drumrunner

Well, thank you all! On Nov. 21st I officially became an "old guy". There are certain perks being a Senior Citizen:

1. You are not expected to remember things like you used to

2. Automatic discounts for haircuts and meals at restaurants

3, A little automatic forgiveness for my sloppy driving habits from the younger crowd

4. Drooling is permitted somewhat, nose picking is still frowned on

5. People talk louder assuming my hearing is diminished, which it is, but at least I don't have to ask them to repeat what they say

6. Kneeling for prayer; it's the getting up that's hard! Where did I put those aspirins? See point #1

7. Subtle and not so subtle hints from folks that retirement may be a good idea, to do what?

8. Tying my shoes becomes a mental challenge. Which way do the laces go again? Yup, Refer to point #1 once more.

9. All of my friends look so OLD!

I don't know...this a difficult topic. If we are supposed to only be around those who think like us how is the gospel supposed to spread? How are people going to see how our relationship with Jesus Christ has changed us if we don't interact with them? And yet, it is possible to compromise our relationship with God when we are. I live this out every day in my work environment (school district classroom) where I have to be very careful what I say...but all staff know how I believe...so my actions are what speak for me. In my home as well...my dh walked away years ago....we've had some heated discussions...not too heated because I want my actions to speak at home as well. Yet, the other day our dd (also walked away during high school) wanted to go see the Conjuring (scary, scary movie) that I won't even watch the commercials for and he had changed his mind and told her that she needed be careful of what she puts in her mind because once its there it never goes away. What?? How many times over the years has that been MY line? So, I don't have the answer. There are some people I avoid because I don't feel strong enough myself to deal...avoiding family is not an option for me...at least the family under my roof.

 

Are we supposed to be the light of the world?

 

Matthew 5:14-16 New International Version (NIV)

14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

2 Timothy 2:2426

24 And the Lords servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

 

Matthew 5:16

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that 2 they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

 

 

Or are we supposed to stay away from non-Christian's?

 

James 4:4-5 ESV

"You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us?"

 

I'd really like to hear other folks thoughts on this.....

 

 

I don't have a really good answer, but I'll offer something which happened to me at work.....There was a man who, just by his actions and speech alone, set him apart as "different". I noticed that he did not curse, did not enjoy or approve of dirty jokes (although he did not openly criticize them either), didn't smoke or drink, he seemed to have a gentle nature all of the time. He is a friend and brother named Josh.

A few times we talked about God, his beliefs and mine, and I came to realize that his demeanor and nature was not a put-on or fake, he truly loves the Lord and is doing his best to follow Him. I became deeply ashamed, knowing that those around me did not see me as "different", I was still one of the boys, acting like them to "get along". Josh showed Christ in his life daily, me never. To this day, there are times I still feel that shame, for what I did do, and especially for what I did not do; show through my life that Christ was my Savior. I kept my mouth shut since anything I might say about God would sound hollow.

Was I saved? I had some real trouble with that, my head said "yes" but my heart could only manage a feeble "maybe". Since the time I came to that "maybe", I needed to decide was I "all in" or not, either take ALL of Jesus, or none of Him. I took all.

Now, I am a continuous work-in-progress and under total new management, Jesus Christ my Lord. Am I saved? Most certainly. Why? Because my Lord gave me repentance, a saving faith and belief that He died for all of my sins and His promise that He would finish what He started. I have nothing to say in my own defense and I am NOT a "good person" by any stretch of imagination, but He loves me anyway. ONLY the eternal mercy of God saves, nothing we have or can do will ever be good enough to get His favor, as filthy rags.

I want people to see me as "different" now. The world is desperately looking for genuine difference, leading to a God who loves them as much as He loves me.

 

This is my favorite Psalm

 

Psalm 131 A song of ascents. Of David.

The encouragement you give through your testimony is, in itself, a blessing to others.

You'd be a fascinating male "blogger". So many of today's world-minded people think a Christian is less than wise and "manly".

Thank You, God, for allowing our friend to not only open his eyes to Your blessings, but to share with us here.

