Deuteronomy 18: 15-22
I am not going to write the entire scripture found here, but the main point of Pastor Dan's sermon was whether to listen to prophets or not. Certainly we find in this scripture that God did speak to prophets and give them his word. But he warned the people that not all, so called prophets, are called of him.The people asked, how shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? answer, v.22. When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken presumptuously: thou shall not be afraid of him.
Are we following God close enough to know when a true prophet has spoken? For this chapter in Deuteronomy v. 18. says I will raise them up a rophet
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
"I Nominate President Obama For the Best Actor Award of The Year"
I just heard the President's State of The Union speech. I have never seen a better actor perform. I just didn't care for the show. I would like to see a genuine, freedom fighter, and a USA nation lover, who would put his or her heart where their mouth is. How long, I ask, will America adhere to hypocrisy, and foolish attacks to the principle of laws our forefathers constructed with great pain and nobility? A speech is only that, a speech. How could anyone listen with sincerity to a speech that is just a repeat of two previously made speeches, that only made our country worse off. Our President is better at expressing himself in speech than in action. Frankly, I think he speaks from both sides of his mouth. We the people must have something better than that.
Good night
God bless
Myrtle Jean Sharp
Good night
God bless
Myrtle Jean Sharp
Sunday, January 22, 2012
"And God Relented"
Pastor Dan Anderson's sermon, Sunday January 22, 2012, as heard by me, Jean Sharp.
Jonah 3: 1-10
And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey. And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. For word came unto the King of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed , nor drink water: But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Pastor Dan said if God should decide to destroy Perryton, and the people called a fast, putting on sackcloth, and if he, Pastor Dan, should put on a gunny sack robe, come to church and set outside on a bed of ashes, a visitor from the law enforcement would come to visit him. How true that is. Seems like most people believe the Old Testament is not for us today, but I believe it is as much a part of God's word as is the New Testament. It is there to warn and remind us of what God has done in the past and what he will do in the future. God honored the true repentence of the people and did not destroy Neneveh as he had planned. Even the King pulled off his robe and put on sackcloth,( modern word,) gunnysacks, for a covering. The truth is, the people of Neneveh was just as proud of themselves and their city as we are today, yet they humbled themselves to the very lowest of humanity, and God saw and saved their city.
God bless all
Myrtle Jean Sharp
Jonah 3: 1-10
And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey. And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. For word came unto the King of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed , nor drink water: But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Pastor Dan said if God should decide to destroy Perryton, and the people called a fast, putting on sackcloth, and if he, Pastor Dan, should put on a gunny sack robe, come to church and set outside on a bed of ashes, a visitor from the law enforcement would come to visit him. How true that is. Seems like most people believe the Old Testament is not for us today, but I believe it is as much a part of God's word as is the New Testament. It is there to warn and remind us of what God has done in the past and what he will do in the future. God honored the true repentence of the people and did not destroy Neneveh as he had planned. Even the King pulled off his robe and put on sackcloth,( modern word,) gunnysacks, for a covering. The truth is, the people of Neneveh was just as proud of themselves and their city as we are today, yet they humbled themselves to the very lowest of humanity, and God saw and saved their city.
God bless all
Myrtle Jean Sharp
Thursday, January 19, 2012
"Quote of The Day"
"Who can measure the advantages that would result if the magnificent abilities of these women could be devoted to the needs of government, society, and home, instead of being consumed in the struggle to obtain their birthright of individual freedom? Until this be gained we can never know, we can not even prophesy the capacity and power of women for the uplifting of humanity.
Susan B. Anthony
Susan B. Anthony
8th Chapter of My Book, Above or Below
Chapter 8
The day came when the EDO specialist was to arrive. The couple were waiting to take the expert to the suspicious hole to be checked for some kind of radio active material. The specialist picked up the case containing the testing equipment and walked with Joe and Bertha to the spot of concern. Joe was not saying much about his reason for testing the hole, except to say that the old fellow who used to live there had passed away and he often had objects around that looked like devices to be used for an alarm. Nothing about it made sense to Joe. “I belive the hole is on my land,” Joe explained. “I am having my land surveyed,” Joe continued, “and if it is part of my place, I intend to fill the hole in.” While the three individuals were moving closer to the unsightly spot, the specialist shook his head in disbelief. “Something very strange is positively seen here,” the man assured Joe. He took a flashlight and his Biomedical equiptment and went down the hole. In a few minutes he came out shaking his head again in disbelief. “There is a very small amout of radiation,” the inspector told them. “Not enough to harm anyone if not down there for a long period of time. That is what Joe wanted to hear, because he definitely needed to go down and check for Jim’s personal belongings. Giving the inspector a word of appreciation, Joe and Bertha stayed at the site while the EDO specialist walked back to his vehicle. Joe had his flashlight also, and he, with Bertha following him, went down to search. They looked all around the small dirt room, but couldn’t find anything that looked important. They lifted up the old mattress and saw a metal box about twelve inches square and six inches high. Nothing else could be seen, so they took the box and let the mattress down. When the couple came up out of the hole, they opened the box and saw it was full of papers. They closed it back and headed for the cabin. As soon as they got inside Bertha opened the box again and the two started going through the contents. If what they were looking at was what they thought it was, uncle Pete was a very wealthy man, Joe remarked. The only thing to do now was to take these papers to the lawyer and let him look them over. They must do it today for even though the spirits had been nice to them lately, they didn’t trust them with valueable stuff. They quickly locked the door and rushed down the stairway to the jeep. The lawyer happened to be in his office so the couple handed him the metal box. He opened it, fumbled through the papers, and said, “looks like you two may be rich.” Joe and Bertha just looked at the lawyer and mumbled, “do you really think so?” “I really think so,” he laughed. Joe asked the attorney to keep the papers in a safety deposit box, as they did not have one at this time. The attorney assured the couple that he would put them in a safe place. A long process of probating the will would begin shortly. One more page of the finished, stolen, manuscript had been turned, so the couple left to go home and wait for the next one. It was beginning to get more exciting every day. The surveyor was coming in the morning, then the two convinced land owners could go on with their plans. The evening tured to night and the night turned to morning before the couple could even realize it. By the time breakfast was over, the surveyor was there.
