Pastor A

As I grew up in West Virginia, on a farm with both pasture and woods, it was not uncommon for us to gather brush (limbs and twigs) from beneath all of the trees. As our house was heated with wood, we would also cut down trees and all of the excess limbs would be stacked into huge brushpiles. We would save the brushpiles to burn after a good rainstorm or in the winter months when there was snow on the ground.

In my younger years, fire intrigued me; just as it continues to do for every child who has the opportunity to play with a brushpile. I would poke a long stick into the fire and pull it out to see the flame and smoke it created. We would often poke a spider web or a leaf to hear the sizzle of the heat as it burned whatever we touched. I would often see my dad sitting by the fire as it died down; he would just stare into the fire and I wondered where was his mind and what was he thinking about.

Many times after a long day of work, mom would grab some hot dogs and bread (we could not afford hot dog buns) and we would cook our hot dogs over the coals of the brushpile we had just burned. I do believe that is some of the best eating in the world – a scorched hot dog over glowing, red-hot coals. There were often times that we would even stay up very late to ensure that the fire burned completely down to a pile of just ashes.

My dad taught me how to build a proper brushpile to ensure that it would burn. We used matches and kindling to start the fire. Gasoline, kerosene, oil, and paper were considered cheating for anyone could start a fire that way. Even to this day I like to do it the old-fashioned way for it is more satisfying for sure. It might take a little longer but the fire does not smell of gasoline, kerosene, or oil when you do it the right way. Also, if you do not use paper then you do not have all of the paper flying up into the air to cause another fire that you did not intend to have.

Well, as I crossed over from teenager to adult, I began to realize how soothing it was to just sit next to a fire and discuss all of the world’s problems. You can really meditate about life and all that is going on when you stare and watching the flames dance in their own little party. The smell of wood smoke, the heat from the fire, and the dancing flames are mesmerizing to say the least. In fact, my dad and I had some of the greatest conversations that we ever had in life… sitting around a brushpile that we had set to fire. I do miss those times with my dad.

This past week I had the opportunity to go visit my mother. She had built four such brushpiles and asked if there was anyway before I left if I could help her burn them. Of course that was okay with me; however, due to local fire regulations we had to wait until after 5:00 p.m. On Thursday it was spitting rain and rather cool… a perfect day for fire building. I was transported back to my childhood days as we burned four brushpiles late into the evening. It was fabulous to be covered in that great, great smell – wood smoke!

By the way, in spite of my protests to start the fires the old-fashioned way, my mother insisted that we cheat. To honor my mother I complied with her request and therefore we used kerosene to start the fires. I still feel bad about this…

Author Unknown

This election has me very worried. So many things to consider. I voted for Obama. McCain was a Washington insider and we don’t need any more of them. I have changed my mind three times, since then. I watch all the news channels, jumping from one to another. I must say this drives my husband crazy. But, I feel if you view CNN, and Fox News, you might get some middle ground to work with. I started thinking “where does all the money come from for President Obama”? I have four daughters who went to College, and we were middle class, and money was tight. We (including my girls) worked hard and there were lots of student loans. I started looking into Obama’s history for my own peace of mind.

Around 1979 Obama started college at Occidental in California. He is very open about his two years at Occidental, he tried all kinds of drugs and was wasting his time but, even though he had a brilliant mind, did not apply himself to his studies. “Barry” (that was the name he used all his life) during this time had two roommates, Muhammad Hasan Chandoo and Wahid Hamid, both from Pakistan. During the summer of 1981, after his second year in college, he made a “round the world” trip. Stopping to see his mother in Indonesia, next Hyderabad in India, three weeks in Karachi, Pakistan where he stayed with his roommate’s family, then off to Africa to visit his father’s family.

My question – Where did he get the money for this trip? Neither I, nor any one of my children would have had money for a trip like this when they were in college. When he came back he started school at Columbia University in New York. It is at this time he wants everyone to call him Barack – not Barry. Do you know what the tuition is at Columbia? It’s not cheap to say the least. My girls asked me; where did he get money for tuition? Student Loans? Maybe it’s none of my business?

