Category: Personal Interest

I’m just being faithful as presented the opportunity. I awoke yesterday hearing Loretta listening to this interview, and finishing all 1:49:44 of it before we left on our morning walk. She was literally radiant from its encouragement. Even after her first viewing, was confident in it’s truths, having forwarded it to close family & friends before we even walked!

We realize, as many of you are also, that we’re in a scenario of life discernment of biblical proportions we’ve never experienced prior which is exactly why we are at this moment drawn to processing the journey Dallas Jenkins intimately reveals.

The interview on your screen is only 11 days old. Not only is it most interesting historically for you “Chosen” enthusiasts, I’m presuming the interview will stimulate some heavy, though extremely pertinent practical theological conversations for determining the direction of each of our future journey’s, hopefully for our “good” and “His glory,” being judiciously aware in God’s eyes, we’re responsibly “Going ‘Till You’re Gone” anyway, as written by Gary Miller. Perhaps though, if we were to share the interview with family, friends or small groups, and especially persons generations younger, we’d regain the lost art of conversational pleasures within & amongst our “matured nearly ancient crowd,” having forgotten those compelling late night dorm discussions that we contributed to back during the 60’s, or whenever.

Enjoy. I’ll give you a week to listen, for I need the time.

FYI, Loretta, in her wisdom, listened to it once, and was satisfactorily inspired. Me? I listened once, and realized I’d missed more than I’d gained. Therefore, in order to satisfy my driven quest to gain fuller understanding given my diminishing resources, I will be listening multiple times…. and enjoying every minute of Dallas’s perspectives. Jordan’s intensity though at times, can really wear me out.

“Give to him [to the poor], and don’t have a stingy heart when you give, and because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you do.” Deuteronomy 15:10

In None of These Diseases, Dr. S. I. McMillen discussed the financier John D Rockefeller. As a young man, Rockefeller was strong and husky, and he drove himself like a slave. He was a millionaire by age 33. By 43, he controlled the largest business on earth. By 53, he was the world’s only billionaire. But he developed a disease called alopecia, in which he lost hair from his head, eyebrows, and eyelashes. His digestion was terrible, and he lost weight until he looked like a dead man. The newspapers began compiling his obituary.

One night Rockefeller realized he couldn’t take one dime into the next world. All his accomplishments were sand castles, doomed by the inevitable tide. For the first time he realized money was not a commodity to be hoarded but to be shared. He began transferring his money into blessings for others. He gave hundreds of millions to universities, hospitals, and missions. He led efforts to rid the South of hookworms and in the development of penicillin. The focus of his life changed from getting to giving. The result? He didn’t die in his fifty-third year, or in his fifty-fourth. He lived to be 98.

BOTTOM LINE:

Whether or not Rockefeller was a born-again believer, I don’t know. But he did discover one of the moral laws God has placed in plain sight in the universe for everyone to enjoy, Christian or not: Giving is good for us. It enriches our lives.

Merlin continuing:

Researching John DR for an hour, gave me these observations. His father, William A., was a con artist, unshackled by conventional morality, led a vagabond existence, returning to his family infrequently, abandoning them permanently when John was 15. His mother, Eliza, was a homemaker, a devout Baptist, thrifty by necessity, being more influential in John’s upbringing and beyond, while John distanced himself further and further from his father as he matured. He later stated, “From the beginning, I was trained to work, to save, and to give.” As a youth, Rockefeller reportedly said that his two great ambitions were to make a $100,000 (equivalent to $3.27 M in 2023 dollars) and to live 100 years.     

            What follows below are two excerpts I gleaned from Are You Fully Charged (AYFC) during my first reading that spoke volumes to the “molding” that occurred with Tom, early on and later in his life, via his grandfather, an opportunity that didn’t materialize for many of us relationship wise, except via genetic code, and certainly not for Rockefeller either. I have below strategically highlighted these pages of AYFC to acquaint you with this “life-compass setting book” beginning by quoting Tom’s first reference to his grandfather from page 40 where he states “the more time you spend on building on who you already are, the faster you will grow. That is the main lesson I learned from my late mentor and grandfather, Don Clifton, who spent a lifetime studying people’s strengths. Instead of aspiring to be anything you want to be, you should aim to be more of who you already are, starting with your natural talents – then investing time in practicing, building skills, and increasing knowledge – yields a much greater return.  

