Dr. Pann’s Blog

I realize this is a bit early, however, we are taking a mission trip to Virginia over the weekend, so I wanted to get this out before then. Two trailer loads of clothing, coffee cups, eggs, Christmas stuff, (what a combination) will be leaving our town on Friday. We will distribute the items, serve a hot bowl of soup, worship in a country church on Sunday morning and head back home later in the day. A whirlwind trip, but a great opportunity to serve the Lord. So far the weather looks good. Only a 50% chance of rain while we are there. Speaking of rain and warmer temps., it is nice to see brown grass again. Notice I said ‘brown” grass. Right now, any color is appreciated. We are in the brown, drab, muddy stage right now. Who cares? It looks like spring has sprung. Skunks, rabbits, squirrels, possum and birds are making their presence known. Someone saw a flock, bunch, herd of storks the other day. Soon, it will be time to throw a line over the side of the boat. I moved mine yesterday in preparation for ice out. I have to get tags for it. Otherwise, I am ready to go. A nice plate of gills or crappies would be good. Just think, in three more months, I will head north for the 2010 trout season. I cannot wait. In between then, I hope to find/get a turkey. Before long, I will be mowing the grass, beginning some construction projects, planting flowers and cooking on the grill. Nothing like the good old summertime. Are you ready for warmer weather? Are you prepared for the challenges of the summer? Are you ready to change the drab colors of your life with rainbows and Sonshine? Have a great day in the Lord!

I have been making it a regular point to visit the twins. I have to plan between their naps, bathing and feeding times. If I skip a day or two, I get the silent treatment. The other day, their mama was ignored by one. Seems she did not give the attention he felt was due him. So when she would speak or hold him, he would look the other way. My how they learn fast. After a bit, he warmed up to her, mainly because it was close to chow time. The boys love to get hugs and kisses from Papa, (that’s me) Both are gaining weight and getting chunky. They fake cough, smile, laugh and yell. One more thing, they have their mother’s temper. Me, I just laugh and know revenge is sweat. The other day, one little guy was unhappy and made his feelings known. His brother kind of looked at him disgustedly as if to say, “knock it off!” Both mimic those who happen to be around and go through all sorts of contortions in attempts to talk. One thing is sure, it didn’t take long to imitate. Guess we adults aren’t that far behind. It doesn’t take us long to learn the bad things does it? We can be quick to show anger, discouragement, pride, envy, and more. When the Lord corrects us, do we tend to look the other way as well? Do we pout, complain or become critical? What does it take for us to come around? Getting our way, attention paid to us? How about focusing our thoughts on God, His goodness, His grace and His Godliness. Have a great day in the Lord…and let’s not be looking at anything else but Him!

My mind was elsewhere that particular morning. I had been looking for deer nestled in the little bowl they so many times occupy during cold weather. Occasionally turkeys share the same field. It is a small wonder I don’t drive off the road as much gawking as I can do. According to Mrs. P., there is no wonder involved, I do swerve from left to right at times. Next occupying my mind was the day’s activities, my grandbabies, the church family, had Tom Woodard and others been doing donuts in the church parking lot (kidding on that last one.) At any rate, I opened the church door, proceeded to my office door and unlocked it. Within minutes the phone rang. In my most pleasant voice, not to compare with the church secretary, I said, “Good morning Hillsdale Baptist church.”
“Who is this?”
“Pastor Pann, who is this?” (so much for pleasantries.)
“This is your Security team. We have been advised the alarm has been activated.”
“Pause… oops, that must have been me. heehee.”
“What is your name? What is your entry code?”
After some verbal chastening, they hung up. I made a mental note not to repeat that again. Fast forward to the next evening. Once again I am in lala land. I unlock the front door, proceed to my office and open it as well. Sirens explode, bells, whistles, bombs, land mines go off. A probing spot light rushes back and forth across me. A voice demands I assume a position on the floor. I realize what I have done. I forgot to de-activate the alarm before unlocking my office door. Frantically, I attempt to push buttons. My fingers become all thumbs. I begin to break into a sweat. Nothing is working. Hours pass…or so it seems. By now I am confident my picture is being processed for observation at the local post office. Every code is coming back “invalid entry.” How long before the local authorities show up, guns drawn, my name is in the paper and I am the laughing stock of the entire community. Worse yet, my congregation has to visit me behind bars. Finally I pressed something correct and everything became quiet. I slump against the wall, it appears to be over, no damage has been done, nobody knows.

