerned. Guys, don’t you hate it when your wife gets concerned about you?
We had planned a trip to Cozumel in July with our airfare and condo prepaid. We looked forward to spending the time together and exploring the reefs once again, but this time with our new underwater digital camera. We had big plans. Well, because of her concern for my health, she began to nag, and pray. She wanted me to go to the doctor and get checked out, “just in case,” she said. Of course, being a man, I said I’d just wait until my annual physical in August. After all, I didn’t feel bad so why go to the doctor. The dry mouth was being handled adequately by simply drinking more water. No big deal, right?
Reva’s prayers and nagging would not diminish, so finally I made an appointment with my doctor on, you guessed it, Thursday, July 2. It was a terrible day. I had spent much of the day visiting with church members and dealing with various issues of a pastoral nature. That, is not bad, just a little stressful but then as I was about to leave for my doctor’s appointment, my car would not move out of “park.” It was 104 degrees and I couldn’t get the gear shift to move. I laid on the floorboard, trying to evaluate the problem to no avail. Finally, I called the doctor to tell them I couldn’t get there on time, hoping they’d say we’d reschedule after my return from Cozumel. But no, they said to come on in as soon as possible and they’d wait on me. My secretary, Tammy, was gracious enough to take me to the doctor and I arrived thirty minutes late. The nurse came in and asked me why I was there. “Wife nagging,” I replied. She laughed and then I told her my symptoms. “Uh-oh” she said. “Sounds like diabetes.” That’s not what I wanted to hear, but “hey,” I thought, “I’m controlling this with diet and weight loss.” She took a urine sample and then pricked my finger for a quick blood test. After metering the blood, she turned and walked out of the room without saying a word. Less than thirty seconds later the door swung open and the doctor came in. “Are you having chest pains?” were the first words out of his mouth. Not, “hey, Mitch how are you doing” or “what’s up today, man.” He seemed hurried, almost in a frenzy and really out of character. My response to his question was a simple “no,” and then in hurried succession he asked, “Chest pains?” “Dizziness?” “Numbness in your arms or legs?” And each time my response was “no.” Then he repeated each question with the attached phrase “are you sure?” to which I responded, “I’m sure, doc. I feel fine. My mouth is just dry.”
The doctor quickly ordered up an EKG, checked me from one end to the other, then ordered a battery of blood tests. I went to the hospital (the only lab still open at this late hour) and had blood drawn while Reva went to have a couple of prescriptions filled. I was to take one pill immediately and one the next morning, then return to the doctor’s office at 11:30 the next morning. I did exactly what the doctor ordered and listened to Reva ask me, “now aren’t you glad you listened to me.”
The next morning, Friday, July 3rd, I returned to the doctor’s office, this time on time. The nurse came in, took my blood pressure and again pricked my finger for a blood sugar test. Again, she left without saying a word. The doctor entered. This time he was not in such a hurry. He was, in fact, rather laid back with a funny look on his face. It wasn’t a look of worry; maybe perplexed. He sat down on his little doctor stool and laid his clipboard which held my charts on the examination table beside me. He shook his head and said, “I’ve never seen anything like this in my life.” Then he went back through the list of questions again, “Chest pains....Abdominal pains...etc.?” Same questions. Same answers. Then came the wallop I wasn’t ready for. The doctor said, “the normal range for one’s blood sugar level tops out at 110 and yours was at 925 yesterday when you had your blood drawn. This is not compatible with human life. Right now your blood sugar level is at 550, and you should be in a coma. Are you sure you’re feeling okay?”
You could have blown me over with a straw. “What are you saying?” I asked. He responded, “you have diabetes, big time and we’ve got to get this under control immediately.” “What do you mean?” I innocently, or stupidly asked.
“I mean I’ve never seen anyone with this high of blood sugar level that was still talking. Above 400 people grow delirious, fall into a coma and by the time it reaches where you were yesterday, they die,” said the doctor.
“Well, you’ve got to do something quick” I said, “we’re leaving for Cozumel to go diving on the 14th.”
The doctor replies, “I don’t think that’s going to happen.” He then talked to me about the seriousness of the condition, and particularly at the levels I was experiencing. He told me that only God could have protected me with the levels of blood sugar I was having and that even though I hadn’t realized it, I had been at death’s door. What he was saying began to sink in and suddenly my world came crashing in. What if Reva hadn’t been so persistent in making me go to the doctor? What if we’d been in Mexico and something tragic would have happened? What if I never had an opportunity to hold her again, or kiss my daughters, or play horsey with my grandchildren? What if . . . what if . . . what if? My life had changed and the anxiety was overwhelming. Questions swirled in my mind and as I shared with Reva what all the doctor had said we both became emotional. We would get through this together, we promised one another and we reassured one another that God would never leave us nor forsake us. We prayed together and in at least a small way began the process of casting our anxieties upon him. The scriptures had become very personalized, and suddenly buildings, programs, and even “church” became less important. I’m here at FHBC until the Lord moves me or calls me home, or until you fire me, but on July 2,2009 everything in my life changed and I hope you’ll understand.
Fast forward one week. Things are changing and getting better. Blood sugar levels are not where they need to be, but they are much better and the doctor has cleared us to go on vacation. We’re learning to adjust diet, perform personal blood tests, and do all the other things associated with this new challenge. We know that God is our keeper and we are so grateful that even when we were totally unaware and I was too stupid to understand the warning signs, our God was watching over me and protecting me. Every day is indeed a gift from God!

