I love that Pastor's Appreciation Month is in October. For me, it's a nice "warm-up" to thinking of things I'm thankful for as Thanksgiving approaches, in NOVEMBER.
Most of all, of course, I'm thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ Who died for my sins but I'm also grateful for men He has put in my life to do me good, and help me grow in His image. My PRESENT pastor, of course, is ONE of those but knowing him as I do he would not want this type of public praise. There are others I would like to name, however.
Before I was ever even saved, the late Billy Graham had an impact on my life via his TV crusades. Yes, I know he wasn't OFFICIALLY a pastor but he was designated as "America's Pastor" when he died this year, and he was the first one I ever heard the Gospel from.
Speaking of "late" Pastors, among those who are now in Heaven, there's Robert Paul Martin, Robert C. Becker and Paul C. Clarke (who died at age 99, just like Graham.) Let me not forget Gilbert Zinke. The others impacted me by their teaching and example, but the greatest way GIL influenced my life was the way he raised his godly daughter Beth, my first wife who is ALSO now with the Lord, in Heaven. (Special mention to Helen Zinke, Beth's mom who passed 4 years ago today, by the way....she ALSO raised Beth well!!) "The memory of the just is blessed."
Among former Pastors who are living, there is Jimmie Van Sant and Albert N. Martin.
Pastor Martin, in particular, has ongoing input in my life via his books, sermons and occasional counseling. About 4-5 years ago I compiled a book of well-deserved tributes to him on the occasion of his 80th birthday. You can read that entire book for free by clicking here...
http://www.blurb.com/b/5817337-a-tribute-to-pastor-a-n-martin
Finally, there are pastors who "being dead, yet speak" and I publicly thank God for the writings of Charles Spurgeon, Charles Bridges and most of all, J.C. Ryle. I'm not sure if Bridges WAS an official Pastor, and Ryle was a BISHOP, but each of them have been Pastors to my soul these past 43 years and I appreciate each of those I've named (and hope I haven't OVERLOOKED anyone!!)
Thank you, Lord, for these men!!
2.) Kavanaugh's Confirmation
After all of the wicked attempts to smear Brett Kavanaugh, it looks like he WILL be confirmed to the Supreme Court this afternoon. But what's REALLY being confirmed is that Democrats will STOP AT NOTHING to try to uphold a woman's "right" to kill her own baby in the womb.
They subjected this poor guy to his SEVENTH background check by the FBI and got Ford to testify (and now look foolish at best, or like she was lying, at worst) though she didn't want to. In short, the hypocrites used her just like ABUSER (whoever he was) used her. (On the bright side, at least these wicked slanderers aren't blaming Russian interference for the fact that Kavanaugh will get voted in.....I hope!!) I used to be a Democrat when I was young and didn't know better but this Party will NEVER get me back, I assure you.
They did to Kavanaugh what they did to Justice Thomas in 1991....raise false allegations via female PAWNS that will always "stick" to the man's formerly good name, and it stinks. I'd better stop now, if you want to know MORE about what I think of Democrats in the Senate read my recent Kavanaugh blogs. Thanks for reading THIS far!!
3.) Poem For The Drawing (and Vice Versa)
I wrote a poem to go with the drawing above, but (long story) I had to RE-DO my drawing so that the paper would possibly publish them together. Confusing, eh? Anyway, here's the NEW drawing, and the poem, as I hope the paper will publish them together in their November issue. (I'm posting them here in case my hard work never makes it to print there, Lol!!)
"Fall's Flying Flicker"
Behold, behold the fiery Flicker,
flying through the trees of gold,
spreading warmth as Autumn's cold
approaches
fffffffffffffFast he sweeps, this flying Flicker,
flashing sunlight, bright, but quicker!
Leaves fall down when he streaks by...
lone, he rises to the sky,
proving, yes, that gold can
ffffffly!
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