Mile High Rev

REVved - Jenkins Book to be Hallmark Special - April 8

When Jan and I first read Jerry’s book (in manuscript form) – Though None Go With Me – we both agreed that it was one of the best we’ve ever read.  Some of that obviously comes from our bias and the fact that the story is set in Three Rivers, Michigan – near where we grew up. We were so excited about the story, we bought copies of the book and gave them to staff members for Christmas gifts a few years ago.  Apparently, the Hallmark people agreed with us.  They will be airing a special based on the book on The Hallmark Channel on April 8, starring Cheryl Ladd.  You can read more about it here –JerryJenkins.com   Be warned.  If you watch the special, you’re going to want to read the book.  You can order it at Jerry’s web site.

REVered - FBC Friends in Dominican Republic to Make Safe Water Accessible

Our dear FBC friends, Ed & Joyce Anderson (regulars at our Saturday night services and greeters at the lower level entrance), are in the Dominican Republic working with a ministry called Healing Waters International.  They are blogging during this short-term mission trip at a site I’ve linked here – WaterWorks!  (Great title for their blog!)  I know Ed & Joyce would appreciate your prayers for them.  They are already encountering challenges that can only be met by the Lord’s provisions.  And we know that God will provide.  Take a look at Ed’s blog and get an idea of the opportunity that God sent their way.  These are wonderful people with generous hearts and I know the Lord is going to use them mightily.  They are in the DR to help provide safe and affordable drinking water to the poorest people of the world.  Anyone else thinking of  “a cup of water given in Jesus’ name?”  Join me in praying for the Andersons and in following their travels via Ed’s blog – WaterWorks! Here’s a photo of Ed & Joyce from their blog.

REV Return - Back to Blogging

Whew!  That was a long hiatus from blogging.  It started with a nasty sinus infection, followed by headaches that wouldn’t quit, and by fatigue that is unparalleled in my recent memory.  I not only didn’t blog, I didn’t do anything.  I was flat on my back.  It was nearly impossible to think, concentrate, or focus.  I wondered whether I would ever be well again.  Since then, I’ve spoken with a dozen people who have either had a “sinus thing” similar to mine, or they know someone who has.  Thanks to several of you who expressed concern about my blogging absence.  I think I’m back.

REVelation - Are You "Trusting" Today?

Several years ago during some troubling times, some dear friends gave me this gift that has been in my office at home ever since.

Every time I look at it, I’m reminded of my friends, but more importantly, I’m reminded of the challenge that I have to TRUST the Lord even if my circumstances suggest that I shouldn’t.  I assume many of you can identify with my struggle. 

REVrant 11.9 - White House Defends Port Sale to Arab Co.

I have mixed emotions about this one.  While I trust the President and his administration, I admit that handing over control of some of our country’s ports to the UAE makes me a little nervous.  I have to think about this one.  I’m sure it’s not going to quietly go away.  The mere “appearance” of  Arab-controlled American ports in the aftermath of 9/11 will be hard to sell to the American people.  The UAE is considered by many to have been the operational and financial staging area for the 9/11 attacks.  Better take another look at this one.  When it comes to our ports – still considered our greatest vulnerability for attack by many – extreme vigilance is not excessive.  White House Defends Port Sale to Arab Co.

REVealing - The Winter Olympics TV Audience Has Disappeared

According to this linked article in USATODAY.com the 2006 Winter Olympics broadcasts are not drawing the anticipated TV audience.  American Idol is out-drawing the Olympics.  (I’m not an Idol fan, but I know several!)  I haven’t watched any of the coverage, though I did want to see the Opening Ceremonies, but had the time wrong.  The past few days of arctic air in Denver haven’t helped, since I don’t want to look at people doing stuff in the cold!  I hope I’m not sounding “un-patriotic,” but I just don’t have the passion for the Olympics that I used to.  (Being sick doesn’t help, but it does afford the time to watch, if I was so inclined.)

Survey time - how many of you are tuning in to the 2006 Winter Olympics?  Why or why not?