After Columbia, he went to Chicago to work as a Community Organizer for $12,000. a year. Why Chicago? Why not New York? He was already living in New York. By “chance” he met Antoin “Tony” Rezko, born in Aleppo Syria, and a real estate developer in Chicago. Rezko has been convicted of fraud and bribery several times in the past and in 2011. Rezko, was named “Entrepreneur of the Decade” by the Arab-American Business and Professional Association”. About two years later, Obama entered Harvard Law School. Do you have any idea what tuition is for Harvard Law School? Where did he get the money for Law School? More student loans? His family has no money that’s for sure.

After Law school, he went back to Chicago. Rezko offered him a job, which he turned down. But, he did take a job with Davis, Miner, Barnhill & Galland. Guess what I discovered? They represented “Rezar” which is Rezko’s firm. Rezko was one of Obama’s first major financial contributors when he ran for office in Chicago. In 2003, Rezko threw an early fundraiser for Obama which Chicago Tribune reporter David Mendelland claims was instrumental in providing Obama with “seed money” for his U.S. Senate race.

In 2005, Obama purchased a new home in Kenwoood District of Chicago for $1.65 million (less than asking price). With ALL those Student Loans – Where did he get the money for this property? On the same day Rezko’s wife, Rita, purchased the adjoining empty lot for full price. The London Times reported that Nadhmi Auchi, an Iraqi-born Billionaire loaned Rezko $3.5 million three weeks before Obama’s new home was purchased. Obama met Nadhmi Auchi many times with Rezko.

Now, we have Obama running for President. Valerie Jarrett, was Michele Obama’s boss. She is now Obama’s chief advisor and he does not make any major decisions without talking to her first. Where was Jarrett born? Ready for this? Shiraz, Iran! Am I going nuts or is there a pattern here?

On May 10, 2008, The Times reported, Robert Malley advisor to Obama was “sacked” after the press found out he was having regular contacts with “Hamas”, which controls Gaza and is connected with Iran. This past week, buried in the back part of the papers, Iraqi newspapers reported that during Obama’s visit to Iraq, he asked their leaders to do nothing about the war until after he is elected, and he will “Take care of things”. What the heck does that mean?

Oh, and by the way, remember the college roommates that were born in Pakistan? They are in charge of all those “small” Internet campaign contribution for Obama. Where is that money coming from? The poor and middle class in this country? Or could it be from the Middle East?

And the final bit of news. On September 7, 2009, The Washington Times posted a verbal slip that was made on “This Week” with George Stephanopoulos. Obama on talking about his religion said, “My Muslim faith”. When questioned, “he made a mistake”. Some mistake huh?

All of the above information I got on line. If you would like to check it – Wikipedia, encyclopedia, Barack Obama; Tony Rezko; Valerie Jarrett: Daily Times – Obama visited Pakistan in 1981; The Washington Times – September 7, 2008; The Times May 10, 2008.

Now the BIG question – If I found out all this information on my own, Why haven’t all of our “intelligent” members of the press been reporting this? Is this a Kettle of Fish??

As Arsenio Hall would say.—-”HUMMMMMMM! Does something stink or is it my imagination?” These are legitimate questions for our president.

David Lee “Dave” Nuzum Jr., 49, of Fairmont, passed away Wednesday (April 18, 2012) at his home.

He was born in Fairmont on Sept. 23, 1962, a son of the late David Lee Nuzum Sr. and Deanna (Collins) Humphrey of Fairmont.

Dave proudly served his country with the United States Navy. He was self-employed as a yard worker and landscaper. He was a graduate of East Fairmont High School. He believed in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and truly was loved and valued by his family. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, gardening and being outdoors. David loved his family and will be greatly missed by them and his many friends.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Jean (Palmer) Nuzum of Fairmont; one daughter, Brenda Jean Palmer of Fairmont; and a brother, Michael Nuzum and his wife Linda of Fairmont.

Also surviving are his grandmothers, Blanche Collins and Betty Jenkins; three aunts, Bonnie Armstrong, Linda Saurborn and her husband Roger and Phyllis Ford, all of Fairmont; one uncle, Ronnie Nuzum of Fairmont; a great-aunt, Bessie VanGilder; two step-sisters, Cathy Sapp and Vicky Robinson; two step-brothers, Hilen Humphrey and Schuyler Humphrey, all of Fairmont; as well as several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Samuel Nuzum and Albert “Slick” Collins; his step-father, James Humphrey; one aunt, Barbara Nuzum; and two uncles, David Armstrong and Jim Ford.