Gallup’s research suggests that when you use your strengths, you can double your number of high-quality work hours per week from 20 to 40. It also reveals that people who focus on their strengths every day are six times as likely to be engaged in their jobs and more than three times as likely to have high levels of overall life satisfaction. If you spend most of your life being good at everything, you eliminate your chances of being great at anything…”

Later in Chapter 15, Build a Cumulative Advantage, on page 112, in the Section subtitled “Help Someone See What Could Be”, Tom continues “As a result of my grandfather, Don Clifton’s, lifelong study of strengths, I was raised in an environment in which my family was looking for early traces of talent at every turn. By the time I was five, they had spotted my deep interest in reading. When I was nine, my grandfather noticed some entrepreneurial talent and helped me start a little business selling snacks. He helped me find space and figure out how to buy snacks in bulk. And he taught me some basic financial concepts. But the most valuable lessons I learned were about people, interactions, and relationships.

Throughout my grade school, high school, and college years, it became clear to me that my talents and interests were in the areas of business, research, and anything involving technology. When I graduated from college in 1998, Don asked me if I would work with him to bring his research on strengths to a wider audience through technology and this new thing called the Internet. I spent the next few years working with Don and our team to create an online strength-based assessment, dubbed StrengthsFinder. But in the midst of all this excitement around this new project, Don discovered he had Stage IV gastroesophageal cancer and most likely, only a few months to live.

Given that I had been battling cancer already for a decade at that time, I used my knowledge and dedicated all my time to helping my grandfather extend his life as much as possible. Don and I assembled all the research we could find on the topic as we traveled to different medical centers for treatment. In the midst of this ordeal, I remembered that Don told me once that he thought it was crazy that people wait until someone is gone to say kind things in an eulogy.

So, I stayed up late several nights and wrote a very long and emotional letter to my grandfather, explaining how much he had influenced my life over the years. It was essentially a eulogy written to someone who was still alive. This letter went into great depth about what a difference my grandfather’s ideas and approach to life made in me during this time. I explained how his love, caring, and thinking essentially built a reserve that helped me make it through all my health challenges in relatively good shape.

Because I had almost no confidence in my ability to communicate effectively in writing, I was hesitant to even share this heartfelt letter with Don – but given the circumstances, I decided to give it to him. When he read it, he was deeply moved and grateful. That part did not surprise me, but a brief interaction we had a few days later caught me off guard.

Don told me after reading the letter multiple times, he thought I had real talent for bringing things to life with words. (I agree!) This was something no one had ever suggested, let alone stated explicitly. He asked if I’d be willing to share my personal story from the letter in a book. As long as somebody else was doing the writing. I figured that would be okay.

Then Don asked me if I would help write that book over the next two months. This was the only time he ever acknowledged the reality of his condition in our conversations. So, I agreed to give it a shot and do my best, knowing that my grandfather had quite a bit of wisdom that could benefit other people. We worked tirelessly over the next couple of months and were able to finish the first draft of the book, How Full Is Your Bucket? just before Don passed away. That book has since helped my grandfather’s work reach millions of people, and we even turned it into a children’s book that is now used in classrooms around the world.

This personal experience showed me how a single interaction and observation can have a lifelong influence. After nearly three decades now of exploring my own talent, being surrounded by great people, and taking countless strengths assessments, writing was the last thing I ever planned to do. Then one day one person (my grandfather) said he spotted a talent worthy of investment, and that insight continues to influence how I spend my time every day, 24-7-365! The more I reflect on this experience, the more I realize the (our?) ultimate strength is finding, discovering, and developing talent in others.“

Life is truly all about relationships; Loving, enduring, meaningful, safe relationships. Communicate with me directly if you’ve ideas, questions, concerns: merlin.erb@gmail.com  330 465-2565 cell, Signal, What’s App.

NEXT UP:

Testimony of Robert Boyle, Father of Modern Chemistry

Day 361             “Blessed are ALL they who put their trust in Him.” Psalm 2:12

Yes, it’s important to be happy and frequently Christ Followers characterize happiness as temporary whereas joy implies a longer dimension of time. Note the pursuit of meaning – not happiness – is what makes life worthwhile. Despite Thomas Jefferson including it in the Declaration of Independence, the “pursuit of happiness” is a shortsighted aim. Putting your own well being before well doing pulls you in the wrong direction.

We can’t live on an emotional high all the time, of course, nor should we. Not even our Lord did that, for on one occasion He wept, on another He said His soul was troubled, and on another, He cried, “My God, My God, why …?”