What Happened to Colt?

2009-12-13T00:09:00.002-06:00

If the BCS isn't bad enough, the Heisman voting had to come along to demonstrate all that is wrong with college football.
Tonight's travesty: Mark Ingram is NOT the number one running back in the nation. He's #12 in rushing yards per game, 26th in scoring and 31st in all purpose yards. He had his best game ever against Florida last week, and Alabama will be playing in the national championship, but along the way they had to beat such powerhouses as North Texas, Florida International, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Auburn which combined for a 26 win - 34 loss season. By the way, Ingram did not rush for even 100 yards in any of these games. (San Antonio Express-News, Dec. 12, 2009, pg. 6D)
Sorry to be bitter, but Colt McCoy IS the winningest quarterback in the history of college football and though he didn't have the game of his career against Nebraska last week, he did lead his team to victory AND a spot in the BCS national championship bowl. This in addition to leading his team to an undefeated season with some outstanding games along the way in what is arguably one of the top two or three conferences in the nation. He won the Maxwell and the Walter Camp awards for player of the year, but he comes in 3rd in the Heisman vote? What!? Politically correct sportswriters cannot see past the last game of the season, don't understand season statistics and generally hate anyone from Texas (and that includes you Aggies too).
Go Horns! Beat Alabama and Mark Ingram!

How Do We Pray for a Crazed Killer?

2009-11-09T15:04:00.007-06:00

This morning I received an email from a member of our church. It contained both as confession and a question that many are probably asking today, although most would not venture to voice it publicly. Though emails do not have inflection, I caught a hint of despair and confusion which I knew warranted immediate attention, so I prayerfully wrote out a response. The confession, the question and even the emotion of the email are most likely things many Christians are struggling with today. I asked my parishioner for permission to share the email and my response with you. I hope the few minutes it takes for you read this blog entry will be worth your time and help in your own personal struggle concerning this issue. Your responses are welcomed.

The email read:

Bro. Mitch,

I have a question.
How do you pray for this monster that murdered all these people on the military base, the fact that he is even still alive?
Is it wrong to wish he would have died or were dead? What a horrible thing for me to even say. God already knows what I am thinking, so I can not pretend the thought did not enter my brain.

Thanks,

Signed by Parishioner

My response (expanded somewhat from the original);

Your question is one all Christians deal with from time to time, even if we’re unwilling to admit it. For you to be honest with God is the first step. Like the man who came to Jesus with a son suffering from demon possession, we need to say to God, “I believe, but help my unbelief.”

