Men Need Men Friends

Trey Morgan, a great blogger (you need to subscribe), has an excellent post on how men need to have deep, spiritual friendships with other men.   It calls to mind a time when I was a “rank and file” member of the North Davis church in Arlington and part of a men’s group that met weekly to discuss their lives and pray for one another.  It was one of the highlights of my Christian walk.  We discussed the ups and downs of our lives and ended with prayer.  It was extremely comforting, encouraging and empowering.

I have a lot of acquaintances, but true men friends are hard to find.  In my case, they must be willing to try to be as open and honest as as I do…no pretense, no facades, everything on the table.  Everything that’s said needs to be held in confidence.

Men (especially West Texas men) are taught to be independent, tough and invulnerable.  And when they are not, to appear as though they are.  It can be a lonely existence.  I am fortunate to have such a friend right here in my town.

Garlic and Stacy Peterson

People are so interesting! Maybe “mystifying” is more accurate. Some weeks ago, I posted a blog regarding the disappearance of Stacy Peterson. It has received over 2,684 views! Other stuff that, it seems to me, is far more important is far less popular. I’m not sure of the psychology of this but it has been surprising to this blogger.

Then there is my seldom-read garden blog: charamongarden.wordpress.com. The most popular post on this blog by far has been a little article about what happens when you don’t weed your garlic patch. Can you believe it? 50 views of “The Garlic Lesson” out of a total of 238! No other post on my garden blog even comes close.

This is not disturbing since the goal of this blog (Whitticisms) was never about numbers. I am gratified when people choose to read my scratchings but my goal is to produce quality writing about a variety of subjects: science, apologetics, religion, politics, literature, current events, etc.

As we begin a new year, I want to thank all who read Whitticisms, Charamongarden and Missionsouthpacific. Very special thanks to all who have commented pro or con. May 2008 be a great year and may God bless us…every one!

From Decline to Growth – 3

Just A Little More on Assembly

   Much thanks to my brother in Christ Duane Morgan for his response to my article. (See his comment on “The Worship Myth.”) There is no one I respect and admire more than this brother whose whole heart is given to God and whose only desire is to serve Him. He has endured much hardship to follow in the steps of Jesus. It makes no difference where he goes: Indonesia, Europe, Africa…seeking and saving the lost is his mission. His first priority is to learn the language of those he seeks. He is in the process of becoming fluent in Arabic and conversant in French. He knows that only by speaking the language of a culture can one effectively enter that culture. He is a great writer and a careful student of the Word. Therefore, when he speaks (or writes), I listen carefully.[i]

 

It is obvious the two terms I used in the previous article are more general than the way I used them.

Restoring the Treasure

              Sailing ships, treasure, and the sea hold a special fascination for me.  If you take National Geographic Magazine you have probably noticed the articles about ancient wrecks.  Explorers and treasure-hunters discover them.  Archaeologists painstakingly salvage their treasure and artifacts.  It doesn’t seem to matter how old the shipwreck, if anything was on board that didn’t rot, it is still there, waiting to be found.  Usually, the sea takes its toll over the years.  Corrosion and the crust of barnacles and coral rime old cannons, bottles, eating utensils, amphorae, and other objects.

A Stranger in Paradise

   Malo! (hello)

I am writing this post from an island somewhere in the Pacific.  Part of my work is to visit and work with congregations sprinkled across the South Pacific.  I know, I know…tough work but somebody’s got to do it.  Not only is American Samoa beautiful, but it is filled with beautiful people.  It is a joy to be here!  The Samoan language is lovely to listen to but impossible for newly arrived Palangi’s (non Samoans) to understand.  My host, Lynn Ashley (a Palangi) has lived here for fourteen years and speaks Samoan fluently.  Thankfully, most Samoans speak English but they love it if you try to learn some words.  The people are friendly, laid back and courteous.  If you are looking for a place that is not “touristy”…American Samoa is a good choice.  

If any of my readers would like to receive email reports regarding our ministry, MISSION SOUTH PACIFIC, just drop me a line at dwight.whitsett@gmail. com and I’ll add you to the list.  Lots of pictures.  Never “preachy.”

Until later, Tofa Soifua (goodbye)

Looking for Myself

I have gone out to look for myself.

If I should return before I get back

Please hold me until I get here.

            “I just don’t know who I am anymore.”  “I need some time to find myself.”  Such statements reflect the confusion that overtakes us as we speed along in the fast lane.  In our hurried and harried way of life, we lose touch with ourselves quickly and easily.  Lured by the siren song of Satan, we seem snared in a destructive cycle of commuting, working, watching television…filling all our waking moments

Drawn by Deficiency

The story is told of a golfer who was having a bad day on the course. At the last hole, he had had it. His language was fierce. He threw his clubs in the water and screamed, “That does it, I’m going to quit!” His surprised caddie asked, “Are you really going to quit golf?” “No,” he said, “I’m going to quit the ministry.”

Perhaps this helps explain why I do not golf.

BROKEN

        My family and nearly every other family I know has been touched by addiction to drugs (legal and illegal) and/or alcohol.  That’s one reason my wife and I were drawn to a book I want to recommend to everyone: Broken, by William Cope Moyers.  It is published in the U.S. by Viking and, for my readers downunder, by Penguin Books Ltd. in Australia and by Penguin Group in New Zealand.

            William’s story is hard to read.  His pain and the pain of his family is palpable. His journey is heartrending and heartbreaking but finally victorious.  Several times I had to lay the book aside, recover my equilibrium, then force myself to reenter the fires of agony that scorched William, everyone who loves him and singed my soul also.