From Helen to Mollie...gifts that matter

Received a call Sunday morning that one of our long time members, Helen Jones passed away. 89 years of age…a good, long faithful life. I always enjoyed my visits with her at the Martin-Boyd retirement home in Chattanooga. She was a wonderful lady and loved her Tennessee Vols. I had a part in her funeral Tuesday evening and her entombment on Wednesday morning.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15).

Received a call on Thursday that our sweet little Mollie Elizabeth Skelton arrived safe and well at 6 lbs. and 6 oz. Just had a nice visit with little Mollie…another child to hold and love.

“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Psalm 127:3).

So, this week is a week that gifts arrive left and right? Well, all I know is this…gifts come year round. Sister Helen was a dear friend and a gift to me and I know that Mollie will be a wonderful gift and friend, too.

Lord, you’ve blessed me with too many gifts. But, you know, I’d never return a one of Your blessings. Just the right size and always meets a need.

All the packages in the world never matter…hug and love the true gifts of one another.

Merry Christmas, everyone...from the Wildwood.

A funny thanksgiving story...

Years ago when I worked for Nabisco, we "revved" it up and stayed busy through the holidays.  We would come out of the gates running the end of October, first of November with our holiday displays--get 'em in, get 'em up and move 'em out.  Another reason, too was so we could ease up with a four day-work week at Thanksgiving.  In essence, we shoved three days work into four that week.

When I would do that, I would work the small town of Hartsville, TN later Wednesday afternoon (normally I would do it on Thursday).  When I would finish, I could not make it home in time for Wednesday evening Bible Study, so I would visit with my friend and "BIG" brother, Dwight Fuqua and the church of Christ at Halltown Road.  On that evening, they had a special "thanksgiving" class and within this class, Dwight would ask questions.

Brother H.I. Holt, I believe was his name...he has since passed on.  Fine, fine man...in his eighties, I believe.  Dwight called on him and said, "H.I., what is one thing you are thankful for?"

That kind, aged, beloved brother in the Lord thought a minute and said, "I am thankful my wife got a good husband."

Broke the whole class up!  Oh, it was great...and I still laugh about it to this day.

Hope you enjoyed the laugh...and a happy thanksgiving to you...from the Wildwood.

X-Rays and CT scans...and Daddy

A lot of you knew about my daddy and his passing June 4, 2009.  It was a heart attack that took Daddy's life but he was also battling lung cancer and of course, the lung cancer played a part in the heart attack.

My sister and I became a little more educated about lung cancer and learned that the causes were attributed to Daddy smoking at one time (he quit in 1978, but had smoked probably 30 years at that time--those old, nasty Pall Mall Reds for the most part) and that it is also genetic.  Immediately little brother here asked what we could do and Daddy's awesome doctor, David Spiegel said, "Get a yearly chest X-Ray."

Fast forward to November 9, 2011--physical time...and chest X-Ray.  Sure enough, I get a call and there is a little something on that left lung--pulmonary nodule, believed to be nothing major; don't worry.  "Let's get a CT scan," my newly California transplanted doctor says.

Had the prayer warriors at East Side church of Christ praying.

Fast forward to November 14, 2011--that CT scan was awesome!  November 15...to quote my doctor: "GREAT news, Mr. Archey."  A calcified granuloma, a scarring from some infection in the past.  It is benign, not worrisome, and not cancerous.

Here's my point with the blog...

Was I worried?  Nah, I don't worry; I have a Heavenly Father (Matt. 6:24-33) who tends to it all.

Next...Daddy's treatment was a trial drug treatment and you know, Daddy would have loved to have known if what he went through helped somebody else out.

From all that, I learned to get a simple chest X-Ray to make sure everything is all right. 

Yep, Daddy sure helped someone...his boy...who types this with a thankful heart and tear filled eyes...at the Wildwood.

Remembering our Veterans

...Mansel Parkinson, Ernest Jones, Jimmy Ray, Roy Barber.  If memory serves me well these are four WW II veterans still serving as soldiers of the cross at the East Side church of Christ where I labor.  These are four of the finest men I know and my, they are good to me--always have been.  I love them not only as my brothers in the Lord, but also as "father" figures and friends.

And, only deep in their hearts do they know what they faced when they battled for our country.  I recall bro. Jones telling me once, “We were young and we just did what we had to do,” a humble, gracious reply followed quickly by him pointing to the heavens and saying, “And all I have, He gave it to me.”

Throughout the congregation, there are many others who served in our armed forces whether wartime or peacetime.  We keep a list of our military family in the church bulletin.  I look out and see folks with a son or daughter currently serving our nation. 

I came across the following some years ago and have used it at military funerals...thought it would be worthy for us to remember what Veterans Day is about: remembering…an early thought of respect....from the Wildwood...

It's the soldier, not the reporter who has given us Freedom of the Press.

