Did You Hear That?

Despise and hate according to AJ Darby are two different things. He said that he underlined them in his dictionary so he wouldn't forget that. Hate is from the heart according to my 80+ year young friend, or at least he says, that's what his dictionary says. He said that he told a woman that he couldn't hate because he didn't have one. He has a heart but he hasn't had a thought that evil come from his heart. Some people would say that he said that he didn't have a heart, and therefore, meant that he couldn't hate because of that. He said despise means to dislike someone for something, or dislike what they've done. He said he despised some folks. Well he has a heart as big as all outdoors, and I love talking with him.



How despised are we as a nation, as a people? How despised is the imperfect Christian because he dares to get closer to that non-violent protest side? i am thinking could I offer to shake the hand of a Klan member? Do I really have that much compassion, I don't know but I love Chappelle's skit about the Brotha in the Klan. Clayton Bigsby the Black Grandmaster says after members encourage him not to be frightened and show his face, " You wanna see my face!" The hood comes off, and one of the members is so tore up his head explodes! I laughed hysterically, but I never once prayed for his death y'all...

Actually if you ask Scotty Jenkins, he will tell you that Clayton Bigsby should've been played by yours truly! So, Dave if you fire it back up, I am available, but just for your show! Can we tone down the cursing, I'm trying to not get started again...until next time the imperfect Christian is out! Peace, blessings, and joy that real PB&J!

Trust Fun-d?

The imperfect Christian heard one of the best testimonies that he had ever heard at a Homegoing service. Yes a woman that had already gone on to be with the Lord spoke volumes to us all that day from her casket! The priest from the Lutheran Church said that he had gone into Grandma Sweeties room, called her name and asked if she knew who he was. Grandma Sweetie said that she did not. He said well I just wanted to come back and check on you, and let you know that you can trust in Jesus. She replied according to the priest, "Oh Jesus I trust, but you I am not so sure about!" It was like her spirit spoke directly through him! She was a sharp little woman, and very gentle spirited, but firm all at the same time. Especially if she wanted more butter!

With that I had to ask myself, so I said... "self" and self said, "huh" sorry I just love Mr. Brown... OK on with my thought. My question was am I living a life that bears witness to the exaltation of Christ? OK now remember the blog title "A Day In The Life Of THE IMPERFECT CHRISTIAN," so I know that I am not walking in perfection. However, I should be walking toward the day of His perfecting me. I should with every endeavor look to please Him, even if I am falling short. So what am I going to do today that honors Him, and allows me to express my thanks toward Him?

So what was todays greatest challenge, and how was it overcome? I got to work on time, but not early like I had planned to. The car is in the shop, and funds are low, but tithes are paid, and I trust in Him.

What what todays greatest success, and how was it acheived? The day isn't over yet, but I am going to try, and make an attempt to right the wrongs that are heavy on my heart, and find the resolve in Christ.

Could it be that the greatest acheivment was overcoming the greatest challenge? Perhaps it will be, but I think my greatest success in this day is yet to come! I think my greatest success will be to obtain that Grandma Sweetie mentality! : )

Do We Pray In Vain?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVwfdaYuy1k

A man calls himself a pastor, and preaches hate, death, and destruction because he doesn't agree with policy. Let me rephrase that, he preaches hate because he misinterprets scripture, and another mans words!

Does it not say that vengeance belongs to God? In that same verse does it not say, recompense evil not with evil? The New King James Versions reads:

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Romans 12:20 & 21

That doesn't mean to play Gritball with them like Madea would have you do, and dump a real bucket of coals on their head. But some will interpret it just that way! Hello remember that Romans 12:18 & 19 says to live peaceably with all mankind, and to give place to wrath and not avenge yourself, for "vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord."

