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Category Archives: My Life Story
Update: Painting, Plodding, and Praying
I am a retired painter, but people continue to call me for work—so I agree to do it. As long as I am able and willing I’ll do it. But I feel a bit weaker in body and mind. Much prayer is needed!
I’m reading more now. I like especially reading the short biographies of famous preachers—or should I say preachers that were great for God, like George Whitfield, Charles Simeon, and Christmas Evans (the one I read about today). This reading is a great encouragement to me and is a great supplement to the bible.
I am plodding along in my writing. I’m writing a book now on heaven. I have finished the outline; now I’m taking one point at a time and putting words on paper and then on the computer. Soon I will break it up into blogs so you all can see it before the book comes out.
I’m struggling with diabetes—trying to keep my blood sugar down. For someone who loves food (like me) that’s hard. I’m supposed to exercise everyday too. I’ve decided to walk everyday—about 2 miles. I don’t mind it. I use the time for prayer, meditation and also photography. The days here (in Minn.) are starting to get warmer so that will be good. And if it rains I’ll walk in the mall (not as good). Well, sighing off.
Ps. Prayers for Israel and Ukraine people. Always praying for Donald Trump—so unfair! Prayers for all people everywhere—to resist the temptation of the flesh and the evil world, until the Savior comes!
Victorious and Thankful
I feel victorious today…and thankful. Thursday a nice lady at the library got me all the tax forms I needed—being in business I have a lot of schedules. Friday, after I got back from my early morning Dr. appointment at the VA (I love the VA, seeing all the fellow vets and the good doctors), I was able to finish my taxes and get them sent off (three days early)—again with some help from a person at the library. Then that afternoon I had a job. I was planning to repair some kitchen cabinet doors, but when I got there I found that all that was needed was to tighten a screw. I told the lady that it was a freebee; but she insisted on giving me some money for the trip over and for visiting her—she gets lonely living alone.
This morning, Saturday, I am enjoying a bowl of oatmeal with strawberries at Panera Bread—a great place. Well anyway, here I sit, feeling victorious and thankful for all the nice people around me to help me through life; people that the Lord has sent me. I feel especially thankful for His love and forgiveness. His blood has cleansed me from all my sins, and I am resting in His grace.
Here is a passage I read this morning from Psalm 59:9-10 (NLT).
You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me,
For you, O God, are my place of safety.
10 In his unfailing love, my God will
Come and help me.
He will let me look down
in Triumph on all my enemies.
Praying according to Our Priestly Calling
It’s All Good
Today two comic strips spoke to my heart and made me laugh. First, Dustin:
Sometimes, like Dustin and his dad, I want to find whatever refuge I can and hide from all the trouble. But instead of the pillow fort (pictured), a better refuge can be found in the Lord—in the “secret place of the Most High.” From Psalm 91:1-6:
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge
and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
Second, Hagar the Horrible:
I use to be this way in my painting jobs, saying, it’s all good. I remember the first house I painted. I didn’t know you were supposed to spot prime the bare wood first. The owner ask me about it and I said, “Everything’s good. With the super good paint I used, primer is not needed.” Of course, that wasn’t exactly true. I also remember the first time I wallpapered a bathroom. The guy said, “Aren’t you suppose to match the pattern?” I said, “Oh no, it’s all good.”
My attitude is so changed now. Now everything has to be perfect. That’s good I guess. But I think I am too perfect—too much of a perfectionist. I almost wish I was the way I use to be. But I know I can’t. All I can do is ask God for His help to do all things right, and then He will make it good. He will give His angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways. Psalms 91:9-15:
If you make the Most High your dwelling —
even the Lord, who is my refuge —
10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
Update: My Complaints
Today I’m going to do some complaining. I hope you don’t mind too much. Ha ha.
Talking Too Loud
I like to sit in my favorite restaurant in the morning for breakfast and read. So, I like it quiet. I don’t mind normal conversation, but there are always a few people that talk too loudly. Their voice is heard almost no matter where I sit, and it’s hard to concentrate on my reading. It’s very annoying! I almost want to say something to them, but I don’t want to embarrass them. You know, it’s almost as if they want people to hear them. It’s like they take pride in being heard by many people. Maybe they have a secret desire to be a preacher or a politician or a comedian—but never get the chance.