Still the “default setting” for the Christian attitude should be one of deeply contented joy, and it’s really not biblical to go around all the time with an unhappy attitude. Our happiness is as deep as His care and perpetual as His peace. It comes from taking refuge in Him.

No matter what may happen to me day by day, I’m safe in His hands, and He is working All for my good & His glory. Based on that, we choose happiness. After the holidays, some of tend toward the blues. Let your “blues” be the blue skies of God’s blessings as you gear up for a New Year of exploring God’s grace.

A man is as unhappy as he has convinced himself he is.   Seneca

A person is about as happy as they make up their mind to be.   – Abraham Lincoln

Merlin now: I’ve included the following words from Tom Rath’s 2015 landmark book “Are You Fully Charged?” The reasons will be obvious. I just ordered his last four used copies from ThriftBooks for less than $4.89 ea. I’m sure Amazon has them too. I highly recommend it be your first new book for 2025.

“Research suggests the more value you place on your own happiness, the more likely you are to feel lonely on a daily basis resulting in feelings of futility, as evidenced by saliva samples indicating corresponding decreases in progesterone levels, a hormonal response associated with loneliness.

Happiness and meaningfulness are two distinct human conditions. While there is some overlap, the differences have clear implications for how people spend their time. Those who pursue happiness, for example, are what psychologist’s calls “takers”. As Roy Baumeister and his team noted after studying this topic extensively, “Happiness without meaning characterizes a relatively shallow, self-absorbed or even selfish life.” In contrast, co-author Kathleen Vohs explained, “People leading meaningful lives get a lot of joy from giving to others.”

Furthermore, Baumeister points out that it is not the pursuit of happiness but the pursuit of meaning that sets humans apart from animals. (Just imagine #1!) In some cases, creating meaning involves putting another person’s needs before your own, which could lead to short-term decreases in your happiness. However, when you do so, you make a contribution that improves by quantum leaps the “big-picture” environment around you.  

And there’s more. Happiness and meaningfulness also appear to have distinct influences on physiological health. When participants in a study led by UNC’s Barbara Fredrickson were happy but lacked meaning in their lives (defined as pursuing a purpose bigger than self), they exhibited a stress-related gene pattern that is known to activate an inflammatory response. They had the same gene expression pattern as people dealing with constant adversity have. (Just imagine #2!) Over time, this pattern leads to chronic inflammation, which is related to a host of illnesses, like heart disease and cancer. Fredrickson duly noted, “Empty positive emotions (hollow meaningless platitudes) … are about as good for you as adversity,” such as stated in Proverbs 27:15 of a nagging wife and a dripping faucet.

Unfortunately, 75 % of participants in Fredrickson’s study fell into this category; their desired happiness levels outpaced their desired levels of meaningfulness. In contrast, participants who had meaning in their lives, whether or not they characterized themselves as happy, showed a deactivation in this stress-related gene pattern. In other words, their bodies did not act as if they were under constant duress and threat!

HUGE BOTTOM LINE:

Participating in meaningful activities elevates your thinking above yourself and your momentary needs. Every minute you can set aside your own happiness for the sake of others will eventually lead to stronger families, organizations, and communities. In the end, the pursuit of happiness and “success” will pass. What endures is creating meaning in your own life and in the lives of others.”

To clinch your perspective at this moment in these last days by the above info, the following line will appear in Monday’s post, Day 363, “That’s why, until it (His Truth) was kidnapped by atheistic philosophers, the scientific community understood it was investigating the wonders of God’s creation.” Note the remnant still do! Tune in.

NEXT UP:

DR. S.I. McMillen’s book, None of These Diseases, discusses financier John D Rockefeller, who at 53, was the world’s only billionaire. But less known, at least today, was the fact also at 53, he was expected to die within several years. Actually, he lived to be 98.

The following 800 word document accompanies the book I offer faith seekers, much as some Christ Followers offer gospel tracts when out in public. The book is titled How Can Anyone Say God Is Good, written by Gary Miller of Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) Berlin OH. I wrote this doc perhaps 4-5 years ago, anticipating its distribution and here I am today, not so much anticipating, but rather now, contemplating my options to implement a plan.

