MY WORLD VIEW

We're inundated today with views on candidates, plenty of real and imagined smut on each one. When it gets down to voting time, though, I think each of us needs to examine our world view before we go to the polls. So, I thought I'd include mine--and hope many of these concepts are still alive when my five (three shown here) grandkids come of age.

I believe:

* The universe and everything in it was created by the God revealed in the Old and New Testaments.
* Man has dominion over and should be good stewards of all God has given us.
* Life starts at conception.
* Marriage by definition is between a man and a woman.
* The government is not responsible for my well being.
* The government does have major responsibility for protection and security.

I'm sure more headings and many subheadings could be added, but I choose to keep it simple.

I welcome your comments on my blog, and please:

* Keep it friendly.
* Don't mention candidates (for purpose of this one discussion ), only concepts, beliefs and ideas.
* Admit that my grandkids are every bit as cute as your grandkids!

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I'm starting on my second book, Muppim, Huppim and Ard, which should be finished by September--I'm not sure which September. Also Ebenezer still makes a great gift, devotion book or family time reading.

Thank you all for supporting me and my projects.

Marty

Big Brother--B.B. McKinney

I've known the name B.B. McKinney as long as I can remember. I knew he wrote good songs. I didn't know he served at an orphanage in Dallas. I didn't know his real obnoxious-sounding name, Baylus Benjamin. This name was soon changed to Big Brother by the children he served and loved--and who obviously loved him back.

Above is another big brother reading to his two little sisters. I found this picture on the web. It looks exactly like three of my grandchildren, Abraham David, Anna Kathryn and Aili Rose. The names flow better, don't you think, than Baylus Benjamin?

No, that couldn't be the same Abe I heard screaming at those same sisters. Maybe it just looks like my grandkids.

One of BB's songs was God Give Us Christian Homes:

(1886-1952)

God Give Us Christian Homes!

Homes where the Bible is loved and taught,

Homew where the Master's will is sought.

...

Homes that are joyous with love and song.

God give us Christian homes.

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The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. John 1:41

We all need a big brother from time to time--and how great to be raised in a Christian home.

Ebenezer sends his love and says he'd love to come to your house anytime you'd like. He makes a great big brother read.

Blessings. Marty

P.S. I have more grandkids. Maybe I can find all five of their pictures soon. So, don't think you're off the hook.

PHILIP PAUL BLISS

Don't you think those 1800s pictures of writers and important people are funny looking? I think I'll start inserting my grandkids' pictures and assign each child a song writer's name. I decided to add his house. Doesn't that look much better? I'd like to have a house like that in Oregon. It does look pretty old. I'd want everything to work, especially the plumbing.

In spite of his funny looks--or maybe you think he's handsome--I believe Mr. Bliss was a good and godly man. Oh yes, if you'll look in your hymnal, he's referred to as P.P. Bliss. Don't you think Philip Paul sounds much more polished?

I'm inserting one of Ebenezer's stories about this man and one of his songs.

EVEN ME?

Wonderful things in the Bible I see
This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.
I am so glad that Jesus loves me.
Jesus Loves Even Me

Last Sunday I went to parts of three church services because I wanted to be present for all the baptisms. Each time, we sang the old children’s hymn, “Jesus Loves Even Me.” On my way home and all afternoon, that song rang in my head. I enjoyed the light melody and the nostalgia of an old Sunday school tune.
When I got home, I began to think about the words. Why did the author say Jesus loves even me? I looked up Philip P. Bliss in Kenneth Osbeck’s Amazing Grace. Surely I’d find a former life of slave trading like that of John Newton. Maybe in his pre-converted life, he, like Saul, persecuted Christians. Was he an agnostic, like Lew Wallace, who was compelled by an atheist orator to study his own beliefs more closely and then find the truth of God’s love?
Philip P. Bliss, associate of the great preacher, D. L. Moody, simply wanted to express musically how much it meant that Jesus had picked him out to love. I found no skeletons in his closet.
Are there skeletons in your closet? Do you have a dirty heart only a mother could love? Surely God couldn’t love you. You’ve blown it.
No one who has sinned can enter heaven. (Revelation 21:27) It looks like the atheist or the murderer won’t make it.
Are you a philanthropist whose eulogy will cover the front page of the newspaper? Has a big part of your money gone to charity? Are you president of the children’s fund?
All have sinned. (Romans 3:23) Even that big building you built downtown for the homeless won’t get you into God’s presence.
We’re all doomed. But God in His grace has stepped in. He sent Jesus, who loved even you and even me so much that he was willing to die to cover our sins.
If there hasn’t been a time in your life that you were amazed and humbled by the fact that Jesus loved even you, rich or poor, naughty or nice, you’re on the wrong road.
Each of the six children and adults baptized last Sunday had to have a time of realization—Jesus loves even me--or their baptisms weren’t worth the water it took to dunk them in.