Joe took the abstract, then he and Bertha walked with the county, land surveyor and his helper to the place of where Joe was questioning the boundry line. After looking the place over, the man told Joe it would take some time, and the two of them could go back to their cabin while he measured the land. Joe and Bertha agreed to wait at the cabin. It was almost noon when the men got back to the home of Joe and Bertha. The surveyor handed Joe a piece of paper showing the boundry line with a small x placed where the hole was located. It was just across the line of Joe’s property about six feet. Joe and Bertha were relieved to find out that the hole was not their responsibility. Thanking the men for the job they had just performed, Joe reminded the surveyor that his mailing address had been left at the county clerks office. As the two men walked back to their vehicle, Joe said to Bertha, “let’s have lunch and go into Trinidad and find a real estate agent.” They rushed around like it could not wait another day, to list their property for sale. The couple knew even if there was money left to them, it would take months, if not even years to collect it. They had nothing to live on while they waited. Climbing into the jeep, Joe blared it to Trinidad. He stopped for the mail, and while Bertha glanced at it, she noticed a letter from the lawyer. She quickly opened it and read the short message. The lawyer was asking them to come to his office right away. Since the couple were already on their way to Trinidad, it didn’t take long for them to reach the place of urgent request.
The secretary checked with the lawyer to let him know that Joe and Bertha were there. He told her to send them in. Greeting the couple with a big smile, the lawyer began to inform them of the validity of all the certificates of bonds, cash money, stock, property, and many shares in several companies. He told them that the will was valid, and did not expect it to be challenged. He explained that since this was such a large estate, it would take several months to complete the search and do the process of probating the will. The attorney explained to them that Peter Massey was represented by a financial management firm, who handled all of his business. The firm had invested the clients money for years and had netted him millions of dollars. The attorney continued to explain to Joe that he could receive as much as he needed monthly to live on, while the process carried on. He continued to inform the couple with as much information as he possible could. “I know you are wondering where your uncle got all of this money,” the lawyer surmised, “I cannot tell you everything, but your uncle lived a double life.” “Thank you,”Joe replied, “I think I know what you are referring to. I will be needing money to live on,” Joe continued. “I was fixing to list my place for sale today.” The attorney assured Joe that he would be sending him papers to fill out, and within a couple of weeks he should be getting a check regularly. Joe thanked the attorney for everything and he and Bertha left to go find the most exorbitant place in town to get a steak. They decided to bypass the real estate agency and dine in luxury. Searching through the yellow pages of the phone directory for a steak house, the couple found a place called ,”Your Special Night Out.’ They looked at each other to decide whether or not they were dressed suiteable for a fancy place like they were thinking about dinning at. They both had taken a shower the night before, and put on some of their best cloths. Surely they would be accepted as good enough to eat with better dressed people. They decided to make it an evening, music and all. Since they had a little time to kill before the dinner started, they chose to go to a shopping mall and look around for awhile. They saw several things they would like to buy, if and when the estate was settled, and money was given to them. Bertha bought some make-up and a hair brush, then found the ladie’s room to go and get freshened up a bit. When the time began to get close for the dinner schedule, the couple left the mall and drove straight to the candle light, dinning room, of the spacious night club. Joe had used Bertha’s brush to manage his full head of hair, and to their amazement, both looked special to each other. The Host met them at the door and led them to a cloth-spread, table gracing a floral arrangement with candles flickering their light from both sides. Several guest were already seated and soft background music was playing. This place had the most romantic, sensational, atmostphere of any place this couple had been in a long time. The waiter brought some Hors d’ Oeuvres and water, then took their order for the main meal. They ordered prime rib with baked potatoe. Each also ordered a glass of chardonnay wine. As more people gathered around the elaborate tables, Joe and Bertha were thinking about their own simple little dinning table with just enough space to sit two plates and two glasses. It had served it’s purpose and the two recipients of this large estate would never forget the humble days of the past.
The steak dinner was scrumptious with a dessert of chocolate souffle. The dance floor began to fill up and Joe and Bertha joined the party. They sashayed around the room with the greatest of ease. Their informal dress didn’t bother them at all. The total splendid performance of this couple was satisfying the awesome desire of rising above defeat. Of all of the dances that this couple could enact, were just the slow gliding-style movement. Much of their original muscle tone was asleep, the couple joked. They were young, but very stressed out. With a lovely evening having been spent together at this rapturous place, the couple departed to drive home in the darkness of night. With a renewed sense of durability, these two happy lovers, anxiously awaited the welcome of their cozy little home. The darkness, while trying to climb the stairway to their cabin, slightly took away some of the peace that had rested with them. The evil presence of fear was trying to reappear. How long, the couple wondered, would this agony stay with them. They refused to give way to the scarry feeling that had entered them. Bertha handed Joe the key and he went in first to face whatever might be waiting for them. Nothing unsual happened so Joe turned his flashlight toward the lamp, while he lit it. They undressed, and soon the two worried, celebrators crawled into bed. When they left home this morning to go put their place on the market, they never dreamed that the day would turn out to be the most glorious one they had spent in years. Life could never be understood, the two agreed. With a good-night wish given to each other, they turned over and went to sleep.