So, after prayer and contemplation, I decided I should share this dream first with my blog mailing list of 230. And this opens another can of worms. I dare not call you subscribers because likely less than 30 of you actually subscribed; the other 200 were merely hijacked as former current or prior acquaintances or prospected from business cards, etc. I seriously more than once, have considered removing all 230 names from the blog list and then opening it up only to those who subscribe. That way, I WOULD KNOW those on the blog list actually chose to be part of this communal written adventure. The way it is now, the only thing I know for sure, is that you’ve chosen not to unsubscribe. You may never open, or, if you open, may never or seldom read. So, it is a rather tenuous relationship, at best, but certainly within the scope and confines of God’s ability to reassure me to continue in this mission of being an encouragement to seekers of Him, at least for now.

With all that out of the way, I am offering each blog reader a copy of this book. I think I’ve purchased at least 4 boxes of them from CAM thus far, because a box of 50 copies is only $50., and that is why I can afford to distribute them as tracts. I just checked thriftbooks and their price tonite is $7.39.

Both the author Gary Miller and CAM are evidently very serious about making this book available to those servicing, encouraging, inviting, confronting the billboard seekers out & about our communities, perhaps even the too comfortable in our pews, with this real deal Gospel message. So, if this is a book you desire to read, contact me immediately as we hope to be in Panama for the winter by early October. Seriously, I’ll mail you one. I’ll leave a supply at Kidron Mennonite for you locals, or while on your next trip to Berlin area between 8-4pm, you should just stop by CAM and buy your own box and have them handy in your car’s trunk to distribute whenever God so compels you. And He will! Get Blessed. Just imagine the lives God could change thru your actions for less money than it costs three of you to eat at your favorite Amish restaurant. No comparison!

Also, may I remind you we need to take advantage now of our freedom to disseminate literature and assemble to worship freely. I’m told assuredly by those in the KNOW that this may well soon change. We are not to be compelled by fear (false evidence appearing real) but rather, by the immensity of His love for all of mankind and that none would be lost from His eternal care, even if at the last moment as was the thief on the cross, being told “today, you’ll be with me in paradise.”

Folks, I had no idea all this would flow forth this afternoon when I sat down to write after lunch and a 75 min nap. Now I need to send Mr. Nisely and Paul Miller at CAM an email informing them we need to get this book available in Spanish ASAP. Perhaps it already is. I’m hoping.

Below is a rough draft of the insert I’m contemplating of including when each book is given out. If you buy your own box for distribution, I suggest you offer your contact info somehow someway for their follow-up. Feel free to contact me with your ideas, or simply adapt the document to make it work for you. Blessings

So, you’ve endured about all you can handle in this life? Do you keep thinking that somehow someway your life has got to get better soon?

Believe me, you are not alone. Five years ago before covid was launched, a study estimated 75% of the world’s population had suffered loss, trauma, or betrayal in a primary relationship.

Would it help you to know that 50+ years ago, not only had I personally suffered such loss and trauma, but then in its aftermath, I too set into motion the poisoning of relationship betrayals causing decades of more loss and trauma. God indeed was unbelievably gracious and merciful to me. Hence, David’s Psalm 51 holds a unique & special value to me and it is my personal burn for you to avoid any additional loss, trauma, and betrayal, and to gain a life of victory NOW! And, similarly, this is exactly where we pick up the loss, trauma, and betrayal story of our novel’s main character, Nick, in the 78-page novel titled, “How Can Anyone Say God Is Good?”

First, you need to know that beyond your Almighty Father God in Heaven, in this very community there are persons much like the Andy in the novel who has the bicycle shop; persons who are willing to listen to your problems, try to answer your questions, love you unconditionally, just as God is loving each of us right now. This book best exemplifies, other than the Bible, just how we are to love our neighbors, be they rich or poor, young or old, down on their luck or in the clover, sick or healthy, friendly or friendless, happy or sad, focused or totally confused, perhaps because of recent brain surgery; it just doesn’t matter. We all need to be loved, respected, encouraged, and accepted as active participants in just such a community as demonstrated to opportunity-less Nick, who is literally right now, at the end of his rope. So, first things first, read the book! Enjoy the hope that Nick experiences so vividly replacing his stinging loss, trauma, and betrayal.

Once you’ve finished reading the book, you may choose to contact the person who gave it to you, and catch him/her up on what has happened since you first spoke. And at some point, you may consider the following suggestions:

1.  If you already have a church home or are periodically visiting one or several, I suggest you meet with a staff person from your favorite congregation and indicate your interest in strengthening your relationship with Jesus Christ and being mentored by a mature disciple like Andy from the bicycle shop to strengthen your faith and coach you on the narrow way.
2.  I’m told living a joyful victorious Christian life involves three simple modules:

First, we get our directions from the Word of God by reading and studying the Bible.