In keeping with the wishes of the deceased, his body will be cremated.

A memorial service will be held at Valley Falls State Park on Sunday at 2 p.m. with Pastor Holley Faulkner officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Marion County Humane Society, P.O. Box 905, Fairmont, WV 26554.

I always enjoy watching the children and youth of our church participate in sports or other activities. I was invited to watch Justin play for his high school, Santa Rita High School, on Friday afternoon. Justin is a home-school student and is allowed to play for Santa Rita. Justin plays third base and pitches.

I appreciate Justin’s hard work and great attitude. Justin is very faithful here at TBT and as a freshman, he always attends the prayer meetings in my office. He is a great member of our youth group!

Author: Unkown – I am not gray-haired just yet…

They like to refer to us as senior citizens, old fogies, geezers, and in some cases dinosaurs. Some of us are “Baby Boomers” getting ready to retire. Others have been retired for some time. We walk a little slower these days and our eyes and hearing are not what they once were. We have worked hard, raised our children, worshipped our God and grown old together. Yes, we are the ones some refer to as being over the hill, and that is probably true. But before writing us off completely, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration.

In school we studied English, history, math, and science which enabled us to lead America into the technological age. Most of us remember what outhouses were, many of us with firsthand experience. We remember the days of telephone party-lines, 25 cent gasoline, and milk and ice being delivered to our homes. For those of you who don’t know what an icebox is, today they are electric and referred to as refrigerators. A few even remember when cars were started with a crank. Yes, we lived those days.

We are probably considered old fashioned and out-dated by many. But there are a few things you need to remember before completely writing us off. We won World War II, fought in Korea and Viet Nam . We can quote The Pledge of Allegiance, and know where to place our hand while doing so. We wore the uniform of our country with pride and lost many friends on the battlefield. We didn’t fight for the Socialist States of America ; we fought for the “Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.” We wore different uniforms but carried the same flag. We know the words to the Star Spangled Banner, America ,and America the Beautiful by heart, and you may even see some tears running down our cheeks as we sing. We have lived what many of you have only read in history books and we feel no obligation to apologize to  anyone for America .

Yes, we are old and slow these days but rest assured, we have at least one good fight left in us. We have loved this country, fought for it, and died for it, and now we are going to save it. It is our country and nobody is going to take it away from us. We took oaths to defend America against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that is an oath we plan to keep. There are those who want to destroy this land we love but, like our founders, there is no way we are going to remain silent.

It was mostly the young people of this nation who elected Obama and the Democratic Congress. You fell for the “Hope and Change” which in reality was nothing but “Hype and Lies.” You have tasted socialism and seen evil face to face, and have found you don’t like it after all. You make a lot of noise, but most are all too interested in their careers or “Climbing the Social Ladder” to be involved in such mundane things as patriotism and voting. Many of those who fell for the “Great Lie” in 2008 are now having buyer’s remorse. With all the education we gave you, you didn’t have sense enough to see through the lies and instead drank the ‘Kool-Aid.’ Now you’re paying the price and complaining about it. No jobs, lost mortgages, higher taxes, and less freedom. This is what you voted for and this is what you  got.  We entrusted you with the Torch of Liberty and you traded it for a paycheck and a fancy house.

Well, don’t worry youngsters, the Gray-Haired Brigade is here, and in 2012 we are going to take back our nation. We may drive a little slower than you would like but we get where we’re going, and in 2012 we’re going to the polls by the millions. This land does not belong to the man in the White House nor to the likes of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. It belongs to “We the People” and “We the People” plan to reclaim our land and our freedom. We hope this time you will do a better job of preserving it and passing it along to our grandchildren. So the next time you have the chance to say the Pledge of Allegiance, Stand up, put your hand over your heart, honor our country, and thank God for the old geezers of the “Gray-Haired Brigade.”