While Bertha was fixing breakfast this morning, Joe turned the radio on hoping to get some news. Somehow he was expecting something to be said about his uncles death. After all the funeral homes always gave a list of deaths to the news media. Joe had listened every morning since his uncle had been pronounced dead, but he had not heard a word about his death. Joe and Bertha knew now that old Jim was a U.S. spy working with aliens. They thought that the U.S. Intellegance System had notified the proper handlers of Pete’s body, and his business authorities, not to put out any information about him. Therefore not anything pertaining to his death had been announced. The couple thought also, that they would probably never know any more than they knew now, except to be told how much wealth the old fellow had accumulated over the years. Bertha put breakfast on the table and the two wondering souls kept discussing the maybes. After they finished eating, they quickly cleaned the kitchen and brought out the magizene with their dream home pictured on the cover. The two had already decided to order the blueprint for this cabin. It certainly was the one meant for them to have. It was too obvious not to believe. Bertha made out the request for the plans, addressed the envelope, placed the order inside, then sealed and stamped the letter. The next time they went to the store they would mail it.
The will had already started to be processed. It had to run for a certain period of time in the news papers, giving all enities of debt claims, notice of the deceased, and making provisions to submit the claims for review to the court. It also stated that any legal heirs wishing to claim rights to the will, must do so within the thirty day period of first print. Joe’s attorney believed that the managing firm that took care of all of Pete’s business, had kept all bills and taxes paid up to date, but the paper notification had to be done anyway. After the thirty day notice was up, the process could move more rapidly. In the meantime the couple was going to start arranging for the large log cabin to be built right beside the little cabin site. Dirt contractors, water well drillers, cement contractors, sewerage tank installers, as well as many other building specialist would have to be hired. Joe and Bertha were guessing this project to reach the million dollar level. According to the attorney, the estate was much larger than that. Joe’s idea was to switch his name over to his uncle’s assets, (as would be done automatically when the will was completed,) and let the same managing firm continue with the business. He would ask for a paycheck just like his uncle did. Both Joe and Bertha agreed to this method of “taking over uncle Pete’s business,” as he had requested. The only thing that would change was the government check that Joe’s uncle received each month. That had already been stopped, Joe was sure. With a spark of excitement, the couple decided to take the letter and mail it now. The store clerk was friendy, chatting about some new families moving into the community. Some new jobs had opened up at the minning site. Of course that meant more business for her. Joe was glad to have new people coming there also. There was always a need for growth in a small community. He and Bertha might be changing their style of living before long. They would welcome new friends to their lovely cabin, something that they never could do in the old cabin. Joe and Bertha had always invited friends to their home in Denver and had many cook-outs. While they had treasured the time they both had with just each other, while living in the mountains, they were ready to share their happiness with others now. They knew that they would be having their own family to come and visit with them after the new cabin was built. They really had missed their own loved ones, since they had been here. The couple visited with the clerk for quite some time before leaving to go home. It seemed strange to be interested in something more than, “a hermit type,” life, but Joe said to Bertha, “ you can’t win without losing, and you can’t lose, without winning.” Stopping to pick up the mail, Bertha reminded Joe to get his uncle Pete’s mail also. Joe hesitated thinking this might not be Pete’s box, but he had to find out. Pulling the lid down, Joe saw several pieces of mail addressed to Peter Massey. He took the contents and wondered what to do with it. Upon second thought, Joe decided to take his uncle Pete’s mail, unopened, to the lawyer. He did not know if he was legally responsible for his uncle’s mail or not.
It was a nice morning, so the couple parked the jeep and went for a walk. They strolled down the path to Pete’s old campsite. How sad it was to look upon the remains of a wealthy man’s castle, owning not even the ground it was dug on. A thought came to the sorrowful couple’s mind, which quickened their spirits. The holy Word tells people that life is as a vapor, it passes away in a second. What may have seemed to Joe and Bertha like many years of hardship endured by uncle Pete, was actually a second with God. The few things that were left there, would not be touched by this couple. Another member of our country’s great Intellegance System, might need a place to stay. Before the two mourners left, they placed their hamds over their hearts and said a pledge to the brave, deprived man, who had given his life to make their great nation a better place to live. An unidentified marker would be placed six feet to the west of the hole, which the couple now called Uncle Jim’s Castle. His body was not there, but his spirit would always be near. Leaving the place of precious memories, the couple trodded back up the mountain side. Uncle Jim’s ‘real castle’ would be built soon, but only his spirit would live there also. The couple was talking of calling their lovely log cabin, “Jim’s Place,” Reaching the smiling face of the couple’s grateful retreat, Joe and Bertha unlocked the door and entered into a, well served, abode.