The only difference here is that no one has done this man wrong, he is just upset because he opposes abortion, and feels it's OK to threaten the lives of all those starting with the President who oppose him. As an imperfect Christian I do not support abortion. But I do support choice. I do support freedom of speech, and I do support the right to agree to disagree. Not to disagree because we like to argue, but because even if you do not agree with me or anyone else, that's your choice! We all have decisions to make, and there are consequences that come with the choices, but we have the right to make them on our own. If you want me to pray then know I pray for HIS (Almighty Gods) will and not mine or anyone else (especially a false teachers), but for Gods' perfect will. Vanity of all vanities, let our prayers ask for nothing, but rather give thanks with every breath we take.

I am praying for Steve Anderson to have a true loving walk with Christ, and I am praying for another Dr. King. A peaceful humanitarian, and a peaceful, humble protester to rise up, and make the next step toward change... A man or woman of integrity and of any ethnicity...Lord let that prayer start in me.

Two Brotha's, Blackberries, & A Baker...

The imperfect Christian really needs a new camera, but for now the iberry is doing the trick. This shot of the kids playing in the creek reminds the imperfect one of his own childhood. Playing with friends, seeking new frontiers, just enjoying the summer! This blog is about those great childhood memories...

The Banker told me that I should do a blog about a very special lady, and her Blackberry Cobbler! So here it is. The Banker and the imperfect Christian set out one day to have a little fun. We found some snakeberry clusters, and went on a picking frenzy. We had more copperheads, and moccasins back in the day, and one had to be cautious about where he/she placed his/her foot.

The Banker and the imperfect one picked a few and ate a few. For those of you that have never attempted to pick enough to make a pie or a cobbler with it’s less tedious if you just pick and do not eat at the same time. The Banker and the imperfect one gathered these blackberries and took them to the Baker. To call the Baker an extraordinary cook was an understatement! She could with just a smidgen of sugar, milk, and just enough flour make your mouth water like never before! She also made some mean dinner rolls, and homemade jellies. Well with just a few hours of picking, and speaking on my behalf only I did not deserve the goodness that was about to take place! The banker and the imperfect one had a cobbler prepared that was unbelievable! Talk about two fella’s that had it made!

We left from there that afternoon with a sweet goodness that would make a diabetic cringe, and a health food fanatic lose it! Did you say diet, or no sugar intake other than natural fructose, well my friend just to smell what came out of this kitchen would doom you. It didn’t stop there, however. The next stop was up to the tall mans house that lived next door. The Banker called him “Granddaddy,” and the imperfect Christian knew him as “uncle.” The tall man greeted us with compassion as always, and he was a man raised to be hospitable, and gracious. That generations generosity is second to none. He as the two cousins if they were thirsty, and the Banker said, “Yes Granddaddy can I have some juice.” He replied, “Yes son, and see if the imperfect one would like some too.” That day I had my first dose of “Jungle Juice!” Or as Chappelle would call it… Purple Drank. That stuff was liquid gold to two country kids on a hot summer day. Riding bikes with the Banker, Buttermilk Pies from the Bakers, a shot of Jungle Juice from the tall mans, I miss those days. As Stevie Wonder would sing, “I wish those days - could come back once more, Why did those days – ev-er have to go, Cause I miss them so…doo doo doo doo doot doot doot doot doot doo doot doo…”I miss my people by the lake, and all of those that have gone on before us. I know though that what I the imperfect Christian misses most is the generosity, the fun times, the lessons in love that were manifested through those people. They truly lived by the Golden Rule, and treated others the way that they would want to be treated.

Hey Mr. Banker… thanks for making me feel like a kid again, I love ya Cuzz!

Promises, promises...

The imperfect Christian took this rainbow pic in a district called Swannanowhur. The home town of former UNC standout Brad Daugherty. When the imperfect one sees a rainbow, he thinks of Gods' promise. In the imperfect Christians mind only God is capable of making promises. The imperfect Christians boss once told him that he did not like to, or very seldom made promises. He said I just don't make a promise unless I am 100% certain that it is already done, and delivered, waiting for the recipient. The imperfect Christian is down with him on that one.