“…I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jeremiah 31:3

This is just one of 99. Check out the rest. You might find yourself or someone you know.

Ebenezer and I wish you all well. Go and revel in Jesus' love this weekend.

Marty

HUGH STOWELL

Here is a statue of Hugh Stowell, the writer of "From Every Stormy Wind that Blows." I'm not much into statues. The real person would suit me better, or a picture of the real person since he died in 1886.

I like him, though. He wrote only one song. I have written only one book. I wonder if they'll raise a statue to me. Maybe not .

After he'd decided it was wrong to baptize babies, he became a Baptist. That's a new reason to me for becoming a Baptist. He was known for his work in the cause of peace. Also a first--I didn't know Baptists were into furthering the cause of peace. I thought we were rabble rousers.

In 1847 (one hundred years before I was born), he traveled to Liverpool to preach at Myrtle Street Baptist Chapel and stayed there the rest of his life. That's longer than I've stayed in one place.

His preaching was simple and direct--and humorous. Have you ever wondered what we'd do without humor-- with all the not-so-funny things going on around us?

Mr. Stowell started a series of lectures on Sunday afternoons. People who thought they couldn't dress well enough to go to church attended these talks. Often he spoke to a crowd of three to four thousand.

He started the Workman's Bank to help people develop habits of saving, which kept many from poverty.

This guy was busy. Maybe that's why he wrote only one song. I guess I'll get started on my second book since I'm not a speaker or a banker.

In the meantime, you know where to pick up Ebenezer. You'll still have money to sock away in the Workman's Bank--or wherever you keep it.

Speaking of money, a check for children's books is going to educator and child advocate Emily Bond in honor of those who played our Blog game.

You can read on page 13 of Ebenezer about Mr. Stowell's song, "From Every Stormy Wind that Blows."

Thanks for your participation and putting up wth my silliness.

Marty

AND THE WINNERS ARE

I'll start at top. Joe Ellis and a darling grandchild, a granddaughter, right?

Next is my sister, Jo's beautiful yard since I lost the pictue she sent, and she has such a lovely place in Ohio. Actually, if you look closely at that little dot, that's Jo. She said she knew the answer, but never told me. Can you trust these big sisters?

Next is Chaplain Bob and Barb Ruesch. Bob was first to answer the question.

Next is my cousin, Barbara, who asked the question in the first place.

Last, but with the most complete answer is Mary K Frazier, a life-long friend. She is shown with two of her sisters, Nancy and Shirley. Mary K (who is pictured on right) gave names and dates. Joh Barger coined the term 'web log'in 1997; it was shortened to 'blog' by Peter Merholz in 1999.

Nobody wanted me to send them a book--sooo I sent my sister a giant lemon by her grandson Evan. For the rest of you I'm giving books to underprivileged children in your honor. Is that OK?

This was fun, thanks to all of you. Please comment on my blog from time to time, like dear Mary K always does. Or send me an e-mail.

Any of you who will send your grandson to Fresno, I'll send you a giant lemon from the great San Joaquin Valley (my back yard). But you must hurry. Supplies are limited.

You can purchase Ebenezer all kinds of ways and places: From me on my website, Lighthouse Christian Publishing Company, Amazon or ask your independent bookstore to order it.

Thanks for the fun. Marty

BERT SHADDUCK

At right is the Methodist church of Bert Shadduck, writer of "The Great Judgment Morning."

I used his church because I didn't think he was that good looking.