 

Cat, that makes my day knowing that I have encouraged folks to be true to the God that created us all. Ah..... as far a blogging, probably not as I keep my writings for my brothers and sisters in Christ, the world cannot not comprehend things that are spiritual. And I have no doubt that the worldly minded people have the idea that Christian men (and women) are weak, but WE ARE! Christ in us makes us strong, only Him. Without Jesus we can do nothing on our own. But, the world will soon learn that the Man who was so humble and gentle, was crucified for my sins and rose again on the third day, is coming back again for their judgment. He IS coming back and will not be in a good mood.

 

Wise and Manly? Hmmmm.....Moses, Joshua, Gabriel, David, Sampson, Samuel, Elijah, Solomon, Daniel....and Jesus Christ Himself. I could go on, but the men in my Bible are excellent examples of real men who obeyed their God to the letter and accomplished though the Lord what the world considered impossible. My God is all powerful, all knowing, all holy, all wise, all loving....and is a Jealous God (Exodus 20: 4-5). Therefore....since my God is jealous FOR me, the world's opinion matters absolutely nothing.

 

https://bible.org/seriespage/jealous-god Worth reading

Drummie, you are indeed a light in this world! I'm so happy for you and proud of you too. Mrs. Drumrunner must be a wonderful lady and we send love and encouragement to her too.

 

Jeepers, my Mrs. is an absolute sweetheart and has been my rock (of course not the ROCK, only one of Him) that has kept me cheered up, prodded when necessary, loved me through thick and thin, and in general has been the person I have leaned on for encouragement and strength during this totally weird experience. By the way, last month we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. Incredible that the time has flown past so quickly. Leyla and I met while I was working in her country, Turkey, as a civilian engineer for NATO. We wed 18 moths later and came back to the USA where she studied hard, took the oath and is now a full US citizen (that obvious fact is shown in how eloquently she complains about our politicians now after her first vote!). With God's blessings, we are hoping for a 30th anniversary.

 

Well, almost time for my third nap of the day. A restful Sabbath to be sure!

As one who's dealt with MS for several decades, I can tell you with complete confidence.....FATIGUE, even severe, is survivable.

Sometimes it's not fun. The term 'new normal' is one to cling to.... Let go of what you usta could do.

But.....there is SO much you still CAN do.

Not trying to cheat your New Normal will, when the columns are tallies, give you more in the end. {ask me how I know}

MtRider

Wise advice, MT. My fatigue is cured by naps, lots and lots of naps! It is a HUGE burden off my mind to know that the cancer is getting a daily beating and my chances to live a longer, productive live are much higher than this time last year. And you are also correct about adjusting to the new-normal, in fact I'v already started! I had the great opportunity to teach some of our kids in VBS last month, write a great deal more, camp with the Mrs., and talk with others who are going through their own battle with cancer.

In a way, this has been a blessing in disguise. I have been brought to a place where I had to face the fact of my own mortality and deal with it. For me, It has brought into crystal clear focus the things which are important; the love that my wife and I have for each other, service to the Church, my family and friends, performing better for my employer, seeing and helping those in need or just being available to talk when someone is down. These things count.

What does NOT count is buying more "stuff", having useless emotions such as anger, self pity, envy or apathy. I have no use for these especially now that I may have a little more time here on planet earth to invest well.

I want to thank each one of you here on the forum for your prayers and expressions of concern for me during this small trial. Even though I have never seen your faces (and you have not seen mine), we share a friendship. Thank you all.

 

Larry (aka Drumrunner)

You deserve it Drumrunner. That is WONDERFUL news. Still keeping you in my prayers.

 

By the way, One of your CD's changed a family member totally around. Thank you so much for giving them the oppertunity to open their eyes.

 

 

Glad to hear it! Now the effort I put in on the CD was worth it. Thanks to everyone for the prayers and well wishes, if the PSA reading continues to stay low I may have a good chance of being around several more years vs the original 12 to 18 month estimate (which did NOT amuse me much).

Interesting tidbit, One of the side effects from the cancer treatment is sudden and extreme exhaustion, quite noticeable and annoying at first. The doctor quite plainly told me that this was my "new normal", being tired ALL the time. However I can easily manage to take more naps if the cancer is being soundly thrashed.

<I suppose running 26 mile marathons is probably no longer an option, so I'll settle for 26 yard walks!>

Thought I ought to check in and relay a little news. After all the treatments and tests, my doctor call me late yesterday afternoon and let me know that my PSA level (prostate specific antigens) has dropped like a rock! Initially it was at 37 (30 is considered extreme indicating lively cancer), if I remember correctly "normal" is 0 to 2. My PSA as of yesterday is 00.4!!!!!!!!!!