Our goal is to see people through the eyes of Jesus and to love people as He loves them. U.S. Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan is really no different than any one of the Roman soldiers who nailed Jesus to the cross. They had bought into the lies of the Roman government and church leaders but Jesus looked at them and said, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they’re doing.” Muslim extremists have bought into the lies of Eastern culture and the Muslim faith. They too are lost and are in need of the Savior. Actually, the Roman soldiers and this crazed killer are just like each of us once were. The Bible asserts, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." The Message Bible paraphrases Paul's reminder to the church in this way: "It wasn't so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. [2] You let the world, which doesn't know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. [3] We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It's a wonder God didn't lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us." (Ephes. 2:1-3 )

You see, Satan is alive and well. He has a grip on the lives of Muslim extremists, but we must also remember that most of the "good old boys" we share life with on a daily basis are just as lost as they are. God sees all people, including Major Hasan with the same eyes and loves them with the same heart He sees and loves you with. As God's children we must remember that there is always hope in Jesus Christ. Don't forget that Paul's reminder to the church didn't end in verse three. It continued, "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, [5] made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephes. 2:4-5)

We can only pray that the senseless violence will stop and that all people, including Muslims like Major Hasan, will realize that the man on the cross gave His life for them. One of the thieves crucified next to Christ realized who Jesus was, confessed Him as Lord, and even in the waning moments of his life, his sins were forgiven. Until that final breath is taken, there is hope. There is hope for Major Hasan and his hope is only in Christ Jesus. Pray that someone will have the opportunity and boldnessto share the gospel with him and that he too will be saved. And, when you don't want to pray for his salvation because he "doesn't deserve it" remember, neither did you!

Now, there is one other thing of great importance to remember. The thief crucified next to Jesus, though forgiven, still had to pay his debt to society. Salvation does not relieve us from the consequences of our sin and Major Hasan will pay society for the heinous acts which he committed, whether or not he repents of his sin.

We are to pray for Major Hasan who committed this deadly act, understanding that Christ died for him just like He did for us. We can also rightly pray that the laws of our land will be upheld and that he will swiftly pay his debt to society. We need to pray for the surviving victims and the families of all of the dead and injured. Pray that many who have ignored Christ, or put off making a decision to accept Him, will see this as a wake-up call, realizing that life is short and the day of salvation is now. Pray for the Christians of Killeen and surrounding towns as they minister in the name of Jesus Christ and pray for yourself, that God will grant you peace that is beyond understanding, even in times like these.

I hope this blog entry has helped you and my prayer for you is the same as that prayed by the Apostle Paul for the church in Ephesis found in Ephes. 1:18 : "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you..."

2009-10-24T12:35:00.002-05:00

A freind of mine posted a photo of a Lion Fish on her Facebook site. These fish are very harmful to the Carribean reefs and are not indigenous to the area. They have been introduced by people buying them for their aquariums then releasing them, either in the Gulf of Mexico or the Carribean. Either way, they end up in the warm waters of the Carribean and on the reefs there. They eat the roe and fry of the reef fish and they have no natural preditors on the Carribean reefs. Dive masters in Cozumel have received instructions to capture and kill all that they find. An effort is underway in the US to outlaw the possession and/or sale of these distructive fish. Guess where my friend took her photo. You guessed it, in a local pet shop aquarium!

Here are a couple of photos of Lion Fish I took in Cozumel this summer.

This first one is of a lion fish hiding under a small shelf of coral.

These next two photos are of our dive master, Julio, holding a captured Lion Fish. It has been bagged to be taken to the surface and disposed of .

2009-10-09T16:44:00.006-05:00

Day #2 in the life of Drew Pellerin

Actually, this first photo was taken on day one, but Grandpa was relucant to share it before now. The sign on the window of the Nursery says "Do Not Take Photos Through The Window". When my sister was born two and a half years ago, Grandpa almost got kicked out of the hospital for breaking the rules. Can you believe he's a preacher? Anyway, he accidently tripped while walking up to the window to see me and as he fell the camera went off and Poof, this picture was taken.

This is mommy showing off a pretty handmade quilt Ms. Barbara Engelman made for me. It matches my room which is a monkey motif. Thank you Ms. Barbara, we love the quilt!
This is how I spend most of my time. Snoozing!

He I am with my Gram and big sister, Ashtyn.
Here's my proud grandparents, Gram and Grandpa with Ashtyn and me.