Derek Chauvin
I’m not a fan of his, but I think he got a bum deal. I don’t think he is guilty of murder. He was just doing his job. In fact, he acted in accordance with how he was trained. When Floyd resisted arrest, Chauvin used an approved method of restraint.
Last night I listened to a segment on Newsmax. I heard that it has recently been found that there was no evidence that Chauvin killed Floyd. Yes, there was never any scientific evidence that his knee caused any trauma to Floyd. There was “No life-threatening injury identified.” In fact, did you know that the actual prosecutors did not believe that any of the officers should have been criminally charged? They thought the case should have been thrown out for lack of evidence. It was suggested that since Floyd had 16.6 grams of Fentanyl in his system, maybe that was more the cause of his death, since 2 grams is considered to be a lethal dose.
Then why and how was Chauvin convicted of murder? Two reasons: 1) Keith Elison (Minnesota’s AG) decided that he would take over the case. He saw to it that Chauvin would be seen as racist and would be convicted. 2) Chauvin was convicted not based on evidence, but on political and media driven pressure. The public convicted him! This sounds to me an awful lot like Jesus’ trial. Pilot rendered Jesus guilty based only on what the crowd wanted. They said, Crucify Him! So He was!
Like I said, I am no fan of Chauvin, but I am disappointed in this country and in my state of Minnesota, that we will sentence a person based not on evidence but on popular opinion. Where is the justice?
My writing
I’m not presently writing any books. I’ve been going back and re-writing—editing. Truthfully, I’m kind of discouraged. I like to write, but not many are buying. I may look into a different self-publishing company, one that is more Christian based. Lulu is open for anything. I also need more money and more direction and support. I can’t do it all myself—which is what I have been doing. Enough complaining!
My reading
I would like to write a book on heaven. But before I start I need to do more reading on the subject. I read the book Heaven, by Randy Alcorn and now I am reading a book on heaven by John MacArthur. So far, I don’t like it—too negative. He spends too much time in telling the false teaching of heaven. I already know that. I want to know what the truth is about heaven. I may have to just do my own Bible Study, to go through the entire Bible and see what it says. That’s the best way anyway.
I’m also reading a book about William Tyndale. I’m enjoying it. He lived in a difficult time and place—in the 1500’s in England and also Germany. He was brilliant. He was so dedicated to his work of translating the Bible into English, from Latin and Greek, and he also examined Luther’s German translation. He wanted the common man to have a bible to read in English. Since the Catholic Church was against his work and against his teaching, he was always moving around from place to place—hiding. They eventually labeled him a heretic and at the end was burned at the stake.
I am only halfway done with the book so that will not come until the last few pages. Terrible to think about!
I will end my complaints here. I hope I will have a better day—and that you will too.
Standing at Attention
I had a dream last night. I was in boot camp. As dreams usually go, it was sort of disjointed; but anyway, I remember that I was sitting back, sort of rambling on about something. And then I was asked by a stern voice behind me why I was not standing at attention like everyone else. It was sort of a Gomer Pyle incident. Well, suddenly, in my embarrassment, I realized that I was not at attention as I should be, and I quickly snapped to it.
When I woke up from that short dream I immediately wondered what God was showing me—maybe that I am too lax in my life, and that I am not serious enough and steadfast enough in His program; that I need to get with it.
I was in the Marine Corps from 1969 to 1971 and I never had trouble standing at attention. In fact, I think my conduct was good. I was a good Marine. But lately, now in my old age (at 72) maybe I am becoming a little lax. Maybe I am letting things slide. I think I need to ‘get with the program” more (God’s program).
When I think of standing at attention these words and phrases come to mind: being still, rigidness, readiness, alertness, being cautious, watchfulness, not being lax or slack or laidback or careless, looking my best, being fearless, bold, steadfast, courageous, resisting evil.
And usually, when you think of standing at attention you think of standing with other solders in straight lines—all ready for inspection. So, the picture is of the readiness of a combat unit ready for war.