Joe put the mail he had taken from Pete’s mailbox in a large envelope to hand deliver to the attorny. Bertha fixed something to eat, and afterwards the couple laid down for a nap. They had been dozing about an hour, when a knock at the door woke them up. Bertha jumped to her feet and quickly opened the door. To her surprise, an older lady with a youthful looking body, introduced herself as Cleta Massey. She told Bertha that she needed to talk to the two together. Bertha looked at Joe, waiting for him to answer the visitor. Having heard the lady say her last name was Massey, Joe asked, “ what is your reason?’ “Could I come in for a few minutes,” the lady requested. Since hardly ever did a visitor come to their door, Joe hesitated, but finally said, “come on in.” She seated herself and began to make her reason for being here known. “I am the wife of Pete Massey,” she began. “I saw in the Denver Chronicle that Pete Massey had passed away.” “I was informed that you are the beneficiary of his will.” “How does that concern you?” Joe asked. “I was never divorced from Pete,” she continued, and I will be claiming my part of his estate. “Good luck to you,” Joe answered, “you don’t need me, you need an attorney,” Joe replied. “Is there any way you would make me an offer so that the extra money for attorney fees could be saved?” The lady pled. “Absolutely not,” Joe answered. “This is the first anyone has heard of Pete being married, Joe informed her. I suggest that you get yourself a lawyer, if you think that you are entitled to any of Uncle Pete’s estate, Joe continued. “Well,” the lady confessed, I was not legally married to Pete, but I lived with him for some time. “I really did love him,” He left me and I never saw him again. I thought you might be understanding and give me part of his money, since I have only a small social security check to live on each month.” “I am Sorry,” Joe replied, “but I don’t have any control over uncle Pete’s estate, it is being probated and that is all I can say.” The old lady, obviously angered, stormed out, without another word. “I wonder,” Joe remarked, “how many more wives Uncle Pete had?” Knowing that this had to be brought to the attorney’s attention, Joe and Bertha made another trip to the phone booth. The law office hadn’t closed yet, so Joe explained to the secretary about the request made by a stranger. Recognizing that Joe was a little upset, the secretary made an appointment for Joe to see the lawyer tomorrow. The couple went inside the store and bought a few things, they needed. A friendly chat was shared with the store clerk. On the way back home, the suspicious couple vowed not to worry about the, trouble maker, anymore. Things had been going too well for them to get upset now. It did concern them how the claimer of part of the will, found out about Joe and where he lived. She may have already been given some legal advise as a first try. Whatever, Joe would find out tomorrow if his inhertance was being threatened. Reaching for the small bag of groceries, the couple climbed the stairway to their cabin. They had bought a bag of ice so some ice cream could be kept frozen till they reached home. They hardly ever had ice cream, but today Joe had a craving for a banana split. Bertha poured the remains of the unmelted ice into a bowl and placed it in the freezer. She dipped some ice cream into a dish and sliced bananas on top, garnishing it with maraschino cherries. This would probably be all they would eat before going to bed. The couple listened to the radio while they enjoyed their ice cream. Joe and Bertha were not really up to jokes this evening, but anything that broke the silence was ok. The radio announcer paused for some advertisements to be heard, then said, “it is time for some late breaking news. The County Resort Planning Group, had just announced plans to build a new sky slope, just a few miles west of Weston. This would create a lot of interest and bring more people into the community, the chairman of the group had said. It would require a lot of workers to build the slope, plus it would take several employees to operate it. This was certainly exciting news for Joe and Bertha, since they both were out door persons. They knew that if all went as planned, they would be spending a lot of time there through the winter months. When the news was over and the music started up, the couple began to get ready for bed. They had an appointment at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow with their attorney. After taking a quick shower, the couple turned in for the night. Everything seemed quite and peaceful, and the couple was able to relax, going to sleep right away. With no interference during the night, the two blessed individuals awoke feeling like a made-over, Sunday suit. They had planned to take the laundry in today and refil all of the containers with water. There would be plenty of time before the appointment with the lawyer. When finished with a quick breakfast of toast and jelly, the couple got dressed and loaded the jeep with empty vessels.
The grocery supply would have to be restocked also. The last few trips to the big city of Trinidad had been made mostly in haste. This one was no different, since several duties of business was on their agenda. The couple took no time to notice anything different going on around them. They pealed on into town. The laundry mat was their first stop. This job took more time than any of the rest. Joe helped Bertha to wash, dry, and fold the cloths, then placed them all back into the jeep. The grocery store was the next biggest job. Most of the groceries had been used up, and needed to be replaced. Bertha filled a large shopping cart with all kinds of good stuff to eat. The couple checked out and pushed their cart to the jeep to unload anywhere they could find a place. The park where they filled their jugs with water was the last place to go before going to the law firm. When the chores were finished, the couple had time to stop at a hamburger joint and eat a large burger with fries. Both clients removed the onions from their burger before eating, as a matter of respect to their representatives. The time had come to meet with the lawyer. Joe parked the jeep in front of the law firm. Feeling a bit tongue-tied as to what to tell his attornney, he put himself in a slow-motion, mode, while walking through the door of the office building. The secretary greeted the clients and asked them to sit down. She called on the intercom to the lawyer, who answered, “in a few minutes.” The couple had time to adjust to the apprehension they were now feeling, before the lawyer called for them. Finally the secretary led the couple to the attorney’s office. The friendly voice asked, “ what can I do for you today?” Joe began to explain everything that had happened with the unexpected visitor, who at first claimed to be Pete Massey’s wife. After he finished telling the lawyer everything he could remember, Joe asked, “ is this something to be concerned about, sir?” The lawyer laughted and said, “I don’t believe you have anything to worry about. You may get several of these kinds of visitors, before the thirty day grace period is up,” The attorney assured. “Unless there is a written notice by an attorney of challenging the will, you are alright. Even if the will is challenged, it would be hard to get an attorney to take it. Peter Massey’s will is valid, and it plainly states that he is leaving everything to you. “By-the-way,” the attorney continued, “the forms for your monthly income check from the estate while the will is being probated, is ready for you to fill out. If you would like to do that now, we can get it sent off right away.” Joe told the attorney that he would like to do it now. Joe was sent to another room, while the attorney made some calls. Together Joe and Bertha filled out the forms for living expense and left them with the secretary. The couple left with a much better feeling than they had before going there. They rushed home to put up the groceries, and unload the water jugs. Bertha had planned to write a letter to their parents, but there just wasn’t enough time today. She told Joe she would do it in a day or two. After everything was unloaded from the jeep, the couple sat down to relax before fixing supper. While they were resting, Joe remembered that he had forgotten to take his uncle’s mail to the lawyer. He was sure that they would be making many more trips back, so he would just continue to pick up any mail that was put in Pete’s box. However he did regret to mention the mail to the lawyer for there might be something important that the lawyer needed now. The couple had failed to let the publishing company, who had partially agreed to buy their book, know that they no longer had the manuscript. The mail kept coming from the publishers wanting to know when it could be finished. Joe and Bertha had no legal obligation with the publishers, but they knew they should have notified them of some difficulty they had had. This bit of business would also be taken care of soon, Bertha vowed.