This is my cousin Thatcher and Double A (Aunt Angela).

Grandpa brought me my first fishing rod and I can't wait to try it out.

2009-10-09T12:58:00.007-05:00

Yesterday afternoon at 3:16, our daughter Laura Pellerin, gave birth to Andrew Charles Pellerin, 7lbs 6 oz and 20 inches long. He and mommy are doing wonderfully well. His daddy, Bobby, and big sister, Ashtyn are also doing well and very excited. Here are a few photos of Drew, our third grandchild (second grandson). I guess you could say Gram and Grandpa are pretty proud, also. Enjoy the photos!

Mr. Drew Pellerin

Mommy and Drew

Big Sister, Ashtyn, and Baby Drew

Daddy, Big Sister and Drew

Gram and Drew

Nana and Drew

Grandmother and Drew

Grandpa and Drew

Whimpy Parents

2009-09-30T20:07:00.002-05:00

There was a time, not too many years ago, when schools and other organizations designed to meet the needs of children never considered having activities which conflicted with church attendance. Not so anymore! Why, you ask? Well, I think the answer is simple: We have a bunch of whimpy parents who, though they profess to be followers of Jesus Christ, are afraid to stand up to the Satanic influences of society. I thank God that a long time before I became a pastor, my wife stood up in meetings of the Seguin Youth Basketball Association and the Seguin Youth Soccer Association and said "NO!" to playing or practicing on Sunday's. It was interesting that all it took was one person of conviction to stand and say "no" to see many others join in. As the wave of support for no Sunday practice or games grew, both organizations backed down and Sunday was protected as "the Lord's day".

Not all churches met on Sunday evenings, and many do not today, but Christians of many faiths banded together with an understanding that Sunday belonged to the Lord.
Even those who did not meet on Sunday evenings remembered that God said, "Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy." Why? Because they respected one another.

Today, whimpy parents have forgotten how to say "no", both to the organizations and to their own children. Today, schools and organizations never think twice about having events on Sunday. It's no longer the Lord's day, but "family day", or "fun day." I'm pretty sure the Bible hasn't changed and that God still sees it as His day.

Whimpy parents, learn to say "no" again. Dave Ramsey gives some great instructions: "Place your tongue just behind your upper front teeth. With a nasal "n" sound, exhale slowly while moving your tongue down and your lips into a circular shape. Keep doing this until you hear it...'.......Nnnnnoooooooo."

By the way, once you catch on, you can stop being a whimp toward your own children as well. You can begin to say it to them too. "Nnnnnooooooooo."

Got it? Now try it!

Missions - My Take On It All

2009-09-28T14:11:00.006-05:00

There is rarely a week that goes by that I do not receive at least one request for assistance from some well meaning, biblically based missions ministry. They run the gambit in personality and style. They focus their ministries on building churches, assisting in disaster relief efforts, starting and maintaining orphanages, sending medical teams to combat AIDS, or any one of a thousand other missions. All are good and well-meaning missions. I have no doubt that most people involved in these ministries have a divine calling and real passion for their particular ministries, but I generally choose not to support them financially. I have been criticized for this on many occasions and some believe I am uncaring or lack sympathy for those who are hurting in our world. In fact, I am offended by those nay sayers. They generally insinuate that my position is founded upon little thought or prayer. That could not be farther from the truth. So, today I am sharing my reasoning for supporting Southern Baptist ministries and missions. I share from my heart to yours.

Long before I was ever born, the church began to realize that the Great Commission was given not just to the eleven apostles, but to the entire church. The importance of missions and evangelism began to grow in importance. In May 1845 two hundred ninety-three Baptists met together in Augusta, Georgia and formed the Southern Baptist Convention. Since then, Southern Baptists have had their fair share of squabbles, disagreements and even some downright failures, but to be where they are today, they must have done something right as well, I won’t go into a lengthy history of the Southern Baptist Convention here, but I believe God has had His hand on Southern Baptists down through the years.