It's the soldier, not the poet, who has given us Freedom of Speech.

It's the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the Freedom to Demonstrate.

It's the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the Right to a Fair Trial.

It's the soldier who salutes the flag, serves under the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag,

Who gives the protestor the right to burn the flag.

--Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC

Arrive, apply and amplify

I am currently embracing and enjoying the book of 1 John and in chapter three, John brings forth the strong love and compassion we are to have as brethren—fellow Christians.  In reading some thoughts on this, I thought of the following—a simple little ditty, “Arrive, Apply and amplify.”

With my love for the church, let me arrive every time the door is open.  In 1 John we are told the world doesn’t understand the love man has for God and fellow Christians.  It is interesting to hear folks think of any excuse not to attend the services of the church.  Oh, but if I love the church, I will arrive!  I will arrive at the church building; I will arrive on time; I will arrive because it is the best place to be with the best people in the world.

But, not only will I arrive, but I will apply.  I’m not going to simply show up to be counted; I will apply what happens within.  Yes, I will sing; I will pray; I will remember the death of my Lord through partaking of the Lord’s Supper; I will give of my means and I will study with the preacher the unsearchable riches of Christ.  I will apply worship in my heart both vertically and horizontally—to my Lord (John 4:24) and to edify my brethren (Heb. 10:25).

And, then, when I depart—I will amplify.  I will tell to all what Jesus has done for me when the opportunity arises.  I will respond and let others know the blessed opportunities that awaits them if they will but arrive, apply, and then amplify.

Arrive, apply and amplify—just a little thing from the Hills*…via the Wildwood.

*"From the hills" is when I write a few things from our subdivision called Weston Hills.  When it's time to go home, gues you could say I "head for the hills." :-)

Just a couple of things a preacher is thankful for...

...from the Wildwood.

A preacher is thankful when he spends time in prayer and notes the newcomers to the congregation who infuse fresh life and renewed diligence for us all.  They love Bible Study and worship and serve whereever they can.  They express love to us all and lift us up.

A preacher is thankful when he spends time in prayer and notes the long time, year after year dedication of so many that have remained faithful through the years.  They are stalwarts--you know their pew will always be full with their hearts and presence.  They are the kind of folks that make it possible for you to have a place to serve.

New folks come...faithful folks staying...that's what makes the East Side church of Christ special and may our light humbly shine...from the Wildwood.

Sweet Hour of Prayer

My, I love that hymn...the words, the melody...truly one of the sweetest hymns of all time.

Stanza one reminds me that the time of prayer to my Father takes me away from a world of care.  I'm not studying, driving, watching TV, listening to the radio, etc..  I just take the time as a child to go to my Father's throne and make all my wants and wishes known.  When those times of distress and grief come, relief is a prayer away.  I can often escape the temptation of Satan if I will pray before by the return answer of my Father above.

Stanza two reminds me of the joy and bliss that I feel and the rekindled desire for our Lord to return and for this old world to end.  I hasten to the place of prayer and take my station, my stand, my aim toward higher ground.

Stanza three reminds me how my petitions rise with no interference or like the cute picture I saw the other day of a little girl praying and the caption said "Oldest form of wireless Communication--Never dropped a call."  I'll seek Him, believe Him and trust Him and cast my care upon Him.

Yes, indeed...I'll wait for thee...sweet hour of prayer...my thanksgiving and my petitions to my Father...from the Wildwood.



Evangelism, Exhortation and Edification

Sometimes, it is just time to get back to the basics.

You know, this year has been a bit tough--pretty close to burnout, actually.  Been a hard year, especially when the tornadoes came our way.  And, sometimes the work of an evangelist can be a challenge even without that.

Some days I have been tired, weary...through God's grace it is getting better.  So, it is time to look at my life and simplify some matters and get back to the basics...like evangelism, exhortation and edification.

Yep...time to make some changes...in the wildwood.

Julius Sprayberry

Do you know that name? You may not find it in the annuals of history. Actually, I never met him--all I know is he was a Christian man who worked in a Georgia factory. While working there he met a young man, a co-worker, and he began talking to this young man about the gospel of Christ and invited him to worship services at the local church of Christ. That young man and his sweet wife attended, studied with brother Sprayberry and both the young man and his sweet wife obeyed the gospel of Christ.

That young man brother Sprayberry converted decided to become a gospel preacher...and he did! He and his wife are faithful servants to this day, some sixty years later.  My, think of all the souls that have been reached due to the efforts of one man, bro. Sprayberry, in reaching another soul...that certain young man.

Tonight, I am going to hear that "young man," Lord willing...and I cannot wait to hear and see my good friend, James Watkins and his sweet wife, Foye.  I'll be headed out to the country...when I finish working at the Wildwood.

Remembering 9-11...