The day came when the EDO specialist was to arrive. The couple were waiting to take the expert to the suspicious hole to be checked for some kind of radio active material. The specialist picked up the case containing the testing equipment and walked with Joe and Bertha to the spot of concern. Joe was not saying much about his reason for testing the hole, except to say that the old fellow who used to live there had passed away and he often had objects around that looked like devices to be used for an alarm. Nothing about it made sense to Joe. “I belive the hole is on my land,” Joe explained. “I am having my land surveyed,” Joe continued, “and if it is part of my place, I intend to fill the hole in.” While the three individuals were moving closer to the unsightly spot, the specialist shook his head in disbelief. “Something very strange is positively seen here,” the man assured Joe. He took a flashlight and his Biomedical equiptment and went down the hole. In a few minutes he came out shaking his head again in disbelief. “There is a very small amout of radiation,” the inspector told them. “Not enough to harm anyone if not down there for a long period of time. That is what Joe wanted to hear, because he definitely needed to go down and check for Jim’s personal belongings. Giving the inspector a word of appreciation, Joe and Bertha stayed at the site while the EDO specialist walked back to his vehicle. Joe had his flashlight also, and he, with Bertha following him, went down to search. They looked all around the small dirt room, but couldn’t find anything that looked important. They lifted up the old mattress and saw a metal box about twelve inches square and six inches high. Nothing else could be seen, so they took the box and let the mattress down. When the couple came up out of the hole, they opened the box and saw it was full of papers. They closed it back and headed for the cabin. As soon as they got inside Bertha opened the box again and the two started going through the contents. If what they were looking at was what they thought it was, uncle Pete was a very wealthy man, Joe remarked. The only thing to do now was to take these papers to the lawyer and let him look them over. They must do it today for even though the spirits had been nice to them lately, they didn’t trust them with valueable stuff. They quickly locked the door and rushed down the stairway to the jeep. The lawyer happened to be in his office so the couple handed him the metal box. He opened it, fumbled through the papers, and said, “looks like you two may be rich.” Joe and Bertha just looked at the lawyer and mumbled, “do you really think so?” “I really think so,” he laughed. Joe asked the attorney to keep the papers in a safety deposit box, as they did not have one at this time. The attorney assured the couple that he would put them in a safe place. A long process of probating the will would begin shortly. One more page of the finished, stolen, manuscript had been turned, so the couple left to go home and wait for the next one. It was beginning to get more exciting every day. The surveyor was coming in the morning, then the two convinced land owners could go on with their plans. The evening tured to night and the night turned to morning before the couple could even realize it. By the time breakfast was over, the surveyor was there.
Joe took the abstract, then he and Bertha walked with the county, land surveyor and his helper to the place of where Joe was questioning the boundry line. After looking the place over, the man told Joe it would take some time, and the two of them could go back to their cabin while he measured the land. Joe and Bertha agreed to wait at the cabin. It was almost noon when the men got back to the home of Joe and Bertha. The surveyor handed Joe a piece of paper showing the boundry line with a small x placed where the hole was located. It was just across the line of Joe’s property about six feet. Joe and Bertha were relieved to find out that the hole was not their responsibility. Thanking the men for the job they had just performed, Joe reminded the surveyor that his mailing address had been left at the county clerks office. As the two men walked back to their vehicle, Joe said to Bertha, “let’s have lunch and go into Trinidad and find a real estate agent.” They rushed around like it could not wait another day, to list their property for sale. The couple knew even if there was money left to them, it would take months, if not even years to collect it. They had nothing to live on while they waited. Climbing into the jeep, Joe blared it to Trinidad. He stopped for the mail, and while Bertha glanced at it, she noticed a letter from the lawyer. She quickly opened it and read the short message. The lawyer was asking them to come to his office right away. Since the couple were already on their way to Trinidad, it didn’t take long for them to reach the place of urgent request.