In the early days of the Convention, and even before, each ministry segment of the convention was pretty much on its own, particularly when it came to funding. The Foreign Mission Board, the Home Mission Board, the publishing arm, and others all were self funded. All of these entities were called “Societies” and each society was busy raising funds for their own work, even at the expense of the others. It seemed as if they were often working against one another, rather than with one another. As the work of God’s kingdom grew, this societal method for funding became ambiguous, cumbersome and less effective in carrying out the total ministry of the church. In 1925 the Southern Baptist Convention adopted a simple but profound change in the way it funds ministries, both at home and around the world. They called it the Cooperative Program. Simply stated, churches and agencies would begin to cooperate with one another in their funding strategies. Local churches would send funds to their respective state conventions, who in turn would retain a percentage for state missions and ministry funding, then send the rest on to the Southern Baptist Convention. The SBC would then divide the money among all of its ministry and mission agencies in accordance with directions received from its executive committee. This committee was, and still is, made up of members from every state convention. No longer were individual ministry or missions agencies allowed to solicit direct funding from the churches. For these last eighty-four years the Cooperative Program has worked magnificently well, and it is a major reason that I have elected to be a Southern Baptist.

I believe in the way we, as Southern Baptist’s do missions and ministry. I believe that when we cooperate together to carry out the great commission, we can accomplish far more than any of us could alone. Southern Baptists’ have, over the past eighty-four years led the way in evangelism and missions. Our missionaries, both at home and abroad, never have to worry about how they will be funded. They do not have to return home every few months to beg for more money. They never have to fret over health or life insurance. They can sleep in peace knowing that their children will be educated. When there is a problem, they know that there is a strong agency behind them with a competent, trustworthy team to support them. They can spend their time, all of it, doing the ministry they were called to, without worrying about their personal needs. They know that when Bibles are needed, they’ll be there. If an automobile, or boat, or even and an airplane is needed to accomplish their mission, it will be made available. The Cooperative Program isn’t perfect, but it is the best financial strategy God has ever given. Why, because it’s Biblical. God has instructed each of us to “bring the tithe into the storehouse.” That is, we are to bring a portion of what He has given to us (10 percent of our growth) to His church, so that it can do the ministry He has called it to do. The same principle has been applied to the conventions ministry and mission, and it works better than any thing else because it is a Biblical principle.

I grew up in a Southern Baptist church, but as an adult I can choose to be a part of any denomination I desire, or none at all. I choose to be a Southern Baptist because I like the way we do missions! We have our faults, but mission support is not one of them. I support our missionaries for two major reasons. First, because they are depending on me. As a Southern Baptist, I have made a commitment to them and I plan to remain true to that commitment. This is also a major reason I rarely support other mission sending agencies or independent missionaries.

The second is equally important: Southern Baptist missionaries are held highly accountable. There is a structured system in place to both select the most highly qualified applicants for missionary service, and to monitor their activity once on the mission field. Southern Baptist missionaries are held accountable in their personal lives, their financial lives and in their ministries. I know that the money I, or my church gives to Southern Baptist work will be used in a manner that is uplifting to the Lord Jesus Christ. I know that our missionaries are held to a higher standard than many other agency missionaries are, and I appreciate that. While the Southern Baptist Convention is a huge organization, my church and I still have a voice and a vote in what takes place. Southern Baptist missionaries are OUR missionaries and they are accountable to US, and I like that. So, I will continue to support Southern Baptist mission and ministry causes above and before all others.

There are an abundance of wonderful ministries out there, but if you are a Southern Baptist, I would encourage you to support your own first. Give your tithe through your local church and celebrate the Cooperative Program. It’s our lifeline to world missions.

Kid's and Grandkid's, A Whirlwind Trip

2009-09-19T22:39:00.008-05:00

Well, we made one of our famous 32 hour trips to see our family in the Ft. Worth area. We all met in Keller, including my mom, and had a great time! Here are a few photos I wanted to share.

A couple of quick slides before the rain began.

Grandma C gave baby Drew a new monkey blanket for his bed.