Mr. Shadduck was born in 1869 and died in 1950. His father ridiculed his Christian faith, but he stayed true. He was a member of the Salvation Army, then the Methodist church. One of his great causes was fighting the teaching of evolution. I think a larger banner he flew was warning people of "the great judgment morning." We all must reckon with God's judgment, but we need not fear that day if we've met the Savior.

I've been encouraged to write more about the authors of our hymns. I've chosen not to do a lot of that. You can find plenty of books on the biographies of the hymn writers. I study and write about the phrases of the great old songs of the faith--many coming straight from the scripture.

But I did decide to take just a few "blogs" of time and look at some of these musical poets.

Speaking of blogs, my cousin, Barbara, asked me where the word blog came from. So, here's the deal: To the first person who answers this question on my blog, I'll send:

1.)My book, Ebenezer and Ninety-Eight Friends. 2)One book of your choice. (Valued $15 or less that I can buy at Majesty, our neighborhood Christian bookstore).

Remember, God would rather save you than judge you. Aren't you glad He'll take somebody as ugly as Bert Shadduck? (He really isn't that bad looking. They just didn't have good photographers back then.)

Thanks for your support.

Marty

NO ONE EVER CARED FOR ME LIKE JESUS

I'd like to share with you an article from my book. The picture at right is Dr. Charles Weigle.

I KNOW THE AUTHOR

Every day He comes to me with new assurance,
More and more I understand His words of love;
But I’ll never know just why He came to save me,
Till some day I see His blessed face above.
No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus,
C.F. Weigle

It was the middle of the 1960s, but we hadn’t come to demonstrate for or against abortion, women’s rights or the peace movement. We had gathered to celebrate a birthday. Hundreds of students and faculty marched down Main Street in Chattanooga. Dr. Charles Weigle, hymn writer and mentor for many young people, had turned 95. The Sunday evening service of Highland Park Church was being held in the Civic Center this one special evening.
Dr. Weigle sat with us in the dining hall at Tennessee Temple College. He had a room on campus, where students cared for him. I remember his winning smile. I remember he talked to any of the students—about something funny or about a serious problem. I remember he liked lots of sugar in his tea.
The Weigle Singers, formed in his honor, sang his most recognized hymn, “No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus.” What an honor to know the man who had penned these words. Every time I hear the song, I want to say, “I knew the author.”
Dr. Weigle didn’t make it to 96. He went to be with the One about whom he’d been singing for over 40 years—the one who comforted him when his wife left him after he became a Christian. He went on to be with the Author of his faith and my faith—and the faith of anyone who receives this Jesus.
I don’t hear Dr. Weigle’s songs much anymore. We have a new era in music. But the same thought is still being penned and proclaimed: “There’s simply nobody who cares for us like Jesus.”
When Christmas rolls around this year, I hope I’ll remember with a new zeal whose birthday I’m celebrating—whether I read the Nativity story with my family, fellowship over a cup of hot chocolate with my church family, or march down Main Street, singing His praises.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…Hebrews 12:2

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This and 98 other stories can be found in Ebenezer and Ninety-Eight Friends. You may purchase it from me, Amazon or Lighthouse Christian Publishing.

Speaking of ninety-something people, my mother just celebrated her 93rd birthday yesterday. What a joy to be a part of her long and happy life.

Thank you all four your support.

Marty

SUNDAY SCHOOL KIDS THEN AND NOW

In 1780 when Robert Raikes and John Burton started Sunday school in England, there was no public school. Sometimes they had to teach the children to read before they taught them the Bible.

Many of these children spent their other six days working in factory jobs. Maybe they appreciated Sunday school more than we do today.

My greatest desire for my five grandchildren is that they learn and glean from this same Book taught to these young factory workers over 200 years ago.

Holy Bible, Book divine,
Precious treasure, thou are mine;
Mine to tell me whence I came;
Mine to teach me what I am.
Mine to comfort in distress,
Suffering in this wilderness.
John Burton (1773-1822)

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11

You can read about my long table where I learned from this Book. See "Chocolate Chips, Raisins and the Word of God" in Ebenezer and Ninety-Eight Friends.

Thanks for reading my blog and letting me use a lame excuse to show my grandkids' pictures.

BRIGHTEN THE CORNER

I had to laugh at myself in my last blog, being so dramatic about not getting to retire right now. Did I sufficiently make you feel sorry for me?