The secretary checked with the lawyer to let him know that Joe and Bertha were there. He told her to send them in. Greeting the couple with a big smile, the lawyer began to inform them of the validity of all the certificates of bonds, cash money, stock, property, and many shares in several companies. He told them that the will was valid, and did not expect it to be challenged. He explained that since this was such a large estate, it would take several months to complete the search and do the process of probating the will. The attorney explained to them that Peter Massey was represented by a financial management firm, who handled all of his business. The firm had invested the clients money for years and had netted him millions of dollars. The attorney continued to explain to Joe that he could receive as much as he needed monthly to live on, while the process carried on. He continued to inform the couple with as much information as he possible could. “I know you are wondering where your uncle got all of this money,” the lawyer surmised, “I cannot tell you everything, but your uncle lived a double life.” “Thank you,”Joe replied, “I think I know what you are referring to. I will be needing money to live on,” Joe continued. “I was fixing to list my place for sale today.” The attorney assured Joe that he would be sending him papers to fill out, and within a couple of weeks he should be getting a check regularly. Joe thanked the attorney for everything and he and Bertha left to go find the most exorbitant place in town to get a steak. They decided to bypass the real estate agency and dine in luxury. Searching through the yellow pages of the phone directory for a steak house, the couple found a place called ,”Your Special Night Out.’ They looked at each other to decide whether or not they were dressed suiteable for a fancy place like they were thinking about dinning at. They both had taken a shower the night before, and put on some of their best cloths. Surely they would be accepted as good enough to eat with better dressed people. They decided to make it an evening, music and all. Since they had a little time to kill before the dinner started, they chose to go to a shopping mall and look around for awhile. They saw several things they would like to buy, if and when the estate was settled, and money was given to them. Bertha bought some make-up and a hair brush, then found the ladie’s room to go and get freshened up a bit. When the time began to get close for the dinner schedule, the couple left the mall and drove straight to the candle light, dinning room, of the spacious night club. Joe had used Bertha’s brush to manage his full head of hair, and to their amazement, both looked special to each other. The Host met them at the door and led them to a cloth-spread, table gracing a floral arrangement with candles flickering their light from both sides. Several guest were already seated and soft background music was playing. This place had the most romantic, sensational, atmostphere of any place this couple had been in a long time. The waiter brought some Hors d’ Oeuvres and water, then took their order for the main meal. They ordered prime rib with baked potatoe. Each also ordered a glass of chardonnay wine. As more people gathered around the elaborate tables, Joe and Bertha were thinking about their own simple little dinning table with just enough space to sit two plates and two glasses. It had served it’s purpose and the two recipients of this large estate would never forget the humble days of the past.
The steak dinner was scrumptious with a dessert of chocolate souffle. The dance floor began to fill up and Joe and Bertha joined the party. They sashayed around the room with the greatest of ease. Their informal dress didn’t bother them at all. The total splendid performance of this couple was satisfying the awesome desire of rising above defeat. Of all of the dances that this couple could enact, were just the slow gliding-style movement. Much of their original muscle tone was asleep, the couple joked. They were young, but very stressed out. With a lovely evening having been spent together at this rapturous place, the couple departed to drive home in the darkness of night. With a renewed sense of durability, these two happy lovers, anxiously awaited the welcome of their cozy little home. The darkness, while trying to climb the stairway to their cabin, slightly took away some of the peace that had rested with them. The evil presence of fear was trying to reappear. How long, the couple wondered, would this agony stay with them. They refused to give way to the scarry feeling that had entered them. Bertha handed Joe the key and he went in first to face whatever might be waiting for them. Nothing unsual happened so Joe turned his flashlight toward the lamp, while he lit it. They undressed, and soon the two worried, celebrators crawled into bed. When they left home this morning to go put their place on the market, they never dreamed that the day would turn out to be the most glorious one they had spent in years. Life could never be understood, the two agreed. With a good-night wish given to each other, they turned over and went to sleep.
While Bertha was fixing breakfast this morning, Joe turned the radio on hoping to get some news. Somehow he was expecting something to be said about his uncles death. After all the funeral homes always gave a list of deaths to the news media. Joe had listened every morning since his uncle had been pronounced dead, but he had not heard a word about his death. Joe and Bertha knew now that old Jim was a U.S. spy working with aliens. They thought that the U.S. Intellegance System had notified the proper handlers of Pete’s body, and his business authorities, not to put out any information about him. Therefore not anything pertaining to his death had been announced. The couple thought also, that they would probably never know any more than they knew now, except to be told how much wealth the old fellow had accumulated over the years. Bertha put breakfast on the table and the two wondering souls kept discussing the maybes. After they finished eating, they quickly cleaned the kitchen and brought out the magizene with their dream home pictured on the cover. The two had already decided to order the blueprint for this cabin. It certainly was the one meant for them to have. It was too obvious not to believe. Bertha made out the request for the plans, addressed the envelope, placed the order inside, then sealed and stamped the letter. The next time they went to the store they would mail it.
The will had already started to be processed. It had to run for a certain period of time in the news papers, giving all enities of debt claims, notice of the deceased, and making provisions to submit the claims for review to the court. It also stated that any legal heirs wishing to claim rights to the will, must do so within the thirty day period of first print. Joe’s attorney believed that the managing firm that took care of all of Pete’s business, had kept all bills and taxes paid up to date, but the paper notification had to be done anyway. After the thirty day notice was up, the process could move more rapidly. In the meantime the couple was going to start arranging for the large log cabin to be built right beside the little cabin site. Dirt contractors, water well drillers, cement contractors, sewerage tank installers, as well as many other building specialist would have to be hired. Joe and Bertha were guessing this project to reach the million dollar level. According to the attorney, the estate was much larger than that. Joe’s idea was to switch his name over to his uncle’s assets, (as would be done automatically when the will was completed,) and let the same managing firm continue with the business. He would ask for a paycheck just like his uncle did. Both Joe and Bertha agreed to this method of “taking over uncle Pete’s business,” as he had requested. The only thing that would change was the government check that Joe’s uncle received each month. That had already been stopped, Joe was sure. With a spark of excitement, the couple decided to take the letter and mail it now. The store clerk was friendy, chatting about some new families moving into the community. Some new jobs had opened up at the minning site. Of course that meant more business for her. Joe was glad to have new people coming there also. There was always a need for growth in a small community. He and Bertha might be changing their style of living before long. They would welcome new friends to their lovely cabin, something that they never could do in the old cabin. Joe and Bertha had always invited friends to their home in Denver and had many cook-outs. While they had treasured the time they both had with just each other, while living in the mountains, they were ready to share their happiness with others now. They knew that they would be having their own family to come and visit with them after the new cabin was built. They really had missed their own loved ones, since they had been here. The couple visited with the clerk for quite some time before leaving to go home. It seemed strange to be interested in something more than, “a hermit type,” life, but Joe said to Bertha, “ you can’t win without losing, and you can’t lose, without winning.” Stopping to pick up the mail, Bertha reminded Joe to get his uncle Pete’s mail also. Joe hesitated thinking this might not be Pete’s box, but he had to find out. Pulling the lid down, Joe saw several pieces of mail addressed to Peter Massey. He took the contents and wondered what to do with it. Upon second thought, Joe decided to take his uncle Pete’s mail, unopened, to the lawyer. He did not know if he was legally responsible for his uncle’s mail or not.