...as I am sure many will think about where they were that day.  Me?  I was on a sales call at the old Wal-Mart in Sparta, TN and conducting a meeting at the West Sparta congregation in the evening. 

While in Wal-Mart, I was talking with the manager when the office clerk opened the door and said a plane had hit the World Trade Center.  I ceased discussions with the manager and returned to my hotel room just down the street and saw the second plane hit.  After a few moments I said out loud, "That thing is gonna fall" and I no sooner said it, that it did.

Then the second building went down.

Fast forward to a couple of weeks later...at that time I was working for Russell Stover Candies.  Being a national company, we would have annual sales meetings and sales reps from all over the country would assemble at one locale.  The company would have “smaller” meetings mixing regions together so we could learn various sales techniques.  The south region blended with the northeast region—of course, two different cultures so to speak.
 

Yet, from those meetings, I met a native New Yorker named John.  We really hit it off well and of course, we both accused one another of having an accent.  He loved to hear about Tennessee and honestly, I was fascinated by New York life.

A couple of weeks after 9-11, I called John and we visited.  I was sitting on the front porch of our house admiring the beauty of the fall night telling John what I was seeing.  He told me he would love to be sitting there with me.  He attended his third funeral that week as seven members of his church had died on 9-11.  He broke down crying like a baby and in that distinctive voice said, “Jeff, nothing you see on television touches what we are seeing and what we are going through.”

I have thought of my friend, John...wonder if I could find his number?  Might just give him a call...from the Wildwood.

It's not too far...

...around the corner until fall of the year.  Got to admit, I am an all-weather fan...whatever the Lord brings I will accept and adapt.  I am ready for a break from the heat, I must admit, but until then, we'll remain cool and refreshed as I can.

Speaking of refreshed, I have a good young friend named Jacob.  After I preached last evening concerning Gnosticism and 1 John, Jacob "waved" me to him during the invitation song.  Thinking he might respond, I spoke to him after the song and he said something along the lines of "Bro. Jeff, before the Lord's Supper (wherein he was serving ), is it OK if I comment about your lesson and tell folks I appreciated it and that we really face things that try to take our faith?"

Was I touched with his kindness?  Absolutely.  But, I told him how much I appreciated his encouragement and it meant the world to me...but let's focus on the purpose of his effort--to remind us all of the death of our Savior and to address that thoroughly.  He smiled and said all right.

Here is a young man who encouraged me and in turn, encouraged and exhorted us all with his reverence and focus on the Lord's Supper.  What a precious night...from the Wildwood.

1 John

Starting Sunday evening, I am preaching the book of 1 John.  If the sermon preparation is anything like this week, man, what a joy it will be. 

First lessons from a book of the Bible will have one researching and reading...and reading...and reading the background of the writing of the book.  To whom is one writing?  Why is one writing?  Is there anything of that era that factors in?

With 1 John, most definitely.  One of most far-fetched, unbelievable, false doctrines ever about my Lord Jesus was taught...and John defeats it solidly.

What is it?  Well, that's coming from the wildwood Sunday at 6 PM.

Blessed Assurance

I am blessed in reading Tom Holland's 80th book Blessed Assurance.  Just started it and already some great reminders and marvelous thoughts.  In the preface:

"In a world of turmoil, war, hatred, and greed, God wants His people to live in peace.  In an age of doubt and uncertainty God desires that his people live in confidence" (11).

Peace and Confidence...yes, indeed.  Peace that eases and confidence in "easin' onward." 

As I embark upon chapter two about Christ as the author of our salvation (Heb. 5:9), I am also reminded that He is the "captain of [our] salvation" (Heb. 2:10).  I love this book for it reminds me that as my Captain, He guides and leads...and I'll trust the travel arrangements; not mine, but His.

All right, Dale Jenkins and Caleb O'Hara...

...here it is.  See, that technology session at PTP did work. :-)  Here is the first post "from the wildwood."

From 252 Wildwood Avenue in Cleveland, TN, here is post #1.  This is the location of the East Side church of Christ building where fellow saints gather to worship, serve, encourage, edify and grow.  So, "from the Wildwood," we'll keep it as upbeat as possible when you visit here.

Arriving at the Wildwood this AM, an envelope was in my war room door (my office is my "war room."  As we wear the armor of God, this is where the strategy or studying takes place).  From one of my "little ones" I opened it and two well-done drawings were enclosed.  One said "Jesus did for us" ("died" for us, but when you think of what Christ DID for us in DYING for us, hey, accurate to me) with a small 3-D type drawing of the cross.  The second one was a cross with "Jesus is my Savior" in the middle.  My lesson last Sunday?  An old chart lesson titled "Jesus the Savior."  Yes, little ones listen and those special, one of a kind drawings will remain in my heart and will have a special place in the war room.

Hope you enjoy the chart below...today's gift from the Wildwood.