CLEOEJACKSONIII.COM
  • My Home Page
  • My Life and Ministry
  • My Ongoing Thoughts
  • My Favorite Bible Verses
  • My Favorite Stories
  • My Favorite Jokes
  • My Favorite Quotations
  • My Favorite Web Links
  • My Contact Info
"Helping Others Communicate"

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

7/30/2012

 
This past Sunday morning, in my message on the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37, I used an illustration about starfish being stranded on the beach.  I wanted to post it here today.  Gordon Curley, a British evangelist, tells this story about our ability to make a difference in the lives of people we encounter each and every day. 

A young man was walking along the seashore.  Far ahead of him, he saw a distant figure:  someone who, like him, was walking, but who paused every few steps, stooped down, and seemed to be throwing something into the sea.  His curiosity aroused, the young man hurried forward, and caught up with the man.  

As he came closer, he saw that it was an old man, and the reason that he would stop every step or two, was to pick up a starfish that was washed up on the shore.  In the heat of the sun they would dry up and die; so the man was flinging them back into the ocean.

As he looked the young man noticed that there were hundreds of starfish that littered the beach for miles, all stranded there by the tide.  To the young man, the older man’s efforts seemed pointless.  He spoke to the old man, "Why are you doing this? You can’t save all of these starfish!  It’s useless! What does it matter?"

The old man paused for a moment, looking down and picked up a starfish.  He turned it over slowly, and then answered, "It matters to this one."  Then he picked up another, and said; "and it matters to this one."  Then he picked up another, and said; "and it matters to this one."


Obviously, this story illustrates the fact that each of us can make a difference.  We may not ever change the whole world; but we can certainly change the lives of the individuals we encounter.  And for each of them, that does indeed change their world.

Source:  This story, commonly referred to as “The Star Thrower”, has appeared in several iterations.  It was originally penned by Loren Eiseley, a highly respected anthropologist, writer, ecologist, and poet who published several books in the 1950s, '60s, and '70s.  Several copies of Eiseley's  original story can be found on the internet.  One is here:  
ttp://www.eiseley.org/Star_Thrower_Cook.pdf.

His story was later popularized by Joel Barker in his best-selling popular videos and (later) books on the subjects of vision and leadership.  Dr. Barker’s story is found here: 
http://www.starthrower.com/star_thrower_story_script.htm.  Dr. Barker’s  actual website is:  http://www.joelbarker.com/.  Evangelist Gordon Curley’s website can be found here:  http://www.countiesuk.org/people/gordon-a-penny-curley.html?authid=75&authid=75.

THE BURNED OVER PLACE

7/27/2012

 
My sister recently forwarded to me an e-mail with pictures of a roaring wildfire in Southern California.   A little research showed it to have been the station fire burn through Big Tujunga Canyon in Angeles National Forest in August of 2009.  The fire apparently burned over 20,000+ acres and destroyed several homes during the 4th day of the fire.  

Gene Blevins of the Los Angeles Daily News took some absolutely amazing photos showing the fire raging through the canyon.  As the photos are copyrighted, I cannot place them here. But I have provided the web sites where they are available for viewing.  They are available for viewing or purchase at: 
tp://dailynews.mycapture.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=825511&CategoryID=42832&ListSubAlbums=
0&thisPage=2
.  

Notice that among the photos are several of a huge white cross.  Amazingly, it  appeared to have survived the flames virtually intact, even though almost everything around it was utterly consumed by the fierceness of the raging flames: 
http://dailynews.mycapture.com/mycapture/enlarge.asp?image=25333374&event=825897&CategoryID=42832. 

Apparently, a similar thing occurred during the Freeway Complex fire in Yorba Linda/Anaheim Hills in 2002, as a cross made from old wooden telephone poles on a hill overlooking the CA-91 freeway was left standing, although its lighting system was destroyed.  That story can be found here: 
http://www.ocregister.com/news/cross-91832-cluff-canyon.html.

As I beheld these pictures, I was reminded of a story I had read a number of years ago.  It is found in H. A. Ironside’s book titled Illustrations of Bible Truth (Chicago:  Moody Press, 1945, pp. 34-35):

Pioneers were making their way across one of the central states to a distant place that had been opened up for homesteading. They traveled in covered wagons drawn by oxen, and progress was necessarily slow. One day they were horrified to note a long line of smoke in the west, stretching for miles across the prairie, and soon it was evident that the dried grass was burning fiercely and coming toward them rapidly.

They had crossed a river the day before but it would be impossible to go back to that before the flames would be upon them. One man only seemed to have understanding as to what could be done. He gave the command to set fire to the grass behind them. Then when a space was burned over, the whole company moved back upon it.