The Word says that God is not slack like some men..."The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) NKJV

God promised no more complete floods, but has allowed a high water to occupy a few lands, and a few hearts. But no complete flood. No complete death, but a instead a new beginning. Genesis 8:20 & 21 from the Amplified Version says, "Noah built an altar to the Lord and took of every clean [four-footed] animal and of every clean fowl or bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
21When the Lord smelled the pleasing odor [a scent of satisfaction to His heart], the Lord said to Himself, I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the imagination (the strong desire) of man's heart is evil and wicked from his youth; neither will I ever again smite and destroy every living thing, as I have done."

Genesis 9:15-17 also the Amplified Version says, "I will [earnestly] remember My covenant or solemn pledge which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters will no more become a flood to destroy and make all flesh corrupt.
16When the bow [rainbow] is in the clouds and I look upon it, I will [earnestly] remember the everlasting covenant or pledge between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
17And God said to Noah, This [rainbow] is the token or sign of the covenant or solemn pledge which I have established between Me and all flesh upon the earth."

The imperfect ones boys love to sing Standing On The Promises, and has to admit the imperfect Christian does too! Shaq may guarantee another NBA title to his franchise, and fans... Favre may promise after this season to never play again... perhaps even MJ will reverse his promise not to play again and we will see him in a Bobcat uni? But one thing is certain, when God tells you something, you better believe it. No promises on my next blog, no promise that there will even be a blog, but I can promise that if there is one, God will have His way whether I am in His will or not, and that you can bank on.

What's Next?

The imperfect Christian has been to sanctuaries that represent almost every church that you can imagine, in both Protestant and Catholic settings. He has even witnessed a sayonce/seance, use which ever spelling (no pun intended) you prefer? The imperfect Christian has sat, kneeled, and stood in Cathedrals, Synagogues, and Chapels all over North America, and even in some island provinces of Jamaica. He has been to a couple of state penitentiaries, and mentioning ball and chain, he has even done a few weddings (Laughing). The imperfect Christian has partaken in funerals, or as the spiritual churches refer to them, he has been involved in a few Home Going services.

The imperfect Christian spoke at his youngest uncle's funeral, and that was a tough pill to swallow! The imperfect one spoke at his inherited dad's funeral, and that was a tough one too. On the day that his inherited dad went to be with the Lord his dad looked up over his shoulder, and just stopped breathing. He administered CPR, and the whole 9, but as the Skyline Boys would say, "When he saw Jesus it took his breath away." He was glad that he was with him, and was glad that he was there for his mom. That is what family is about. Being there for each other. Which brings us to this story.

The imperfect Christian has had some struggles y'all. Times have been tough for most of America. But you know that a blessed family will tell you that they don't need a lot of money. They don't need to feel like they have a higher status than others, they only need each other. As long as we have each other, we have everything! The glue that keeps us together is the Christ! So on to the Imperfect weekend... the imperfect one had every intention of doing yard work, and wound up getting rained on all night Friday, and most of the early, early morning Saturday, so no mowing with the push mower. The riding mower needs repairing, and he just did not get to the weedeater at all! So what did the imperfect Christian do? He took a Saturday off! He did however, rush to make every attempt to get to a very special ladies birthday party, and then got there 4:30pm CPT 30 minutes late! The host family was waiting as the imperfect Christian and his crew drove in. The host family was there riding the horses by the pond trotting in a single file, and the imperfect one felt a little less than perfect for sure this time! They were waiting on the imperfect Christian and his family so they could trail ride. Both families rode for a little over an hour, and the horses were great! Everyone seemed to have had a blast! The imperfect one got to saddle up with Clyde, and he was a hoot! Clyde was a big caramel colored horse that matched the imperfect one's skin tone (smile and saying in his best Dr. Evil voice "It's twue). Clyde bucked his head a few times chompin' at the bit, but was a pretty gentle horse for the most part. I think both were chomping at that bit because they were both ready for a nice run. Old Clyde was steady and didn't slip much. The crew rode through the mud, and the hills, over some rocky areas, and then through the river, it was a great time. The imperfect Christian even videoed a portion of the ride on his iberry. Well what's next? The video if the imperfect one can get it uploaded here. LOL