Second, we dedicate ourselves, including our desires and emotions to the specific Will of God for us.

Third, we are obedient to His instructions to perform the Work of God.

More on those specifics later. Also, if you don’t have one, I strongly suggest you get a One-Year Bible to begin reading the Bible daily, but there are other programs utilizing your primary Bible, even your phone or tablet. I keep a supply of used One-Year Bibles available.

•  Perhaps after reading the book, you realize you have never met a person quite like Andy, so generous and so loving to so many people. And, unfortunately, most of us in this culture of separation, individualism, self-protection and self -promotion, seldom do meet such a person as Andy. But down thru history, for the past 2000 + years, there are persons much like Andy who exist in your community, who are Spirit empowered to daily live, believe, and practice that God is good, and desire that you experience much more than merely becoming a convert with membership in a church somewhere by your profession of faith, while not fully understanding the accompanying doctrinal practices to move your faith far beyond merely the “academic head knowledge” to the “transformed heart experiential inspiration.” Nick witnessed this dynamic spiritual interactive tension every time he delivered mail to Andy’s bike shop, because he saw persons experiencing Jesus first-hand while they were being discipled, mentored, and coached in Andy’s faith community.
•  In the event you are without a church to contact, or if the one you visited is not yet similarly equipped, please contact us and we’ll do our best to find you a personal mentor to walk with you on your journey Living in Faith.
•  For more information, contact Merlin Erb merlin.erb@gmail.com (330) 465-2565 Blog: merlinsmustache.com, Request a Word doc: Ten First Steps for the New Christian by Woodrow Kroll, Back to the Bible.

I do try to eat twice daily, 11 am & 6 pm, while skimming devotionals for pertinent future blog inspirational material, frequently getting inspired “out of my gourd,” so to speak; terminology from Hesston College days perhaps? I’m personally processing some rather heavy stuff with a very tight schedule for the next 30 days, such that I was seriously considering while driving to my 9 AM to see our accountant, thinking that I should really shut down the blog for the next 60 days, and give “everyone” a break!

Doug’s advice to us this morning was the word “simplify” and that I too sensed from the Lord, as i had just been processing taking a blog break. Understand, not only was our auction a trifle disappointing, but the way we added additional properties into the mix over the years, now exempt from our home tax exemption was not helpful either, for now it raises our tax liability. But you know what, our family was so very blessed those 41 years on those 10 acres in a community of paradise, both spawning and maturing each of us for our life’s destinies, that now I can only say, so what? After 41 years of tax breaks by running a business at home, and getting those breaks when we really needed them, how dare I quibble now over a possible tax liability of a good used car, or two, depending on your tastes? Again, it really is all about perspective; HIS, NOT ours!

Moving on, I spent 5 hours Tuesday PM in Aultman ER with my former neighbor of 17 years, Jeff, who had brain surgery in April and was initially given 1-5 years to live. After nearly a month in both Canton Aultman and the Cleveland Clinic, he was sent home with 4 different seizure meds that worked well the first month plus+, thru his first 30 day round of chemo & radiation, but for the past 4-5 days, he has fallen twice, with multiple seizures daily. So, after 10 hrs. in the ER, he was sent back to the Clinic by 11 pm for evaluation and med tweaking. Pray for Jeff’s healing and his newly found faith to thrive as he is a frightened 54 yr. old man with way too much baggage to process without Jesus.

Now, onto the “nugget” devotional I found while eating brunch and considering my tax liability, Day 152, from Robert J Morgan’s “All to Jesus” A Year of Devotions.

“For just as in Adam ALL will die. So also in Christ ALL will be made alive. I Cor 15:22

Dr. Bob Hill was a dear friend of mine and a member of my staff at Donelson Fellowship. He was 72 years old, has his degree in gerontology from Oxford, and had longevity in his genes. We assumed he’d live be a hundred years old.

When his mother passed away at 93 years, Bob drove to St. Louis to help conduct the funeral, and he opened the service with these words: We want to welcome everyone here to this memorial service for our mother. This is not a time for grieving but a time for celebration.”

Then Bob slumped to the floor and died of a massive cerebral hemorrhage.

I miss Bob terribly, but I often think of the incredible poignancy of his last words: “This is not a time for grieving, but a time for celebration!”

First Corinthians 15 is the “Resurrection Chapter” of the Bible. Apparently, some of the Corinthians had questions about the resurrection, and Paul tackled them in this glorious chapter. He began by reviewing the historical facts of Christ’s resurrection. Then he suggested that the bodily resurrection of Jesus provides the PROOF, POWER, & PATTERN for our own resurrections.