As the flames roared on toward them from the west, a little girl cried out in terror, "Are you sure we shall not all be burned up?" The leader replied, "My child, the flames cannot reach us here, for we are standing where the fire has been!" What a picture of the believer, who is safe in Christ! The fires of God’s judgment burned themselves out on Him, and all who are in Christ are safe forever, for they are now standing where the fire has been.

Note:  M. R. De Haan once wrote a similar devotion titled “The Burned Over Place” that was published in Our Daily Bread back in 1997.  It included this poem, the author of whom is identified only as a certain Mr. “Bosch”. 

The flames of God's judgment can never touch me,
For Jesus has borne all God's wrath on the tree;
I now stand secure in the burned-over place,
A sinner, unworthy, yet saved by His grace!*


*Source: 
http://odb.org/1997/04/10/the-burned-over-place/.

OF BLONDES AND GREYS

7/26/2012

 
Okay, here it is… The “Blonde Joke” I told this past Sunday morning that people seem to have so enjoyed. 

During a recent password audit by Google, it was found that a Blonde was using the following password:  

"MickeyMinniePlutoHueyLouieDeweyDonaldGoofySacramento" 

When asked why she had such a long password, she rolled her eyes and said: 

"Hellooooooooo!  It has to be at least 8 characters long and include at least one capital."

Hey, at least her identity is probably safe.  If not for Blondes, where would we get our laughs?  Seriously, no offense is intended.  It’s all in fun. 

Besides, as I said Sunday morning, when I looked out from the pulpit even as I was telling this joke and suddenly realized that a parishioner sitting on the third row actually has both blonde  hair and an earned Ph.D., I am coming to realize that we Greys have our little (senior) moments as well!

Source:  This joke is posted all over the internet.  A quick Google search will find numerous postings - assuming, that is, one has the right password to access the web!

RUNNING FOR ONE'S LIFE

7/23/2012

 
Sunday morning, I told a joke about running for one’s life.  Many people have requested a copy.  I decided to post it here today. 

It comes from Paul Powell’s book titled A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Retirement (Baptist General Convention of Texas, 2000).  Enjoy…

He Was Running For His Life 

Alabama and Auburn were playing in one of the most crucial games of the year. Alabama was leading by five points. Two minutes were left in the game. Alabama had the ball twenty yards away from the goal line. On first down, the number-one quarterback was injured. Coach Bryant sent in his number-two man. 

Before sending him in, Bryant gave him strict instructions. He was not under any circumstances to throw the ball. He was to run the ball three downs, even if they did not gain a yard. By that time, the game would be almost over, and the defense would hold them.  On second down, Alabama was stopped dead. On third down, they gained a yard.  

Fourth down. The quarterback turned to hand off the ball, but missed the hand off. He began to run, and when he did, he spotted a receiver open in the end zone. What a chance to lock the game up.  He could not resist the chance to be a hero, so he lofted a pass to his open receiver.  What he did not notice was the safety for the other team only a few yards away.  

This all-American safety happened to be the fastest man on the field. As soon as the ball was in the air, the safety cut in front of the receiver, pulled the ball in, and headed for the other end zone. All of a sudden, like a flash of lightening, the quarterback caught up with the swift safety and tackled him on the two-yard line, just as the clock ran out.  Alabama won. 

After the game, the Auburn coach asked Bear Bryant, “I’ve read the scouting reports. That quarterback is supposed to be slow. How is it that he caught up with the fastest man on the field?” Bear Bryant replied, “It’s simple. Your man was running for a touchdown. My man was running for his life!”

Source: 
http://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php?id=146507

LOVE LIFTED ME

7/18/2012

 
While on my recent vacation, I read a gripping narrative titled SURVIVE THE SAVAGE SEA, by Dougal Robertson.  It is the story of man and his family who were on an around the world cruise when their small yacht was attacked by killer whales. 

It sank in under two minutes, casting him and his family adrift in the vastness of the South Pacific in a rubber raft tied to a six foot dinghy with precious few survival tools.  Their harrowing ordeal of hunger, thirst, and exposure lasted 38 days before they were rescued by a passing ship.

I was reminded that the sea has produced many such stories of loss and miraculous survival.  One such story is in my files.  I thought I would share it here today…

AFTER A FEW OF THE USUAL SUNDAY EVENING HYMNS, THE CHURCH'S PASTOR SLOWLY STOOD UP, WALKED OVER TO THE PULPIT, AND, BEFORE HE GAVE HIS SERMON FOR THE EVENING, HE BRIEFLY INTRODUCED A GUEST MINISTER WHO WAS IN THE SERVICE THAT EVENING. 