BELATED - Rewind back to Valentine's Day

    HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to MY BEAUTIFUL WIFE

MY LOVE for Mrs. REV has never been stronger.  However, my physical condition the past two days limited my ability to express it to her….or to record it here.  Therefore, though belated, I reaffirm my love for the most fantastic woman on the planet!  She’s the perfect partner for me.  When I prayed for my future wife at age 17 (she was only 14 at the time, and we hadn’t met), I asked the Lord to fill a very specific “order form.”  I had never met a Christian girl like the one I requested, but I had faith to believe that God could send her to me.  He did.  Just three years later, I saw her in the front row of the Cascades Baptist Church choir in Jackson, Michigan, in August of 1970, and I was knocked for a loop.  There she was.  Exactly the one I had prayed for…down to very specific details.  I still recall her sleeveless yellow dress, blond hair, and suntanned face and arms.  I couldn’t take my eyes off from her.  When we were introduced after the service that morning, I knew Janice Ann Nicholson was the one for me.  It took some convincing, but God was gracious, and she finally said, “Yes.”  In fact, the date she said yes was February 12, 1973.  We were engaged that day, and married on July 14 of that same year.  I’ve never regretted it.  She’s stuck with me through thick and thin.  She’s endured (and enjoyed) ministry life with grace and perseverance.  She has a stunning commitment to prayer that makes my prayer life look like a preschooler’s!  Through her struggles with ill health, infertility, chronic fatigue, migraines, and my idiosyncrasies, she’s been faithful and and my tower of strength and encouragement.  I love her more today than ever.  Though I missed the actual holiday this year – 2/14/06 – my love and commitment to Jan has never been stronger. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, Honey.

 July 14, 1973

 31 years later…this year, we’ll celebrate 33 years!

 

REVolting - Acute Sinus Infection Moves In

Timing is everything.  This week was supposed to be a break from the hectic pace of ministry life, accompanied by the opportunity to “shut down the engines,” get some rest, and do a little traveling.  So much for the best laid plans.   I’ve got a sore throat, raspy voice, post-nasal drip, congestion, headache, sinus pressure, low grade fever, and a general physical and emotional malaise to top it off.  Traveling is out.  Bed rest, fluids, Sinutabs, Tylenol, and saline nasal irrigation is in.  Not that you need more information, but here it is if you’re interested. eMedicine Health - Sinus Infection Overview

 

REVrant 11.8 - This Man as President? Thankfully, no.

Thanks to – Michelle Malkin: AL GORE SLANDERS AMERICA – I learned that last weekend, Al Gore decided to tell a Saudi audience (remember that 15 of the 9/11 hijackers were Saudi citizens) that the U.S. is guilty of “terrible abuses” against Arabs in the aftermath of 9/11.  Every time I look at this guy or listen to an outburst like this one, I thank the Lord that he did not become our President.  Something doesn’t seem quite right about pandering to the nation that birthed the majority of the crazed 9/11 terrorist bombers.  Look at those eyes.

REVrant 11.7 - Politicizing the Cheney Shooting Accident

To no one’s surprise, the MSM is whining about what they perceive to be an inappropriate period of time before they were informed about the shooting accident.  Never mind the poor fellow who was shot.  The reporters want to know why it was so long before they were told about it.  Makes you want to tell them to call the “Whaaaaaaambulance!”  VP Cheney’s friend of 30 years – Harry Whittington –  has stabilized, though he is still at some risk.  Mr. Cheney will never forget this horrible tragic accident.  I doubt that he will be hunting any time soon.  He came forward to discuss it today, only after MSM pressure threatened to turn this into a full-blown political nightmare for not only Cheney, but for the President, and for all Republicans everywhere.  Now, the MSM is finding fault with Cheney’s statement.  Much of this reminds me of the sense of entitlement and the insistence I often feel from people who demand to have all the details about every event in church life.  Sometimes, people don’t have to know everything at precisely the time they want to know it.  You can read an overview of Cheney’s interview with Brit Hume here ->   Cheney: 'I'm the Guy Who Pulled the Trigger'  By the way, I’m sure Mr. Whittington and Mr. Cheney would both appreciate your prayers in the aftermath of this traumatic event.