It was a nice morning, so the couple parked the jeep and went for a walk. They strolled down the path to Pete’s old campsite. How sad it was to look upon the remains of a wealthy man’s castle, owning not even the ground it was dug on. A thought came to the sorrowful couple’s mind, which quickened their spirits. The holy Word tells people that life is as a vapor, it passes away in a second. What may have seemed to Joe and Bertha like many years of hardship endured by uncle Pete, was actually a second with God. The few things that were left there, would not be touched by this couple. Another member of our country’s great Intellegance System, might need a place to stay. Before the two mourners left, they placed their hamds over their hearts and said a pledge to the brave, deprived man, who had given his life to make their great nation a better place to live. An unidentified marker would be placed six feet to the west of the hole, which the couple now called Uncle Jim’s Castle. His body was not there, but his spirit would always be near. Leaving the place of precious memories, the couple trodded back up the mountain side. Uncle Jim’s ‘real castle’ would be built soon, but only his spirit would live there also. The couple was talking of calling their lovely log cabin, “Jim’s Place,” Reaching the smiling face of the couple’s grateful retreat, Joe and Bertha unlocked the door and entered into a, well served, abode.
Joe put the mail he had taken from Pete’s mailbox in a large envelope to hand deliver to the attorny. Bertha fixed something to eat, and afterwards the couple laid down for a nap. They had been dozing about an hour, when a knock at the door woke them up. Bertha jumped to her feet and quickly opened the door. To her surprise, an older lady with a youthful looking body, introduced herself as Cleta Massey. She told Bertha that she needed to talk to the two together. Bertha looked at Joe, waiting for him to answer the visitor. Having heard the lady say her last name was Massey, Joe asked, “ what is your reason?’ “Could I come in for a few minutes,” the lady requested. Since hardly ever did a visitor come to their door, Joe hesitated, but finally said, “come on in.” She seated herself and began to make her reason for being here known. “I am the wife of Pete Massey,” she began. “I saw in the Denver Chronicle that Pete Massey had passed away.” “I was informed that you are the beneficiary of his will.” “How does that concern you?” Joe asked. “I was never divorced from Pete,” she continued, and I will be claiming my part of his estate. “Good luck to you,” Joe answered, “you don’t need me, you need an attorney,” Joe replied. “Is there any way you would make me an offer so that the extra money for attorney fees could be saved?” The lady pled. “Absolutely not,” Joe answered. “This is the first anyone has heard of Pete being married, Joe informed her. I suggest that you get yourself a lawyer, if you think that you are entitled to any of Uncle Pete’s estate, Joe continued. “Well,” the lady confessed, I was not legally married to Pete, but I lived with him for some time. “I really did love him,” He left me and I never saw him again. I thought you might be understanding and give me part of his money, since I have only a small social security check to live on each month.” “I am Sorry,” Joe replied, “but I don’t have any control over uncle Pete’s estate, it is being probated and that is all I can say.” The old lady, obviously angered, stormed out, without another word. “I wonder,” Joe remarked, “how many more wives Uncle Pete had?” Knowing that this had to be brought to the attorney’s attention, Joe and Bertha made another trip to the phone booth. The law office hadn’t closed yet, so Joe explained to the secretary about the request made by a stranger. Recognizing that Joe was a little upset, the secretary made an appointment for Joe to see the lawyer tomorrow. The couple went inside the store and bought a few things, they needed. A friendly chat was shared with the store clerk. On the way back home, the suspicious couple vowed not to worry about the, trouble maker, anymore. Things had been going too well for them to get upset now. It did concern them how the claimer of part of the will, found out about Joe and where he lived. She may have already been given some legal advise as a first try. Whatever, Joe would find out tomorrow if his inhertance was being threatened. Reaching for the small bag of groceries, the couple climbed the stairway to their cabin. They had bought a bag of ice so some ice cream could be kept frozen till they reached home. They hardly ever had ice cream, but today Joe had a craving for a banana split. Bertha poured the remains of the unmelted ice into a bowl and placed it in the freezer. She dipped some ice cream into a dish and sliced bananas on top, garnishing it with maraschino cherries. This would probably be all they would eat before going to bed. The couple listened to the radio while they enjoyed their ice cream. Joe and Bertha were not really up to jokes this evening, but anything that broke the silence was ok. The radio announcer paused for some advertisements to be heard, then said, “it is time for some late breaking news. The County Resort Planning Group, had just announced plans to build a new sky slope, just a few miles west of Weston. This would create a lot of interest and bring more people into the community, the chairman of the group had said. It would require a lot of workers to build the slope, plus it would take several employees to operate it. This was certainly exciting news for Joe and Bertha, since they both were out door persons. They knew that if all went as planned, they would be spending a lot of time there through the winter months. When the news was over and the music started up, the couple began to get ready for bed. They had an appointment at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow with their attorney. After taking a quick shower, the couple turned in for the night. Everything seemed quite and peaceful, and the couple was able to relax, going to sleep right away. With no interference during the night, the two blessed individuals awoke feeling like a made-over, Sunday suit. They had planned to take the laundry in today and refil all of the containers with water. There would be plenty of time before the appointment with the lawyer. When finished with a quick breakfast of toast and jelly, the couple got dressed and loaded the jeep with empty vessels.