Author, Anon. Gray-Haired Brigade Member

The last week has been extremely hectic with counseling, deaths/funerals, Jonathan’s malaria, Shelli’s foot surgery, and the day-to-day church responsibilities. My blog had to take a backseat for a few days. I heard a man say to my wife, “I hope you are milking that surgery for all its worth.” This comes from a man who does not work and plays on the sympathies of others. I don’t have to worry about him reading my blog since it would be too much work to do so!

There is no way to avoid it – work is a part of everyone’s life. You have to work. I have not figured out a way to avoid it unless I become a welfare recipient or play on the sympathies of someone else. Some have mastered this “art” of being lazy and playing the victim role. By the way, these are not the kind of people that you want to emulate. Work is a given, not just because it is the major source of your income but also because it is the major source of both your personal and professional fulfillment and manner in which you achieve His approval and satisfaction with your life.

I have written before about the importance of loving what you do. However, to those who say, “just love what you do and you will never work a day in your life;” I say, “they are idiots!” No matter how much you love what you do, sometimes it is work! And sometimes it will not be fun. And sometimes you will hate it. Even if what you do is the true fulfillment of all the creative and fun energy you have in your heart, mind, body, and soul, sometimes you will get tired of it and hate it. That is reality.

I absolutely love what I do! My wife believes I love it too much. It is a thrill to work with people, counsel people, talk to people, be involved in the details of people’s lives, encourage missionaries, study the Word of God, preach the Word of God, go to children’s ballgames, visit in homes, and… the list goes on and on! Yet sometimes, I don’t enjoy it. I get ill just thinking about one more hospital visit, one more counseling session, one more meeting… does it mean I do not love what I do for a living? Not at all. I love what God allows me to do! I would not want to trade it for anything else in this world. It only means that I get tired.

This is the reality of work. But do you quit when you get tired… some do; those who have embraced and are driven with the reality that sometimes work is work will fulfill and achieve and be healthier than those who quit! Don’t be a quitter and don’t give up being the best that you can be at whatever God has called or given you permission to do and accomplish with your life.

Don’t try to work today; DO work today!

“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.“  Albert Einstein

When you live your life as unto the Lord and are enjoying the life that the Lord has blessed you with, you will be criticized. I believe that is what Einstein was talking about. People who create the life they have dreamed of are great spirits. They are great spirits because they have dreamed the dream, believed they could accomplish things, and dared to make that life happen. They have set themselves apart from most of society (the mediocre minds) and made something glorious happen. This, by the way, will really bother those who have chosen mediocrity.

Mediocre people will be intimidated by God’s blessing upon your life. This is because too many people live in a world steeped in fear and an unwillingness to do that which is right. People have a fear of themselves. They are afraid they cannot do well or live right; actually, that is true at some level. We must have the help of the Holy Spirit to live right; but, we fail to utilize this benefit that God has provided for us.

Too many people are scared to death to go to the mirror and take responsibility for their lives. So what do they do… they channel this self-fear into a severe, critical spirit of others… possibly even you.

People will criticize you to your face but mostly behind your back. They will make little jokes about you. They will find something that you said or did and make a “federal” case out of it. They will try to destroy you with their words. They will try to get others to side with them, and sadly, some will do it. Today I say, you cannot change these people. Learn to live with them, love them, bless them, but above all else, let them go!

“So long as you are still worried about what others think of you, you are owned by them.“  Neale Donald Walsch

When criticized, remember, silence is golden. Do not try to stoop to their level by defending yourself. On one hand, what you defend then means that which you fail to defend is true. Best allow God to handle these people. Vengeance belongs to God, not you. You went to work on yourself with God’s help and now you may be reaping those benefits. You have done well as a result of serving others well. Don’t apologize or be paralyzed by the critical tongue of another.

You achieve true happiness when you rise above the approval of others, seeking only the approval of God.

A guaranteed way to avoid criticism: “Say nothing. Do nothing. Be nothing.“  Is that what you really want? When you have the blessings of God upon your life, your family, your business, your friendships… others will criticize. Let those people go. Drop them from your Facebook and even block them! The critical tongue of others can be your undoing if you allow that person(s) a foothold into your life. Remember, the critical person is the one who is truly miserable; don’t join their misery.

Don’t try today; DO today!

There are two kinds of criticism: the kind you give and the kind you get.