As in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive, “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet” (v 52).

Don’t worry about dying, and don’t over-grieve over loved ones in heaven. Christ arose, and all is well. It isn’t a day for grieving, but celebration!

BOTTOM LINE:

And as I have heard it explained over the years, we as His redeemed empowered & transformed believers, are already in a spiritual sense, living resurrected lives here on earth, merely awaiting our final transitioning. So, what’s the big deal about death & taxes? Really now?

Claim your birthright! Live your destiny in Him! Now! And none of this “someday I’ll….”

Always remember Dr. Bob Hill’s last sentence! Perspective at its best!

My Utmost For His Highest. Sept 3

He would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord. 2 Samuel 23:16

What has been like “water from the well of Bethlehem” to you recently— love, friendship, or maybe some spiritual blessing (2 Samuel 23:16)? Have you taken whatever it may be, even at the risk of damaging your own soul, simply to satisfy yourself? If you have, then you cannot pour it out “to the Lord.” You can never set apart for God something that you desire for yourself to achieve your own satisfaction. If you try to satisfy yourself with a blessing from God, it will corrupt you. You must sacrifice it, pouring it out to God— something that your common sense (and our culture) says is an absurd waste!

How can I pour out “to the Lord” natural love and spiritual blessings? There is only one way— I must make a determination in my mind to do so. There are certain things other people do that could never be received by someone who does not know God, because it is humanly impossible to repay them. As soon as I realize that something is too wonderful for me, that I am not worthy to receive it, and that it is not meant for a human being at all, I must pour it out “to the Lord.” Then these very things that have come to me, even within sight of the Celestial City, will be poured out as “rivers of living water” all around me (John 7:38). And until I pour these things out to God, they actually endanger those I love, as well as myself, because they will be turned into lust. Yes, we can be lustful in things that are not sordid and vile. Even love must be transformed by being poured out “to the Lord.”

BOTTOM LINE:

If you have become bitter and even outright sour from too much self-indulged sitting and soaking, perhaps it is because when God gave you a blessing you hoarded it? Yet if you had poured it out to Him, you would have been the sweetest person on earth. If you are always keeping blessings to yourself and never learning to pour out anything “to the Lord,” other people will never have their vision of God expanded through you. Perhaps scenario three is not so much about our rights, but rather about our responsibilities to others!

Further Reflection on WISDOM FROM OSWALD CHAMBERS

The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else. “Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord,” from The Highest Good—The Pilgrim’s Song Book, 537

In April Loretta and I watched a 2006 movie titled “The Ultimate Gift,” based on Jim Stovall’s novel so titled starring Abigail Breslen, Ali Hillis, Drew Fuller, Bill Cobb, Lee Merriwether, and James Garner in his final live action film appearance before his death in 2014.

Last evening two close friends and I viewed it together and once more, I was greatly enamored with its message. Reading its reviews today though gave me a nagging chill, as I must assume I’m quite out of my league in predicting what constitutes a professionally done and a worthy inspirational flick. That being said, there are times you must trust what you’ve known and credentialed in your heart for years experientially, even when some friends & family, etc., are momentarily convinced that their sources, are the new norm and worthy of your acceptance.

I still like the film, even if the ratings are low, and a ponzi scheme may have been involved, as “Its sincerity, optimism, and its tight and often compelling screenplay, sparkling dialogue and ‘first-rate’ production values,” flies in the face of Rotten Tomatoes, who gave it an approval rating of 33% based on 60 reviews, or a 5.20 /10.0.

I was also enamored with Carl’s message yesterday such that I posted it detailing the three major invitations Jesus offers us at the Starting Gates of Life and beyond:  First Decision, which gate; followed by which Direction we choose to travel, that ultimately, determines our final Destination.  

May I make a suggestion? I think “The Ultimate Gift” movie is an excellent follow-up and conversation starter for these three scenarios: 1.) for the seeker approaching the Starting Gates, or 2.) for the struggling soul under conviction as they are being propelled down on the broad road as if in a stampede, or 3.) for those on the narrow road approaching their final destination having checked the Decision  and Direction boxes with authenticity, even joy, but now with the Celestial City Destination in view, you’re experiencing a fall chill in the air, and you’re at a loss to risk engaging conversation, for what would others make of your questions, concerns.