 

A slight "WHOOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!!!!!" and tap dance is in order I believe .

Cat. Yeah, that CD is chock full of reference materials. Where there is no doc....etc. I've got some other stuff like that....I should consolidate onto a CD or thumb drive thingie.

 

So how are you doing, Drumrunner?

 

MtRider

 

I'm doing well. MT. Radiation treatment is finally finished and now it's a "wait and see" situation (according to the doctors) to see what the outcome will be; except I'm not waiting very much! I decided awhile ago, to enjoy every day to the absolute fullest and treat it as if it would be the last day of my life in this world. So, with that in mind, I have done and/or experienced the following;

1. Turned the TV OFF. except for briefly watching the "local news", and even that time is becoming more of an annoyance than any help.

2. Took my Mrs camping for a few days, so far into the mountains that there was not even a cell phone signal! No internet, newspaper, phone, email or TV. Just a lot of quiet. The only reading material I took with us was my Bible, and boy did I get some studying done!!

3. My sister and her three young children came out to Colorado to visit for a week. I had totally forgotten that children can be loud, messy. creative, adorable, loving, argumentative, quiet, beautiful, inquisitive, sensitive, and capable of completely stealing my heart. They left this morning for Arizona, and my house is much too still now.

4. Discovered that when one is driving in the mountains and happens to come upon a moose grazing, it is a really bad idea to honk at it. This startles the moose and irritates my wife who wanted to take a picture of it.

• Sam Jones Methodist Evangelist told the story of being on a Pullman traveling one night after a tiring meeting. A young child was crying and keeping every one awake. He wanted to say something to the father, but thought better of it. Soon, one man unable to take it, hollered at the man and said, "Master, for God's sake, why don't you take the baby to his mother and let the rest of us get some sleep?" The man replied sobbing, "Sir, I'm sorry. I wish her mother could, but she is in a casket, in the baggage coach."

  The complaining man got out of his berth, kneeled beside the father and said he was sorry, and offer to take the child and let the father get some sleep.

God isn't tapping his foot and looking at his watch waiting for us to join in. He is just listening quietly, and I know he has already heard a "rumble" from us.

This is a wonderful two sentences! I will remember them for quite awhile.

God isn't tapping his foot and looking at his watch waiting for us to join in. He is just listening quietly, and I know he has already heard a "rumble" from us.

 

I want to thank each of you for your prayers as I obeyed the Word yesterday. Afterwards, the pastor and I had very fruitful and lengthy discussion about Christian faith, allowing the power of God to take full control in my life and being faithful in obeying the commands of Jesus. Thanks again!

 

Faith= knowing the promises of God as found in the Bible + believing God said them (He does not lie and never changes) + me acting on the promises as I understand them + knowing the outcomes are sure!

When you go to your pastor/elders/etc for healing prayer, will you let us know when? We can join with you in those prayers.

 

MtRider

My pastor was surprised and pleased that one of his sheep would want the anointing of the sick as commanded in James 5: 14-15. This Thursday at 3pm, we will ask in faith, for God's complete healing of my body, in obedience to His Word. This is a gentle and kind man, who I admire and trust. I thought I would share his reply that he sent to me earlier today.

 

"Dear Larry,

When you go to your pastor/elders/etc for healing prayer, will you let us know when? We can join with you in those prayers.

 

MtRider

 

Certainly! I have emailed my pastor already as to when, I'll let you know.

I am so impressed by the fact that you are still here offering valuable information to all of us when you are going through so much at home. You truly are a blessing to this forum, Drummrunner. I would be interested in receiving your cd and will send an email to you today. Thank you and may God bless you (and your feisty wife, too!)

 

 

I replied to you and I will be sending several cds to those who have requested them. Been a touch busy, so I've been a little slow getting to the post office, but do not worry; everyone who asked will receive. (where have I heard that before?).