Gram made this beautiful crocheted blanket for baby Drew. She made one for Thatcher and Ashtyn when they were born, so now all three have a special keepsake.Gram gets one of many double hugs that made the trip all worth while.Gram made Ashtyn a special blanket for her baby doll. It matches the one Gram made for her when she was born.Grandmother is helping Thatcher open his special gift, a new bull dozer.After lunch on Saturday, Gram and mommies went shopping so Grandpa, daddies and kids went to Cabela's. We got to see some very big fish!Thatch and Ash enjoyed looking at the stuffed animals.Wow! Look at the size of those trout. There almost as big as the ones Grandmother caught a couple of weeks ago!Ashtyn isn't sure if she's a princess or Tinker Bell, or what, but she said she didn't like this dress. I think she'd rather wear a basketball uniform.

9-11 Remembering The Day

2009-09-11T10:27:00.004-05:00

9-11-01 It's a day we'll always remember. Where were you when you first heard the news that day? You remember exactly, don't you? It impacted your life. It's burned into you memory. Now, the big question. Where were you when you met Jesus Christ and invited Him into your life? Don't remember? Must not have happened.

When you meet the King of kings, you'll know it, and never forget. On this day of remembrance, remember the attacks on America. Remember those who gave their lives in the attacks. Remember the men and women serving in our armed forces. But, also make this a day when you remember the most impacting death ever: the death of Jesus Christ. America has risen from the ashes of 9-11-01, but even more dramatically Jesus Christ has risen from the dead!

So, as you remember 9-11-01 also remember the day of your salvation. Give God thanks today that even in your sin, He loved you and gave himself for you. If you've never accepted Jesus Christ as your savior, take a moment and pray. Ask God to forgive you of your sin. Turn from your sinful ways and turn to His word, the Bible, for His divine direction. As God moves in your life, it will be a day you will never forget. It will be a day that impacts not only your life here on earth, but for all eternity.

The Questions of Forgiveness and Judgement

2009-09-02T21:43:00.002-05:00

Thank you who follow my blog. I agree with much that has been said and thank everyone for their comments (and Bill for finally signing up).

One problem that I often see as a pastor is Christians who know they have messed up never really ask for forgiveness. They assume that they haven't hurt anyone, or a least only a limited few. They may ask God for forgiveness and maybe the limited few, but they never consider that their actions often have far reaching effects. Extended family, church friends, and even fellow workers may have had their lives impacted by a negative decision or action of another, but we tend to ignore their pain. We hide behind our pride and never say, "I really messed up. Please forgive me for hurting you." We simply ignore the pain we've caused others and go into denial mode. We become paranoid that others are talking about us and run for cover. We may leave the church, break fellowship with relatives, or even move to another town to escape the feelings of guilt, when all that may have been necessary is to ask for forgiveness. I believe most are willing to forgive, and don't need to know all the gory details. A simple statement of repentance and request for forgiveness is usually enough. It might go something like this, "You know, I really messed up. I know I've hurt you and I am truly sorry. I ask you to forgive me and pray for me as I walk through this difficult time."
Other times I have seen Christians try to forgive those whom have hurt them, and the forgiveness is ignored or unaccepted. The lifeline is thrown out and the sinking Christian is so overcome by guilt, pride, or whatever that they are unwilling to reach out an take hold. The Christian offering forgiveness is then in a dilemma. Do I continue to try and forgive while being ignored, or do I simply give up and move on? Unfortunately, it is usually the latter.

Concerning judgement, we are not to judge the pagan. God alone knows the heart. However, the New Testament clearly teaches that the church is to maintain a high level of accountability among those claiming to be God's children. Speaking of Christians, Jesus said "By their fruit you will recognize them." (Mat. 7:20) We are accountable to one another for the fruit we bear. We are also accountable by the life we lead. Paul speaks judgmentally toward members of the church at Corinth in 2 Cor. 12: 20-21. Also, 1 Cor. 5 speaks directly to this issue. Please take time to read it in its entirety, but Paul completes this chapter with these words "What business is it of min to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked man from among you." In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira (both were a part of the church) were admonished by Peter for their behavior. To the young pastor, Titus, Paul warned, "Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him." (Titus 3:10)

Of course, the accountability we are to hold each other to is tempered by repentance and forgiveness. 2 Cor. 2:7-8 teaches that we must be ready to "forgive and comfort" those who repent so that they'll not be "overwhelmed by excessive sorrow" and that we should reaffirm our love for them. Galatians 1:1-2 says that when we have judged a fellow Christian, we should seek to restore them gently. In Thessalonians 5:15 Paul teaches that we should "never pay back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other."