I think God wants me to understand my dream as how I can be better prepared for the war against the flesh and all evil. He is telling me that I am too lax, too slack, too laidback, undisciplined, too unprepared to do battle against the enemy and evil.
Here are a few verses that come to mind as I think of standing at attention.
Matthew 26:41. Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
I remember those days in boot camp while standing at attention. It was the perfect opportunity to be still and pray and listen to the voice of God—and my drill instructor!
Isaiah 50:7. Because the Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. I have set my face like a flint to do His will; and I know that I will triumph.
I remember wearing those wool dress uniforms. They were very itchy and uncomfortable. Standing at attention very still was helpful. I was determined to be strong through the discomfort. Now, 53 years later, I also need to be strong and determined, and to resist all evil and trouble.
Joshua 1:9. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Standing at attention is taking a position of strength and courage. Showing fearlessness.
1 Corinthians 15:58. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
When we stand at attention in our mind in the army of God we demonstrate to the world and to the angels that we are steadfast and unmovable in any work for the Lord. We will be steadfast to resist all evil and continue in the work of God as He has planned for us to do, knowing that our labor for Him will not be in vail.
Perfection
Been thinking about perfection. I always try to be perfect at my job—house painting. And at my publishing—getting things just right. But at other things like house cleaning, I know I am not too perfect at. My driving could use some improvement too.
I’m going through a real tragedy right now. The title of my new book is not perfectly centered. It’s driving me up the wall. And if I want to fix it, it will take two or three weeks for the approval process to go through. Should I fix it or just leave it be imperfect? Will anybody really notice—or care? Probably not, except me. Funny, that’s the same with my painting. If I make a small mistake nobody will notice except me—unless I point it out.
Some people are so meticulous at house cleaning and at the way they look. Everything looks perfect. But those same people might not be so perfect in their thoughts—in their moral purity. For them it’s all a matter of what people see. I think this is true for me too. People will see my book covers and my paint job, but they can’t see my heart. But God sees my heart and He is very concerned about what I think. All my sins are against Him. And that is the greatest tragedy!
How will I clean up my heart, make my heart more perfect? That was the concern and the prayer David had. He knew he had sinned against God and he knew his heart was unclean. So, he prayed for a clean heart (Ps 51).
Only God can clean our heart and make us more perfect, because he is perfect. He is absolutely perfect in every way. And some day—after daily washings—we will be so clean and perfect just like Him. No worries then. All will be right. Perfect.
Update: Working and Publishing
I haven’t been blogging lately because I have a job going–getting out early and too tired to do anything after work. And the days have been hot and humid. But I don’t want to complain. It’s good to be working, making money. But today, Saturday, I have free and back again.
I have a new book coming out soon–probably in September. The title is THE TRIBULATION. I’m going through the publication process now. I self-publish all my books (with the help of Lulu.com). Please look for it; and also please pray for the process of publishing to go smoothly.
That’s all for now.
Inspired By The Things That I Relate To
I usually get a newspaper everyday before I go to breakfast. There isn’t much that I am interested in—except the comics and sports. For comics, Garfield is good—I can relate to his attitude, especially on Mondays. There is usually always something I like in the sports pages. It is so inspiring to read about players who are on the mend from an injury or from a slump. Today I read an article on the wrestler Gable Stevenson—how good he is doing. I can relate to him because I was a wrestler in high school, and I know what it takes to be a good wrestler. Then I also read about the Minnesota Twins baseball player Max Kepler, how he is coming back from a slump and about some very positive things Byron Buxton said about him.
Baseball it seems is mostly a mental game and thinking positively about ourselves. And it’s about the little things, like seeing the ball and hitting the ball…See the ball, hit the ball!
In many ways that’s life. It’s all about whether we see the ball of life clearly. If we don’t we will strike out every time. Life is also about picking ourselves up when we are down, and having the positive attitude and vision that we are going to get back in the game and do well.
And I love to see how all the players are doing better because they have been talking to each other and encouraging each other. And that is so necessary for all of us. No one is an island. We all need each other.
Stephen Nielsen 