The crew finished their ride, and then all went back to the young ladies house where everyone was going to bunk for the night. Well everyone bunked in the house to avoid the lightening and the monsoon! The imperfect one slept between two snoring ladies and woke up due to excesseive snoring like Ulysses "Oh Brother Where Art Thou" McGill, and said, "What!?" I don't think he shook his head or checked his hair though. He could have but don't think so. The younger crowd pulled an all nighter. They slept (made their sleeping quarters) on the carport, after the storm threat lessened, but did not sleep at all!!! One el Tygre fell asleep that morning after staying up all night, and missed all the morning excitement! He had pulled two consecutive all nighters, and was spent! The others got up early and went back at it again! That's when the imperfect one got the text. What happened next, humbled him, and showed him the awesome power of Almighty God!

The text was from a wife that loved her husband, and was trying to help. She was trying to get a better understanding, and also to better love her husband. The text said, "imperfect Christian we need you!" His friends father had been pretty sick for a while, and they needed someone to come with a calm, and high spirit about them. He wondered why she chose him! He wondered why God chose him, the imperfect Jonah! The imperfect Christian that ran from the Call so many times before, and was trying to do so again. The same imperfect one that said he would never preach again, and did not feel that he could please God in any way, received the Call. So why is God calling? Why do we as humans allow are hearts, to get so beat up, and our minds to wander so far!? He called because He does not call the qualified, but qualifies the called.

The imperfect one was tore up, but couldn't say no. His friends needed him. How are you gonna turn your back on your... oh wow thought the imperfect just before completing his sentence with... friends. The imperfect Christian turned his back on his best friend! Turned his back on the One Who said that He would never leave nor forsake us. Well no longer. The imperfect one realized that Christ had called him through earthly friends. That is our commission after all to love one another correct? Therefore the imperfect one informed all in his party that something urgent had come up and that they needed to be ready to leave asap. Man I feel for the pastors wife! Well the imperfect Christian left for Skyland and the Big View. When the imperfect Christian got the place where the land meets the sky he found his dear friend pictured above in the final stage of his physical life. The imperfect one was greeted at the door, by his missus, and by his son, and daughter-in-law. He (Mr. C) was in a coma since early Saturday. He was pretty much on his way to be with our Savior. He was just waiting for the opportune time to be alone, so he could go with Him. As a racer, and a driver Mr. C was now as the Hoppers would sing, "Just Waiting On My Ride." Once his son, and his wife had left the room, and gone outside, Mr. C went on that new first ride with his Savior.

That's when Mr.C's son M.C. came out to inform us that Mr.C took that ultimate ride! The imperfect one had a feeling that they would ask him to conduct the services. He was led to this feeling by an earlier conversation with Mr. C's son and daughter-in-law. The imperfect one was honored that they even considered him. However, he felt really bad honoring such a good man, being so far away from the service of the Lord. He felt horrible about being in the same sanctuary with other good people, and felt like he was letting them down. This family for the most part was Catholic, and they asked a fella that grew up in a Union Church that branched from a Baptist, and Methodist Church to do the services for them. That they saw any good in such a wretch like the imperfect Christian at all that resembled the love of Christ, truly blew him away. Again it was an honor to be considered, but he just felt out of place spiritually. He felt right at home to be among friends, but to be there conduct Mr. C's Home Going made him feel as though he was doing him and his family a huge disservice. He learned during the ceremony however, why it was that he was there. It is not always the messenger that has a lesson to teach when preaching, but oft times it is the messenger that is taught during the lesson.