So yes, we are to judge one another (hold one another accountable), not to our standards, but to God's. His word, the Bible is our standard of living. All of us fall short, but when we do we need to hold one another accountable: in a loving manner; striving toward forgiveness; and motivated by restoration.

A Question of Forgiveness

2009-09-01T12:30:00.002-05:00

From My Heart to Yours---

It happens quite often. One person says something, does something, or fails to act a certain preconceived way and someone else is offended. Suddenly, best friends are at odds with one another. Many times this senerio leads to hurt feelings, anger and downright hostility. We expect this in worldly settings; but in the church? Is this an expectation that we have of those who have been miraciously forgiven and birthed into the family of Almighty God? Unfortunantly, it happens in our church families on a regular basis.

Here are a couple of observations from one who has been a pastor for almost two decades. First, it is almost impossible to motivate those who have been offended to approach the situation from a Biblical model. In Matthew 18 Jesus said, "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But, if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church..." (vs. 15-17)

In my tenure as a pastor, I have noticed that most Christians find it easier to complain behind the back of those involved or simply ignore the conflit even exists than to walk through this Biblical model. Neither of these preceived resolutions are right, nor Biblical. The correct proceedure for dealing with conflict within the church is clearly stated by our Lord in the passage found in Matthew 18.

When a Christian is motivated to follow Christ's admonition, it is troubling to see that a second breech of Christian life usually takes place. Again, as a pastor it has been my observation through the years that when one Christian approaches another with a heart bent toward conflict resolution, the second party is usually not willing to listen. Rather than resolution, the outcome is more likely to be greater conflict. Someone it seems, always becomes defensive. Rather than having a heart of forgiveness and resolution, a heart of bitterness rises. This is when anger and hostility begin to penetrate the lives of those who have been called to holiness. It is during this time that the effectiveness of witness is diminished or lost. It is now when the joy of our salvation is stolen away by the decitfulness and deception of the devil. Wonderful Christian servants have had their ministry and testimony destroyed by this tactic of Satan. Some have left the fellowship of the church, never to return, simply because they were too proud to face truth, deal with reality and forgive in a manner similar to the way God had always forgiven them.

Of course, people of our day are not the first to face these frustrations. Even before the first New Testament church was formed, Christ was dealing with these issues. His own apostles didn't understand his teachings concerning conflict resolution, so immediately they came to him and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven?" (Matthew 18:21)

You see, the fact is we don't like to forgive. We'd rather sulk in our own self pity and hibernate in our own cavern of unmercifulness. We'd rather throw away all of the joy of salvation than to follow the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus knew we wouldn't want to confront one another with the differences we might have. So, he made it very simple as he responded to Peter and the apostles, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven."

If every Christian could grasp this simple command and live accordingly, we'd never have to confront one another. We'd simply forgive and move on with our lives, loving one another with all of the compassion of our Lord. But, Jesus didn't leave it there. He then told a parable about a lord who forgave his servants, but one of the servants was then unwilling to follow the lord's example. The servant refused to forgive a neighbor of a simple debt. When the lord heard of the servant's unwillingess to follow his example, the lord "in anger turned him over to the jailers to be tortured..."

Then Jesus gave us this stern warning, "This is how the heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." (emphasis mine, Mat. 18:23-35)

What part of this teaching do we not understand?

Diving Cousins

2009-08-14T10:08:00.005-05:00

Well, it's been a year since these pictures were taken while in Cozumel, but you can see that our grandkids are following in the footsteps, or fin kicks, of Gram and Grandpa.

They are water lovers and have already begun their diving adventures.

In these photos they are 1 1/2 years old.

Thatcher (l) and Ashtyn (r) make Cozumel even more beautiful.

Thatcher, with mommy and daddy, on his first dive.