IN THE INTRODUCTION, THE PASTOR TOLD THE CONGREGATION THAT THE GUEST MINISTER WAS ONE OF HIS DEAREST CHILDHOOD FRIENDS AND THAT HE WANTED HIM TO HAVE A FEW MOMENTS TO GREET THE CHURCH AND SHARE WHATEVER HE FELT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE SERVICE.  WITH THAT, AN ELDERLY MAN STEPPED UP TO THE PULPIT AND BEGAN TO SPEAK. 

'A FATHER, HIS SON, AND FRIEND OF HIS SON WERE SAILING OFF THE PACIFIC COAST' HE BEGAN, 'WHEN A FAST APPROACHING STORM BLOCKED ANY ATTEMPT TO GET BACK TO THE SHORE.

THE WAVES WERE SO HIGH, THAT EVEN THOUGH THE FATHER WAS AN EXPERIENCED SAILOR, HE COULD NOT KEEP THE BOAT UPRIGHT AND THE THREE WERE SWEPT INTO THE OCEAN AS THE BOAT CAPSIZED.' 

THE OLD MAN HESITATED FOR A MOMENT, MAKING EYE CONTACT WITH TWO TEENAGERS WHO WERE, FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE SERVICE BEGAN, LOOKING SOMEWHAT INTERESTED IN HIS STORY.  THE AGED MINISTER CONTINUED WITH HIS STORY: 

'GRABBING A RESCUE LINE, THE FATHER HAD TO MAKE THE MOST EXCRUCIATING DECISION OF HIS LIFE: TO WHICH BOY WOULD HE THROW THE OTHER END OF THE LIFE LINE.  HE ONLY HAD SECONDS TO MAKE THE DECISION.  THE FATHER KNEW THAT HIS SON WAS A CHRISTIAN AND HE, ALSO, KNEW THAT HIS SON'S FRIEND WAS NOT.  THE AGONY OF HIS DECISION COULD NOT BE MATCHED BY THE TORRENT OF WAVES. 

AS THE FATHER YELLED OUT, 'I LOVE YOU, SON!'  HE THREW OUT THE LIFE LINE TO HIS SON'S FRIEND.  BY THE TIME THE FATHER HAD PULLED THE FRIEND BACK TO THE CAPSIZED BOAT, HIS SON HAD DISAPPEARED BENEATH THE RAGING SWELLS INTO THE BLACK OF NIGHT.  HIS BODY WAS NEVER RECOVERED. '


BY THIS TIME, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE SITTING UP STRAIGHT IN THE PEW, ANXIOUSLY WAITING FOR THE NEXT WORDS TO COME OUT OF THE OLD MINISTER'S MOUTH. 

'THE FATHER,' HE CONTINUED, 'KNEW HIS SON WOULD STEP INTO ETERNITY WITH JESUS AND HE COULD NOT BEAR THE THOUGHT OF HIS SON'S FRIEND STEPPING INTO AN ETERNITY WITHOUT JESUS.  THEREFORE, HE SACRIFICED HIS SON TO SAVE THE SON'S FRIEND!

HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE OF GOD THAT HE SHOULD DO THE SAME FOR US.  OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SACRIFICED HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON THAT WE COULD BE SAVED.  I URGE YOU TO ACCEPT HIS OFFER TO RESCUE YOU AND TAKE A HOLD OF THE LIFE LINE HE IS THROWING OUT TO YOU IN THIS SERVICE.' 

WITH THAT, THE OLD MAN TURNED AND SAT BACK DOWN IN HIS CHAIR AS SILENCE FILLED THE ROOM.  THE PASTOR AGAIN WALKED SLOWLY TO THE PULPIT AND DELIVERED A BRIEF SERMON WITH AN INVITATION AT THE END. HOWEVER, NO ONE RESPONDED TO THE APPEAL. 

WITHIN MINUTES AFTER THE SERVICE ENDED, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE AT THE OLD MAN'S SIDE.  'THAT WAS A NICE STORY,' POLITELY STATED ONE OF THEM, 'BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS VERY REALISTIC FOR A FATHER TO GIVE UP HIS ONLY SON'S LIFE IN HOPES THAT THE OTHER BOY WOULD BECOME A CHRISTIAN.' 

'WELL, YOU'VE GOT A POINT THERE,' THE OLD MAN REPLIED, GLANCING DOWN AT HIS WORN BIBLE. A BIG SMILE BROADENED HIS NARROW FACE.  HE ONCE AGAIN LOOKED UP AT THE BOYS AND SAID, 'IT SURE ISN'T VERY REALISTIC, IS IT? BUT, I'M STANDING HERE TODAY TO TELL YOU THAT STORY GIVES ME A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE FOR GOD TO GIVE UP HIS SON FOR ME. 