So, as I say frequently, when we are in the third scenario, and quite apt to just sit there, soak, and eventually sour, I suggest you first consider professional empowered focused Christian counseling. Why, because if you’re thrived thus far on your journey, you know the basics, you are established, your close friends have shared so many exquisite bonding encounters with you, etc., so that now, I suggest this seeing a professional is merely helping you gain a new perspective, by helping you noticing the clues about you much as Andy Andrews does in his book “The Noticer,” when actually this fictitious Mr. Jones is the undercover professional focused Christian counselor, in that he has been given a gift of noticing things that others, for whatever reason,  simply miss, and he even points this out frequently to those with whom he therapeutically dialogues.   

Now, if telling you to seek out a counselor offended you, just chill and read the book, or watch the movie, “The Ultimate Gift.” I also highly recommend reading two other books if you’re in the third trimester of approaching the Celestial City and are already experiencing a chill in your spirit pending your transitional delivery: 1.) “Going ‘Till You’re Gone” by Berlin OH. Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) prolific author, Gary Miller, and 2.) John Burke’s two most recent books, “Imagine Heaven” and “Imagine the God of Heaven. Three very different books but so uniquely spiritually anointed to minister to those of you struggling in scenario three as you prepare for eternity.

I’ll not bore you again but I credit my remarkable recovery after my 9/18/18 accident and instant unplanned retirement, such that within 12 months I stupidly racking up a $100,000 in debt; to first of all developing a daily routine including writing this blog, now over 400 posts (actually, I’m told writing is excellent therapy improving one’s mental health!), reading & reflecting on Utmost, reading & reflecting on dailylightdevotional.com, reading & reflecting on One Year Bible, Loretta’s major love and research, and John Burke’s Imagine Heaven book.

This post this Labor Day evening, 52 years after we buried my mother, Stella Mae Gingerich Erb, Labor Day 1972, 2 PM, came out of last night’s movies ferment. I almost forgot to include the 12 valuable life lessons the movie illustrates and follows on the screen after the credits. Profound. I didn’t even know there was Fox Faith production entity.

The Ultimate Gift based on a novel by Jim Stovall

The movie highlights the twelve gifts of Life:

1.) Work: “when you enjoy work like you just did, you can do anything.”

2.) Money:

3. Friend: “I plan to know Jason for the rest of my life.”

4.) Learning: “Do you truly know how to learn?” 

5.) Problems: “You don’t begin to live until you’ve lost everything, heck, I’ve lost everything 3 or 4 times, it is the perfect place to start.”

6.) Family:

7.) Laughter:

8.) Dreams: Your need to be free to dream…  “Actually, I don’t know if I can dream. I do know I can help others fulfill their dreams though.”

9.) Giving: “I do have to give away some money away….”

10.) Gratitude: “apparently, someone came by and paid my back rent, was it you? Thank you.”

11.) A Day

12.) Love: I love you Son. Good-by

Sometimes I think that this movie ought to be a requirement prior HS graduation, sorta like I now realize I should have taken some Home EC cooking classes. Same principle in operation.

Leading actors/actresses

Emily Rose – Abigail Breslen, Alexia – Ali Hilis, Jason Stevens – Drew Fuller, Theophilus Hamilton – Bill Cobbs, Miss Hastings – Lee Merriwether

Music:

“My Mom Says I’m Cool.” Arlen, RAE MUSIC

Dodge City Rockers

“Crazy” written by Willie Nelson, performed by Patsy Cline

“Gotta Serve Somebody.” written & performed by Bob Dylan

“Simple Gifts.” Shaker Hymn adapted and arranged by Aaron Copland

“The Thrill Is Gone.”   written by Rick Darnell & Roy Hawkins performed by BB King

“The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” written by G. F. Handel performed by the LA Guitar Quartet

“Caramba” performed by Tierra Caliente

“Arrullo” performed by La Voz De Ninos Dios

“On Fire” written by Jon Foreman and Daniel Victor, performed by Switchfoot

“Breathe Me” performed by Dan Carey & Sia Furler

“Something Changed” written & performed by Sara Groves

“Legacy” written by Kelly Morrison & performed by Ed Goggin

Day 148

“Their message has gone out to all the earth.” Psalm 19:4

God is the author of two books described in this Psalm. The first half of Psalm 19 describes His Book of Creation (vv1-6); the last half describes His Book of Scripture (vv. 7-11). Psalm 19 then concludes with a fitting prayer of confession and commitment in verses 12-14.