Let me first address your criticism of others. It is so easy to do, right? And some of it is just natural. You do not like the way someone acted in a certain situation and it bugs you to the point you say something about it. That kind of criticism is a normal thing – not a good thing, but not a horrible thing and certainly a normal thing. Then there is the kind of criticism where you say something silly like, “I can’t believe she is wearing that!” Again, a natural thing to say and no biggy. These criticisms take place in the normal course of the day. They may or may not hurt another person’s feelings or ego. I would say that criticism about what someone wears or even what they do is understandable. However, criticism becomes dangerous when it is directed about who someone is, not what they do. No one really has the right to talk about who another person is.

We have become a society that attacks people and it is not healthy. Where did we lose our concern for who a person is? Maybe we all need to do this: show a little concern and care for that person we are so quick to attack with our critical words.

I have discovered a secret over the past thirty years: what you say about others says more about you than it says about them! Think about the people in your life you cannot stand. What is it about them that you cannot stand? Is that something that you cannot stand in yourself?

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.“  Carl Jung

I used to work with a person who was overbearing, narrow-minded and so outspoken about all of it I could barely stand to be in their presence. I came to realize, however, those are the very things I did not like about me. And it was my irritation with myself over being those ways that made me intolerant with that person. What a revelation. What an uncomfortable revelation. It caused me to change!

What do you need to change today? Don’t try today; DO today!

One of the potential dangers of traveling to Uganda was contracting malaria. All of our team knew this prior to going and we took precautions to avoid getting sick – mosquito nets, medicine, deet spray, etc. On the very last night that our team was in Uganda, Jonathan decided to sleep outside on the screened porch with a couple of the other team members. He was even advised to sleep with a mosquito net but he decided not to heed the advice of his older brother.

Thus, shortly after departure, Jonathan began to have the shakes, body aches, and a fever. He was given a pretty strong pill to help with his fever and body aches and all assumed that he was just tired and worn out since he had struggled with his asthma. Fast forward a couple days and Jonathan could hardly move as he ached all over and had a fever of 103.2.

Off we went to UMC (hospital) to have him checked out. UMC was no help at all. Jonathan was the first patient for the doctor we were given who had ever had the symptoms of malaria and it took UMC five hours and fifteen minutes to determine that “you are a good family, just keep what you are doing and let Jonathan take the medicine you brought back with you from Uganda. Besides, we don’t even have any malaria medicine here at the hospital.“

I just can’t wait to see the bill that we will receive that told us that we were a good family and to keep doing what we were doing.

However, we were able to correspond numerous times with a malaria expert! One of our own missionaries saw that Jonathan and Dave had malaria and contacted us from… Burkina Faso in West Africa. He has had malaria over 30 times and all of his family have had it at one time or another. He was able to confirm Jonathan’s malaria and a treatment for him. Our hat is off to Keith Shumaker, missionary to Burkina Faso! Thank you for all of your advice and input and help with Jonathan.

Although Jonathan tires easily, he is now back on the upswing. He has been very miserable over the past ten days or so. He has, however, continued to be involved and even played his trumpet on Easter Sunday.

I also would like to take a moment and thank all of the students at West Coast Baptist College who had a special prayer meeting to pray for Jonathan. You guys are awesome!

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For those who work in the business world, allow me to say that love is even a part of your world, consider:

LOVE IS THE KEY TO BUSINESS SUCCESS

Love your customers and you will do your very best to serve them well. You will operate honestly in all ways and with integrity. You will price your products and services fairly. You will treat your co-workers with respect. Selling from a motive of love will assure you of reaching your quota. Leading because you love your people will cause them to follow you better than any other tool or tactic. Love will keep the appearance of your business at its best. You will do all of these things because you love what you do and love the people you do it for and do it with. This love will be rewarded. Your customers will reciprocate by loving to do business with you.

Someone has said, “Love is the law of God. You live that you may learn to love. You love that you may learn to live. No other lesson is required of man.”

There is certainly an element of truth in this quote. Solomon said to fear God and keep His commandments. One of God’s commandments is that we love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. Then, we are to love others! May this resonate today as you consider your relationships with the other people in your life.

Don’t try today; DO today!