tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44803246357483523712024-02-20T18:45:04.014-06:00Do I Hear What God is Saying?Humbly Studying God's Word. Learning of My Many Failures. Finding That I Need His Grace and Mercy.Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-63171936829211596902015-01-12T19:26:00.000-06:002015-01-12T19:26:56.233-06:00Elderly Service is a blessing
The other day at church, I had a dear
older gentleman tell me that he wished they would use our young
people to read scripture instead of using him. While I understand
completely where he was coming from it wasn't until after he read the
scripture that a thought occurred to me. The man was completely
prepared. He had read over the passage a few times already and was
familiar with it. He Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-58927565851663108522010-12-19T06:34:00.005-06:002010-12-19T06:57:22.535-06:00What Christmas Means to MeGrowing up our family always celebrated Christmas with Santa Claus and presents under the tree, decorating the house, lots of great food and family gatherings. While at church however, we might have mentioned that this is the “time of year that Christ was born” we seemed preoccupied with the notion that since we couldn’t exactly pinpoint his birth date, we couldn’t properly celebrate Christ’s Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-11307789901983884762010-01-14T23:17:00.009-06:002010-01-21T07:41:11.129-06:00Psalm 34 Broken and CrushedA Psalm of David.1 I will thank the LORD at all times. My lips will always praise him.2 I will honor the Lord. Let those who are hurting hear and be joyful.3 Join me in giving glory to the Lord. Let us honor him together.4 I looked to the Lord, and he answered me. He saved me from everything I was afraid of.5 Those who look to him beam with joy. They are never put to shame.6 This poor man called Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-22086679686918214572009-11-15T22:17:00.000-06:002009-11-15T22:23:13.316-06:00Wordle Artimage attributed to http://www.wordle.net/.Images of Wordles are licensed Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-62831792157182643072009-09-28T23:06:00.005-05:002010-01-21T07:47:12.687-06:00In God I TrustHoly Father, find me. Search for me quickly! I feel as though I am adrift at sea and no one can spot me. I am but a speck, at a great distance away, too small to find. Father, your great waters are bobbing me up and down so that I am sick. I am unable to rescue myself, and no one else can hear my cry for help. I have sent out distress signals, but no one is watching. Everyone is busy emptying Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-64695003177667968602009-09-04T06:39:00.004-05:002010-01-21T07:51:30.573-06:00Psalms 251 A Psalm of David. To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.2 O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me.3 Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause.4 Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths.5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.6Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-80769921985333306842009-06-27T09:07:00.004-05:002009-06-27T09:13:22.036-05:00Are You Suffering?Sometimes, it's hard to be motivated when bad things are happening all around, and also to yourself. In fact, when bad things happen to me, I'm often guilty of blaming God, or asking God why these things are happening. I am learning that our God is a perfect father in every way. That's not to say I believe if something bad happens, it's because God caused it to happen. Remember Job, God Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-83316957913108790512009-05-25T08:19:00.002-05:002009-05-25T08:21:51.843-05:00AntennaThe other morning I was driving along on my way to work, listening to another good sermon on the radio. By the time I was getting close to the office, the signal was starting to cut out. The radio signal apparently comes all the way from St. Louis and reaches to parts of Memphis. This happens each day for me. Some days, If I leave later, I can hear the end of the program. If I leave sooner, Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-210656394311430882009-04-23T23:26:00.004-05:002009-04-23T23:36:42.387-05:00Water Into WineThere was a wedding in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there. Jesus and his disciples were guests also. When they started running low on wine at the wedding banquet, Jesus' mother told him, "They're just about out of wine." Jesus said, "Is that any of our business, Mother - yours or mine? This isn't my time. Don't push me." She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, "Whatever Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-23860030361912527312009-04-14T22:40:00.002-05:002009-04-14T22:51:57.817-05:00It's Seed Planting TimeLast month I started planting lots of seeds for my upcoming flower garden. For me, seeds that are planted and come to life are a reminder that God is our creator, and through His creation we can believe and come to know Him. Romans 1:20, Colossians 1:16.You can see in the picture above that the plants that are now visible are casting off their old bodies. Do you see the seed shells of the Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-80961621396042129292009-04-01T22:56:00.003-05:002009-04-01T22:58:54.434-05:00Do You Have A GiantThen David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-8344859485105575962009-02-28T16:01:00.001-06:002009-02-28T16:06:08.421-06:00Lord, Increase My FaithAt about four o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them [the disciples in the boat] walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. "A ghost!" they said, crying out in terror. But Jesus was quick to comfort them. "Courage, it's me. Don't be afraid." Peter, suddenly bold, said, "Master, if it's really you, call me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come ahead." But when hePaul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-85931746290951688592009-02-07T13:11:00.005-06:002009-02-07T13:26:48.986-06:00Seeking The LostYesterday at work, I started singing this great old song that popped into my head. I hadn’t sung it in a while, but it really was a great encouragement for me. The song was Seeking the Lost written by William A. Ogden in 1886 at the age of 45 years old. The song is a tender song showing the passion that Jesus had when he came into the world to bring salvation to mankind. He knew full well that Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-165255972886102002009-01-28T10:49:00.003-06:002009-01-28T10:55:57.252-06:00AllergiesMost every year, I seem to get a good dose of Poison Ivy. I haven’t gotten it yet this year, but the past couple of years I always seem to get it during the winter months. For those of you who have never had Poison Ivy, let me explain that you don’t even need to touch or handle the plant to get it. In fact the past several years I’ve gotten it, has been thanks to my oldest son who’s “given” itPaul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-64679719125348830702009-01-26T10:28:00.003-06:002009-01-26T10:31:10.579-06:00Baby FeetFeet are funny, feet are fat.Some are White, Red, Tan, or Black.Feet can run, and feet can jump,Feet can smell just like a skunk.Brand new feet are soft and cuddly,Older feet are hard and crusty.Brand new feet must walk on grass,Older feet can walk on glass.Oh, to have the feet of a child,To be a youngster, meek and mild.To put away my older habits,And run and play like baby rabbits.If I could Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-3027656639526457582009-01-10T08:28:00.002-06:002009-01-10T08:31:47.985-06:00God - Our ProviderGod works in wonderful ways. It’s hard or even impossible for me to understand. But I’ve seen things in my own life – after the fact that I look back and say, wow! It gives me chills down my back to realize that at that time, when I didn’t even realize it, God was directing me. And I shutter to think of the outcome had it not been for Him being beside me. I’d rather not get off on trying to Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-12861218318254774082008-12-30T23:10:00.007-06:002008-12-30T23:30:25.243-06:00You’ve Just Won Free Tickets!Today I heard a radio contest and it brought back memories of the one and only time I ever won anything from a radio show. The gift was nice, but I had to head on over to Memphis to pick up free coupon. As I thought about this FREE ticket contest, it reminded me that even though something wonderful and exciting can be free, there is always a price to pay to obtain it. But the FREE gift usually Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-18730403111131867912008-12-26T23:31:00.003-06:002008-12-26T23:36:20.454-06:00Giving My BestI've rewritten or paraphrased a couple of passages from the bible, to help me study and understand these pasages a little clearer. God is so good in that he provided us with His holy scriptures, so that we might come to learn from Him.GOD - Israel, I have loved you.Israel - Ha! How have you loved us?GOD - Was Esau not the rightful son who should have been blessed? GOD - Wasn’tPaul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-23024778960783982072008-12-17T23:39:00.005-06:002008-12-17T23:45:36.732-06:00Winter Solstice – A New BeginningI’ve been cooped up inside at night for several nights over the past few weeks as the weather has been cloudy, rainy and cold. Typically, I like to spend several minutes outside at night on my back porch – just staring up at the stars and the moon. I obviously lead a rather simple life, but I have to say that spending some time alone on the back porch in the cold night air, looking up at the Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-91670022609553183122008-12-11T11:26:00.003-06:002008-12-11T11:32:47.657-06:00LeverageReports out just this week confirm that the U.S. has plans to increase its troop presence in Afghanistan as early as this summer. In fact, building construction is already underway in preparation for housing the expected 20,000 individual military troops. In a "change of strategy" admission by the U.S., Defense Secretary Robert Gates says that the new plan under the new president will be to "Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-30450654557006464042008-12-10T07:44:00.005-06:002008-12-10T07:49:37.923-06:00Music for the SoulSomething you might find interesting about me is that by late August, I am already thinking about the upcoming Christmas season. More specifically, I am already launching my Christmas music play-list in my computer media player. I can listen to Christmas music for months. Not the music that you hear non-stop on the radio the day after Thanksgiving, but the more quiet, contemplative stuff – Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-27016283451316237982008-12-04T16:42:00.005-06:002008-12-04T16:50:04.182-06:00FirstIn our lives, we place a great amount of importance on being first. I am reminded by my younger son, the competitive nature in some children to be the first person in their class to finish their school work. I can remember wanting to be first in line to go to the lunch room, water fountain, or even to the playground. Often times as an adult, I find myself wanting to get something done first Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-33293999496233561392008-11-26T22:46:00.005-06:002008-11-26T23:00:28.622-06:00I Am ThankfulToday was just beautiful! It was a nice, cool day with temps in the mid 60’s and mostly sunny. Perfect. I was also able to leave work early – even before lunch. As a result of my early departure from work, I took advantage of the extra time to go and get some Christmas shopping done. I found just what I wanted for the kids and nothing more. I swung by a food joint after my shopping to pick me up Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-28343290650712681282008-11-25T23:01:00.004-06:002008-11-25T23:09:06.734-06:00Thank You, Father.Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. He traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men met him. They had a skin disease. They were standing close by. And they called out in a loud voice, "Jesus! Master! Have pity on us!" Jesus saw them and said, "Go. Show yourselves to the priests." While they were on the way, they were healed. When one of them saw Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-91355096607444136122008-11-19T22:38:00.005-06:002008-11-20T06:32:24.334-06:00Go, And Bring Me That DonkeyJesus sent out two of his disciples. He said to them, "Go to the village ahead of you. As soon as you get there, you will find a donkey's colt tied up. No one has ever ridden it. Untie it and bring it here. Someone may ask you, 'Why are you untying it?' If so, say, 'The Lord needs it.'" Those who were sent ahead went and found the young donkey. It was there just as Jesus had told them. They were Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0