The psalmist opens with a sweeping appreciation for God’s handiwork in the skies. The sun, he said, is a runner who starts a sky race every morning and completes it each evening. It’s a star 93 million miles away, composed of hydrogen and helium, a literal fireball of remarkable energy generated by nuclear fusion reactions, producing 10 million megatons of energy per second. Its temperature is about 10,000 degrees on the surface and approximately 25 million degrees at its center. If it were a little larger, its gravity would pull us into it and we’d burn up; a little smaller and we’d and we’d drift off into deadly coldness. If it were a little hotter, we’d be consumed; a little colder and we’d freeze. If it were a little brighter, we’d be blinded; a little dimmer and our world would be perpetually dimmed.

BOTTOM LINE:

In every way, the sun perfectly matches earth, making our planet the only known spot in the universe for human life. There’s no locale or person on Earth where the sun doesn’t shine. God’s creation is accessible to all, telling everyone of God’s majesty and declaring His glory.

All to Jesus: A Year of Devotions. Robert J Morgan 2008

MY FURTHER REFLECTION: The potential hypocrisy of my (man’s) heart’s past, present & future belligerence to acknowledge God as the sole Creator of our universe, considering the preponderance of evidence now known, or, yet being discovered, even within the human body (brain, genetics, nutritional & chemical influencers, etc), or beyond our bodies, in such as by the transforming power of His Holy Spirit in matters of our relationships past, present, & future, not to mention the healing impact of His Divine Love throughout our lives at this very moment…

We are truly blessed beyond our mere comprehension. How can I even begin to worship His creation and works in me appropriately?

Next, consider the marvel His salvation provides us, and the “access” to life He provides us?

Today, and in the future, the key word in this techie world may be “ACCESS.” How does one insure continual access to whatever? Avoid the ACCESS DENIED caption!

Next, consider the invitational Jesus of the Scriptures, and our timely response to insure our future access…   

Next, consider the perspective of “Our puny rituals” vs. “His endless realities of Love!”

Go forth today celebrating His abundance that is NOW accessible to you! Indeed! The message has gone throughout the earth! Psalm 19:4

As I conclude this post, I am reminded that my very first computer purchased in 1984 was indeed named “Access” housed in a black box cube with a hinged lid. Weighing 43 lbs., Monochrome of course, 2 floppy drives, with both phone modem receptacles top side as well as an Epson printer, and we were in business and on the move! I’m now just reflecting now how well named it was. I’m wondering now what power it’s developers had access too?

About all I remember now is that I wrote a check for $2000 and picked it up at 8 am at a unmarked side door in a nondesript warehouse in N. Canton just up from the Toyota dealer. I presume my dairy nutrition guru friend Donovan Beyeler, formerly of Orrville, then of Elkhart, was instrumental in arranging the sale as he was continually researching the then dribbling pipeline of portable home business computers prior the introduction of laptops… as I certainly was not knowledgeable of the latest and greatest. And it was because of Don, I’m sure that they even took my check!

But here again, we return to ACCESS, don’t we? It is the WHO we know! Be it via “puny rituals” or His “endless realities.” Don’t you love that we serve an “invitational Jesus” capable of both empowering us and opening the necessary doors? Pure Kingdom Joy! None of this fabricated synthetic Chicago misnamed vocab! First, the New Agers hijacked His rainbow, now even the word joy! May we concertedly live every moment “invitationally alive” with Jesus. Do not become consumed by the encroaching dark deception about us. It is so temporary!

I’m reminded today(Aug 28) of Job’s words in the One Year Bible from Job 24:22-24 “though they become established, they have no assurance of life. He may let them rest in a feeling of security, but his eyes are on their ways. For a little while they are exalted, and then they are gone; they are brought low and gathered up like all others; they are cut off like heads of grain.”  And if you were ever “privileged” to monotonously gaze into a combine header watching the heads of grain being gathered in, you better understand being brought low and gathered up like all others, be it spiritually, or mechanically!

Seriously now, today (Aug 28) One Year Bible has these verses from I Cor.2: 14-17 “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in joyful triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the Word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.

Now read it from the Message. Both are powerfully inspired! 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (MSG) In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance.
Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life.
But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse. This is a terrific responsibility. Is anyone competent to take it on?
No—but at least we don’t take God’s Word, water it down, and then take it to the streets to sell it cheap. We stand in Christ’s presence when we speak; God looks us in the face. We get what we say straight from God and say it as honestly as we can.

Got the picture? Then I must act accordingly!