Ina Duley Ogdon in the 1800s was chosen to go on an oratory tour when her father was seriously injured, and she needed to cancel her trip. When she got through pouting (maybe she didn't pout, but I'd like to think I'm not the only one), she penned the words to the song, "Brighten the Corner Where You Are." I don't need to give you the verses; the title says it all. Makes me sick.

Reminds me of when we lived in Barstow, California--hot desert. I hated it. One day, I told David in my saddest voice, "You're all I have." His backward compliment reply: "You're all I need." That shut me up--for a while.

The picture at right is Silver Falls, Oregon, where I want to be. I think it's nearly heaven there. I know it's not quite heaven because they have a grumpy receptionist. How could anyone be grumpy there?

For now,

I'll be glad blessings flow abundantly, even in Fresno.
I'll tell all you mothers, Happy Day.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4

One more thing:

You can read "Find Your Separator and Start Turning," just one of 99 stories in Ebenezer and Ninety-Eight Friends. This one features Georgia Lou and Little Jodie. You can order Ebenezer through my website--or Amazon--or Lighthouse Christian Publishing.

All because we do not carry...

Greetings to you all.

My good friend and former (way former) youth leader, Waudell Maple, called my attention to Revelation 5 and Hebrews 4:16. I am not Bible scholar enough to go deeply into Revelation 5, but I know according to Hebrews 4:16, I can go boldly to the throne of grace.

What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
I am so glad he bore my sins that haunted me for years. It's like a big load lifted off my shoulders.

What a privilege to carry Everyting to God in Prayer!
It IS a privilege. Sometimes we act like it's a burden to take our burderns to Him.

O what peace we often forfeit.
Our retirement is in limbo. I can't find the picture I was going to use for this blog. I hope I can find my summer clothes before it's 100 degrees out there. They may be in storage or maybe under the bed.

All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!
I know where to go--boldly to the throne room of grace--then maybe to the storage shed.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus, Joseph M Scriven

Let us ... come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16

I would ask you who do come boldly before the throne of grace to pray about our interrupted retirement and that I'll not get anxious about it. Thanks!

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I believe you can still purchase a copy of Ebenezer from Amazon in time for Mother's Day.

Blessings to you and thanks for reading my blog.


Marty

PRONE TO WANDER

It is said that Robert Robinson, writer of "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" was "prone to wander." Who better to write this song with the words,

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it;

Prone to leave the God I love;

Here's my heart; Lord, take and seal it;

Seal it for Thy courts above.

...you were marked in him with a seal,

the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit

guaranteeing our inheritance until the

redemption of those who are God's possession--

to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14.

We're all prone to wander. I'm glad we who are God's possession have the promised seal of the Holy Spirit.

I did not find an appropriate picture for this one, though I'm sure I could have found some tie to my five grandchildren. Surely not prone to wander!

Please feel free to comment on these posts. Maybe we can get some interaction going .

Marty

FEEDING THE CHICKENS--THE REGULAR WAY AND JENNY'S WAY

I fed the chickens only a few times at my parents' New Mexico ranch or when I was a kid on the farm. I ran outside with an old pan of leftover collard greens, roast and potatos. Maybe a bite of grandad's birthday cake someone was too full to finish. I turned that pan over in the dirt, grabbed it and ran back in to warmer more comfortable surroundings--and where the food was still palatable--not disgusting.

When our Jenny was a little girl, one of her favorite outdoor chores (she wouldn't call it a chore) was to feed the chickens at Grandmother's house. She ran outside carrying an old green Tupperware bowl full of the everyone's post Sunday dinner. She hand fed each chicken. I'm sure she picked out something special for each one--maybe a beet for one, a turnip for another. Often she'd sit right down in the dirt with them.

I don't know if any chickens in the Western United States have fared so well since those days in the early 1970s. But there are a couple of kids, a couple of dogs and cats too numerous to mention who now make out like bandits.

Just a fond memory of a gentle little girl. Does anyone else have some fond memories of your kids or grandkids you'd like to share?

Remember, you can still purchase your copy of Ebenezer from me, Amazon or Andy (www.lighthouseEbooks.com)

Send in those memories. Or anything else you want to share. Maybe you can even figure out how to add a picture. It took me six months to figure that one out.