Several of you "feisty women" (I do love that term!) have offered to pay for the cd and/or shipping, I appreciate the offers, but NOT going to happen. Free is just that, free. However, if you feel that you still wish to compensate me in some way, consider giving to your church or a needy member of the congregation. A brother or sister in need is all of our responsibilities, so as the Spirit leads, share with those who have little; that being done in the Name of Jesus; my Lord and King!!!! James 2: 14-18

 

Don't be impressed with my acts during this "little business" of mine, it is really of little concern to me. I gave this minor malfunction of my body to my God awhile ago so He can do as He pleases with it. One very cool thing I read in my Bible is this; James 5: 13-15. I intend to ask my pastor for just this thing very soon.

You have an e-mail.

Got your email, Virginia. Already shipped the CD to you this afternoon.

Found this a little while ago, Apr 30th

 

 

US HHS Approves Emergency H7N9 Diagnostics
Recombinomics Commentary 21:15
April 30, 2013

On April 19, 2013, the Secretary determined that there is a significant potential for a public health emergency that has a significant potential to affect national security or the health and security of United States citizens living abroad and that involves the avian influenza A (H7N9) virus.

The above comments are from the US Health and Human Service (HHS)notice entitled “Determination and Declaration Regarding Emergency Use of in Vitro Diagnostics for Detection of the Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus”. The notice allows use of an unapproved diagnostic test for the detection of H7N9 bird flu.

Although WHO has cited a lack of evidence for efficient human to human transmission of H7N9, the sequence data provides compelling evidence forsustained transmission in Jiangsu Province (see map), which is further supported by the export of H7N9 from Jiangsu Province to Taiwan via a traveler using a commercial airline. The export of H7N9 suggests the levels of H7N9 infections are markedly higher than the lab confirmed cases, which relies on an insensitive assay which has produced an alarming number of false negatives, when samples from the upper respiratory tract are used.

The emergency notice by the US HHS provides addition evidence for efficient human H7N9 transmission, WHO denials notwithstanding.

Don't take it personal. Your offer is very generous and comes from a loving heart. I think most people just don't want to give their name and/or address. I'll bet if they saw them on a table with a free sign, you wouldn't be able to keep up producing them!

Jeepers, that makes perfect sense and I do understand. Much of the CD is already here for download online.

http://preppers.info/Free_Downloads.html

Well, good morning all. Another beautiful day that the Lord has provided for us. I have to admit that I am a little surprised that only two people have contacted me to ask for copies of my cd since yesterday. Does every one already have a copy or is there only a little interest for the information which is available for no cost?

John 10: 27-30 and I am not afraid.

Thank you, one and all. Prayers are all I need, "man" has done all that can be done at this point, so this has been given to my Lord to deal with as He sees fit. Whatever is His will, it will be done and I fully accept it. I know my eternal destination, it was guaranteed 2000 years ago on a cross. I may be unhappy with this little business, but it is not the end of life. I know Who I believe in and am persuaded that He will keep me for Himself.

 

This is for Jeepers; I have been blessed with a feisty wife, so the additional "feisty women" here on the forum are an added bonus in my book!

 

Now, everyone pay attention. There is a "new and improved" version of bird flu (H7N9) getting ramped up in China, so far it is very unpleasant with a 28% mortality and has managed to find it's way to Taiwan. It may or may not become a world wide pandemic, but my money is on it that it will. Now, I was teaching the topic recently and am making a blanket offer to everyone here. I have edited and updated my preparedness CD, some of you may remember this from a few years ago, for family survival and/or disaster preparedness. Anyone who wants a FREE (read this as no cost, ziltch, nada, zero monies) CD, send me your mailing address to my commercial email address: drumrunner59@yahoo.com and I'll send you a cd.

 

Such a deal!

Hi to all once again. Thought I should check in and see what has been happening. Been a rather grim 2012-2013 as I was diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer which has migrated to bone. Unpleasant and very annoying, which completely upsets my retirement plans.

Took the hormone therapy, followed by 6 weeks of daily radiation treatments (have a nice glow now, thinking of taking up a second career as a traffic light).

Going to teach a small class in about 30 minutes, so I need to cut this a bit short. Bye!

more

Water - Rainwater Harvesting.pdf

General - Dangerous Animals.pdf

General - FEMA AreYouReady.pdf

A couple more

01_Secret Hiding Places.pdf

03_Diabetes_Disaster_Guidelines.pdf

03_Gardening_Encyclopedia.pdf

Water - Water Treatment.pdf