The phone rings.

“Hello, this is your Security team. Who is this?”
“Pastor Pann”
“Pause… ah, yes.”
“What is your entry code.” (I think what they wanted to ask was, “Hey, are you stupid or what?”)
Trying not to make my self look so foolish, I inquired. “I’ll bet there are others who do this type of thing.”
Another pause, this one longer. “A few, but mostly you.”
Another mental note to see this does not happen again. This morning, I de-activated the alarm. “Take that, I muttered.” The phone rang. I debated whether or not to answer. What is that Security team checking up on me? Had they spied on me? Were they after my bottle of water? Hesitantly I said, “hello” careful not to mention Hillsdale Baptist Church. There was silence on the other end. Confidence returned. It was a mistake, a prank call, or somebody with big fingers. Thankfully no one saw my behavior the passed two day. Except for Jesus that is. Nothing missed his gaze. Proverbs 15:3 reminds us, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Remember, He is looking at you. Have a great day in the Lord!

Is there such a thing as a bad way to fix eggs. I can only think of a couple. One is to eat them raw. The other is to not fully cook scrambled eggs. Otherwise, I like, fried, poached, hard boiled, scrambled etc. My favorites are organic, you know, the home grown type, although sometimes one can be in for a surprise. Eggs perfectly illustrate the thought for today. God has been blessing the Food Pantry ministry over the five plus years it has been opened. Usage has quadrupled. We are constantly looking for areas to expand, provide products at reduced costs and make sure there is an ample supply. When apples are in season, we try to provide those. When vegetables come in, we pass that along. Some people really appreciate venison in the fall. Before we begin any new adventure, it is surrounded in prayer. Due to the economic crisis, more and more struggling families are coming to the Food Pantry. So far, we have had enough groceries to pass along, (free of charge) in addition to bread products. Kind of like the widow’s oil. There always seems to be just enough. A few weeks ago, we were approached with the possibility of supplying eggs. Eggs? Who would have thought of that! The Lord, that’s who. Yes, Hillsdale Baptist Church has become involved in the egg ministry. We now give out close to 120 dz. eggs through our Food Pantry, other local food ministries and several churches. It appears to be no end, (as long as the hens cooperated). And surprisingly enough, many people still like and use eggs. I guess the Lord knows what He is doing as usual. Next month, we are taking several cases to Virginia, delivering to three churches in addition to clothes and more. Only God knew what a ministry tool this would be. He knows what each one of us needs, and how to provide. So…pass the eggs please. And thank you God for once again taking care of your people. Have a great day in the Lord!

In our hurry to enjoy life, we often overlook the little things. Like a smile, a hug, an offer of encouragement. I got to spend time with my oldest grandson today. We made hotdogs, cut up some sliced cheese and provided a small fork. Chelsea had a spare Mt. Dew she passed along. We were all set. After spending a moment or two on the “puter” it was time for lunch. I endured Dora and some other kiddie show. Talk about boring, but he was occupied and that was all that counted. I had to remind him to go “potty” which he was too busy to take the time to do until the last minute. But we had success there and no damage done. (I intend to speak with granny about puzzels for we did every one on the shelf.) The standard question was, “Where does this goes?” Even with only one piece remaining, he asked, “Where does this goes?” I commented he was smarter than that. His answer was, “Where does this goes?” I gave up. I am learning how to put the alphabet together, the numbers one to ten and more. Too many times we grownups don’t realize what kids see for the first time. It takes alot of processing in their little minds, but how filled with wonder they can be! Can you imagine the things God desires to show us? As the song goes, “Morning by morning new mercies I see.” Why not slow down a bit, smell whatever it is out there to smell, give a hug, a smile or a kind word in Jesus’ name. You’ll be glad you did. Have a great day in the Lord!