The imperfect one was greeted by the directors when he first got there. They asked him for an order of service, and he (as he was accustomed to) conducted most everything on the fly. He had been used to doing so ever since he was first Called. He did have plenty notice for this service, which was unusual, he was usually called a day, or a few hours before time for his engagement. Lately he has had plenty of time to prepare, and has taken less and less time to prepare. The imperfect Christian hasn't done things extemporaneously with every occasion, but he has had to make adjustments for sure.

The service was a beautiful service. Family and loved ones gathered one last time to pay honor to Mr. C. Mr. C's son asked the imperfect one to say something for him because he didn't feel like he could hold himself together long enough to make it through what it was that he wanted to say. So with minutes before service they put together some last thoughts. Wow was it a blessing! Three of the four sons spoke, and one did so indirectly through the imperfect one. The other son remained quiet. There was a lot of prayer lifted for the quiet son, and for his family.

Speaking of prayer, the imperfect one went to be alone just before the service and prayed to Almighty God. He met with the director, and was escorted to the alter. The service was opened with the imperfect Christian giving the Invocation. A few words spoken, and an order of service given, then with that Mr. C's younger brother L.C. was called to share and reflect on his most fond memories. L.C. gave a message that the imperfect one called, "The Spearmint Love Message." You know double your pleasure? L.C. said that he remember his big brother taking him places, and telling him at age 14 that that would be the only time in their lives that he would be twice exactly twice L.C.'s age being 28 at the time. He said they spoke on the phone one time, and L.C. told Mr. C that he loved him, and Mr. C said I love you too, double! Henceforth the title above, LOL!!! L.C. shared about a loving brother that he invisioned having a last supper, and being seated in a much higher place now, and being with Christ, and he shared about a man that he looked up to as a youngster, and even as a man. It was a beautiful testimony about a brothers love!

Mr. C's sons spoke of a loving father, and both that spoke on their own did wonderful work. K.C. talked about how Mr. C loved his kids and how he was there for them always, and C.C. mentioned how much Mr. C loved his wife, and he only wished that the family would remain close, and that his brothers would love their wives as much as their father loved their mother.

The imperfect one learned a lesson in love, and learned that no matter how well rounded or how grounded your family is, you can never, ever, never, ever get too much love in, or lovin'! Be blessed good people love one another, and do not sweat the small stuff. The most amazing thing in a lifetime to me is the brevity of it. Love while you can love and live to love for an eternity.

Peace, blessings, and joy... Mr. C and to all of your family!

Love from the imperfect Christian!

What Was I Thinking!?

Zig Ziglar wrote, "The chief cause of failure and unhappiness is trading what you want most for what you want now." Powerful statement!

I the imperfect Christian does not want to focus on the want now microwave society things, but the things that are truly going to make a difference in my life, and be worth while! Not just worth while for me, but for others also. The imperfect Christian not only lives for today, but tomorrow, and for eternity, and I want each day to be more blessed than the last! One of my favorite scripture verses is Psalm 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (KJV)

The imperfect Christians' perfect desire is to please Him, not just get what I want! It is God that gives me the desire to be a better servant to Him, a better husband to my wife, a better father to my children, a better brother and friend to my biological, and spiritual brothers and sisters.

I have thought about buying a dual sport bike on several occasions, or a used bike, and I know that the R1 is the one that I truly want! I have thought about several business endeavors, and thought about how nice it would be to live in a city that never sleeps again, and then I thought about God telling His imperfect son that He has a desire to see him finish his schooling and earn that degree in the ministry, and continue on as a great minister. A minister that is mighty indeed for the Lord! A minister that allows God to manifest His greatness in him when he is weak, so that God can be proven as Almighty! He also desires that I am the father that would put his own life down for his family. What greater love than this, that a man would lay down His life for you? So what was I thinking when I wanted... because the Lord is my Shepherd, and I shall not want! Jesus I am grateful for Your love, because You loved me before I knew to love myself!