Ashtyn, with her mommy and daddy, on her first dive.

(I think mommy is hurting.)

Just after completing his safety stop, Thatcher breaks the surface.

Ashtyn says, "I think I like this scuba diving thing."

Leading Children To Faith In Jesus Christ

2009-08-12T11:53:00.000-05:00

Often I am approached by parents who ask me to sit down with their children and share with them how they can come to faith in Jesus Christ. While I love to lead others to Christ, and always want to visit with those who have professed faith in Christ prior to their baptism, I would much rather parents personally lead their children to Jesus. Most of the time parents are reluctant because they are afraid they'll say the wrong thing or they simply don't know how to go about it. Here is a link that will help you share Jesus with your children. It encompasses some of the same methods that I have used over the years and is easy to understand. I encourage you to check it out.

http://threethirtyministries.org/Websites/330Ministries/Images/How%20to%20Lead%20Your%20Child%20to%20Christ.pdf

Divers in the Deep

2009-08-11T17:27:00.000-05:00

People have asked, "we love the photos, but how do we know that you and Reva really even dive? We don't see any photos of the two of you." The centurion said to Jesus, "I believe, but help my unbelief."

Well, I guess you'll just have to trust us, but here are a couple of photos to help your unbelief.

This is Reva on our checkout dive in front of the Baracuda Hotel in Cozumel.

This is me, Mitch, diving on Columbia Deep Reef.

This is our divemaster, Julio, wearing his new brightly colored wet suit (so we can identify him easily) diving on Dalila Reef.

Cozumel 2009

2009-08-11T15:48:00.000-05:00

Reva and I had the privilege of vacationing in one of our favorite places in all the world, Cozumel, Mexico. Our thanks to David Hammer, owner of Casa Martillo (http://www.cozumelcondos.biz/) and Apple Applegate, proprietor of Dive Paradise (http://www.diveparadise.com/) for making this a week to remember. Of course we'd be remiss if we didn't give a big thank you to Julio, our dive-master extraordinaire. We've been diving with Julio for five years now and highly recommend him if you're headed to Cozumel. Fifteen dives in seven days yielded many mediocre photographs, some that are okay, and a few that turned out pretty good. We hope you enjoy looking at them as much as we did taking them.

All were taken with a Canon SD1200IS with built in flash.

Here we are at Popeye's. The best shrimp cocktail on the island.

We're on the windward side of the island. Check out the sign.

Turtle on Columbia Shallows Reef

Splendid Toad Fish found only on the reefs of Cozumel.

This one was found at the San Francisco Wall.

Spotted Drum Fish (adult) at Punta Tuniche (Rocky Point) Reef.

Beautiful Sponge at Columbia Deep

The "Deadliest Catch" Nice Crab on Columbia Shallows Reef.

Beautiful Color on Delila Reef

Octopus settled down in its hole on Dalila Reef

Reva's favorite fish. A Squirrel Fish. "They're so ugly, they're cute," she says.

I think this may be a type of Rabbit Fish, but not sure. Anyone out there who recognizes it, please let me know. Photo was taken on the French Lady Reef.

Seascape at the French Lady Reef

Queen Angel Fish on Palancar Bricks Reef.

Spotted Eagle Ray gliding over the sands next to Palancar Bricks Reef.

Look closely or you may miss the file fish at the top of San Francisco Wall.

Here's a Lion Fish. They are said to be taking over the reefs and if not controlled quickly they will wipe out all reef fish. They are not indigenous to the Caribbean and have no real predators there. They've been brought in via the ballasts of cargo ships and dumped. All dive-masters are now carrying plastic bags and trying to catch them. They are poison, so you can't touch them. Julio says he is saving them to make ceveche for his mother-in-law!

The sponge is coming back beautifully at Santa Rosa Wall.

A Red Hind blends in with the sponge and coral on Santa Rosa Wall.

Can you find the sea horse hiding at Villa Blanca Reef?

Long Nose Sea Horse on the sands beside Tormentos Reef. Very unusual to see them out in the open like this.

One Eyed Butterfly Fish on Tormentos Reef

Black & White Spotted Moray Eel on Tormentos Reef