YOU SEE...   I WAS THAT FATHER AND YOUR PASTOR IS MY SON'S FRIEND.'


Note:  This story appears widely all over the internet. 
www.TruthorFiction.com identifies it as “unproven”.  www.Snopes.com  identifies it as “glurge”, and traces it back to a 2000 book titled Stories for a Faithful Heart by Carla Muir, which may have been based upon the ideas presented in a 1954 short story by none other than famed author Alistair Maclean tiled “The Dileas”.  Even if fictional, though, it nonetheless illustrates the love God has for us in Christ Jesus.  Stories can be either true or fictional and still accomplish this purpose, as the masterful Parables of Jesus Himself make plain.

BACK SAFE AND SOUND!

7/15/2012

 
A tourist was on a beach in Florida, but afraid to go into the water.  Spotting an old man standing on the shore, the tourist shouted, "Are there any alligators around here?!"

"Naw," the man hollered back, "they ain't been around for years!"

Feeling safe, the tourist swam out in the water. When he was quite far from shore, he shouted back, "How'd you get rid of the 'gators?"

"We didn't do anything," the beachcomber yelled.

"That's strange," thought the tourist.

Then the beachcomber added, "The sharks got 'em."*


My wife and I have just arrived back from our recent trip to Florida – and that safe and sound, I might add.  We certainly saw our share of both alligators and sharks.  However, we managed to keep our distance from them all. 

In any event, it’s good to get away ever so often.  But, it’s also good to get back!  Thanks to those of you who prayed for us while we were gone.  We felt your prayers as we took some much needed time to refresh and renew.  Thanks also to those who kept things back home in the middle of the road.  It means a lot!

We look forward to resuming our daily routines’ and also to busying ourselves afresh and anew with the Lord’s work. 

*Source: 
http://justcleanjokes.com/jokes/Holidays_and_Vacation/

THE EAGLE RECOVERS

7/5/2012

 
Those who know me very well know that I am fascinated by nature.  I cannot help but see the hand of God at work in this great big world He created.  In fact, I have become accustomed to looking for illustrations of His grace at every turn.  One such illustration came my way recently.

Given that this week we celebrated the 236th birthday of our Nation, and that the Bald Eagle is our National Symbol, I think you will find the attached story amazing.  It is a rare event captured in a series of photographs as a Bald Eagle battles for its dinner and its survival.

If you follow the links, be sure to stay with it till the end.  If you do, you will see the relevance to our Country.  Enjoy…

http://theopenend.com/2009/03/27/two-eagles-do-battle-over-sitting-duck/

Happy Independence Day!

AT LEAST WE AIN’T IN TEXAS!

7/2/2012

 
Last night, after nearly a week of triple digit temperatures, including consecutive record setting days of 105 degrees or more, it finally rained here in East Tennessee.  This morning, it was actually 23 degrees cooler than yesterday afternoon, and it was still 82 degrees!  Ah, a blessed cold snap.

I mentioned yesterday in my message that a church member had assured me that it was still much cooler here than where he comes from out in Texas.  I was tempted to chalk this up to typical Texan braggadocio, until I went online and did a little research.  Lo and behold, he just may have been right.  According to what I discovered…

IT'S SO HOT AND DRY IN TEXAS that...

....the birds have to use potholders to pull the worms out of the ground.

....the best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.

....hot water comes from both taps.

....you can make sun tea instantly.

....you learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron.

....the temperature drops below 95 degrees and you feel a little chilly.

....you discover that in July it only takes two fingers to steer your car.

....you discover that you can get sunburned through your car window.

....you actually burn your hand opening the car door.

....you break into a sweat the instant you step outside - at 7:30 A.M.

....your biggest fear of a motorcycle wreck is:  "What if I get knocked out and end up lying on the pavement and cook to death?"

....you realize that asphalt has a liquid stage.

....the potatoes cook underground, so all you have to do is pull one out and add butter.

....the cows are giving evaporated milk.

....farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying boiled eggs.

....the trees are actually whistling for the dogs.

….AND LASTLY (MY FAVORITE), IT'S NOW SO HOT AND DRY IN TEXAS that...
 
....the Baptists are starting to baptize by sprinkling, The Methodists are using wet-wipes,  Presbyterians are giving rain checks,  and the Catholics are praying for the wine to turn back into water!


Now, that’s hot!

SOURCE: https://www.inspire.com/groups/talk-psoriasis/discussion/you-look-so-hot-some-texas-

    Cleo E. Jackson, III

    Occasionally I will add
    a few thoughts to my blog. If you find them inspirational, I will be
    honored.

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    March 2010
    February 2010

    Categories

    All