Guilt by association?

Have you ever known a person who's spirit was so infectous that it rubbed of on you? These kind of people can, on many levels, shape a persons way of thinking and acting without effort.

I guess that it's like the phrase, "guilt by association." Though I wouldn't naturally assume that guilt is the motivation or product of association with any particular person it does make a point worthy of consideration.

Parents often warn their kids to watch who they play with our hang out with to keep them out of trouble. I'd like to go one step further with that thought. How do we pick our friends and what determines our choices.

Do we choose our friends with the same standards that we teach our children or do we just roll into relationships that feel good and keep us comfortable?

The turned photo here is of a friend that has my respect. His personality is more than infectious! It's edifying! He is a Christian friend who's mind, soul & heart are focused on God. The joy of the Lord is evident in his life and attitude. In being around him one would walk away with a smile and a sense of well being ... and the knowledge and desire to praise the Lord!

How do we teach our children? We live what we teach!

New Life

Never mind the date on this photo. It was taken this morning at New Life City Church in Safford, Az. on the 29 of Oct., 2006. This shot shows a portion of our praise and worship team.

I really enjoy our music time at the church there! It has a real upbeat pace to it and is very condusive to worship as well.

Our pastor, Phil, is a delightful character. He preaches well and has a style that I really appreciate. He's got a Texan twang in his voice, a tall cowboy demeaner and he delivers the Word in such a way as to hold my attention well.

I am so grateful to the members and 'family' that I have at New Life! They've always been close and attentive, ready with sincere prayer that brings answers and actions that can only be from God.

Unless God dictates other wise I would like to spend the rest of my life in Safford. The small town atmosphere is such a blessing to my 'one day at a time' mentality! It's a lot like the little town that I grew up in in Indiana.

New Life shall be my home untill the Lord brings me to my home in Paradise.

Time is Made from Scarlet Vines

Time is made from scarlet vines that flow through our lives like arteries that pass through the flesh of our lives. It is woven in with the intricacy of a master design and leaves no edges frayed what we can not see.

Time is the taunting of a promise made in which longevity is the supposed gift, but a promise never made. It is the bait that we seek in a race that we pray never ends and only does so when we least want it.

Time is the finality of one end and the beginning of another. It starts fairly measurable and transitions into eternity taunting us with the hopes that one is better than the other!

Time is the fantasy of travel in an escapist's world where reality is the waiting vengence of its cruel response.

Time is an hour glass that waits on us all!

Thrift Shop Addict

Thift Shop Addict!

I sure do like a real good deal!
Something about a bargain holds such appeal!
I didn't need that something then, but I'll buy it now!
I just dig that saw blade with its painted on cow!

My house is a mess I'll have to agree,
People drop by to buy whatever they see!
I know my homes a junkyard's mess to the eye,
But, I'll fix that when I find nice shelves to buy!

I make no money, but I spend it well!
I can find a deal with age or musty smell!
My clothes come into style every three or four years.
Each piece has been stained with someone else's tears.

It seems like a Father once sent His Son who died,
Even for those who persecuted and denied.
He offered a gift to set us free,
At a cost that was paid for just you and me!

It's a bargain and a deal for sure you know!
Just accept His gift and let His light show.
Live for Him and let others see the way.
Help them live for Him in each new day!

Other bargains sit on shelves in dust.
Those of metal show signs of rust!
Books lay in stacks of disrepair.
They certainly show some lack of care!

Oh, my Father accept my life which belongs to You!
Forgive my sin I pray and hold me true,
To each day in mercy and grace,
One day to see the majesty of Your face!

Lord, I shed my sin before You now!
Upon bent knees in prayer I bow,
To pray Your will to share with others this night.
That they to may come to know Your glory and Your might!

There is a treasure to find this day,
That is offered to you in every way!
Please draw close and know His love!
Let Him live within you and praise above.


Here I sit in the small thrift store.
They've all gone out and locked the door!
The lights grow dim and the bargains few.
Yet, I know the best deal and choose a life for You!