The grocery supply would have to be restocked also. The last few trips to the big city of Trinidad had been made mostly in haste. This one was no different, since several duties of business was on their agenda. The couple took no time to notice anything different going on around them. They pealed on into town. The laundry mat was their first stop. This job took more time than any of the rest. Joe helped Bertha to wash, dry, and fold the cloths, then placed them all back into the jeep. The grocery store was the next biggest job. Most of the groceries had been used up, and needed to be replaced. Bertha filled a large shopping cart with all kinds of good stuff to eat. The couple checked out and pushed their cart to the jeep to unload anywhere they could find a place. The park where they filled their jugs with water was the last place to go before going to the law firm. When the chores were finished, the couple had time to stop at a hamburger joint and eat a large burger with fries. Both clients removed the onions from their burger before eating, as a matter of respect to their representatives. The time had come to meet with the lawyer. Joe parked the jeep in front of the law firm. Feeling a bit tongue-tied as to what to tell his attornney, he put himself in a slow-motion, mode, while walking through the door of the office building. The secretary greeted the clients and asked them to sit down. She called on the intercom to the lawyer, who answered, “in a few minutes.” The couple had time to adjust to the apprehension they were now feeling, before the lawyer called for them. Finally the secretary led the couple to the attorney’s office. The friendly voice asked, “ what can I do for you today?” Joe began to explain everything that had happened with the unexpected visitor, who at first claimed to be Pete Massey’s wife. After he finished telling the lawyer everything he could remember, Joe asked, “ is this something to be concerned about, sir?” The lawyer laughted and said, “I don’t believe you have anything to worry about. You may get several of these kinds of visitors, before the thirty day grace period is up,” The attorney assured. “Unless there is a written notice by an attorney of challenging the will, you are alright. Even if the will is challenged, it would be hard to get an attorney to take it. Peter Massey’s will is valid, and it plainly states that he is leaving everything to you. “By-the-way,” the attorney continued, “the forms for your monthly income check from the estate while the will is being probated, is ready for you to fill out. If you would like to do that now, we can get it sent off right away.” Joe told the attorney that he would like to do it now. Joe was sent to another room, while the attorney made some calls. Together Joe and Bertha filled out the forms for living expense and left them with the secretary. The couple left with a much better feeling than they had before going there. They rushed home to put up the groceries, and unload the water jugs. Bertha had planned to write a letter to their parents, but there just wasn’t enough time today. She told Joe she would do it in a day or two. After everything was unloaded from the jeep, the couple sat down to relax before fixing supper. While they were resting, Joe remembered that he had forgotten to take his uncle’s mail to the lawyer. He was sure that they would be making many more trips back, so he would just continue to pick up any mail that was put in Pete’s box. However he did regret to mention the mail to the lawyer for there might be something important that the lawyer needed now. The couple had failed to let the publishing company, who had partially agreed to buy their book, know that they no longer had the manuscript. The mail kept coming from the publishers wanting to know when it could be finished. Joe and Bertha had no legal obligation with the publishers, but they knew they should have notified them of some difficulty they had had. This bit of business would also be taken care of soon, Bertha vowed.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
"Time is running out"
For me and a few others I know, time is running out. We don't have much longer to warn people about the terrible fate of unrepented sin, not to mention the terrible consequences we still have to deal with from the already committed sin. We can't change what has been done, but we can change and not do it again. It is my opinion that far too few people are spreading the good news about Christ. There are many more denounceing Christ than are announceing Him.Woe be to those who make fun of Christ's followers, and try to hush them because it's embarassing to their friends. The greatest honor one could ever hope for is to be accepted by Jesus Christ. No other name is fit to be praised. This is straight from the word of God. The actions of a Christian speaks louder than words, although words were meant to be spoken. The lyon of Judah will break every chain that binds the Christian from speaking about our Lord. It is so naive for the Christian or the non-Christian to think they can treat God's chosen ones with disrespect. All I can say is they are not looking into the bible very often. I speak with love and concern both, when I remind people of the old saying, " an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure." If you prevent something bad from happening, then you don't have to pay the consequences of letting it happen. If we fail to warn, then we fail to help someone. I would like to say to everyone out there, don't let non-believers stop you from doing what God has called you to do. He pays high wages, verses no pay from non-believers.
God bless all believers and God help us to make believers out of all.
Myrtle jean Sharp
God bless all believers and God help us to make believers out of all.
Myrtle jean Sharp
Sunday, January 8, 2012
"We Can't Always Keep What God Gives Us"
A few years ago, very few, I felt God so real in my life until I actually thought I would always feel that way. It seemed like with every breath I took, God was showing me how simple it was to trust Him. I was thinking, why have I always thought that God is too important to be concerned about every need or want that I have. I am unworthy and not fit to even be called one of His children. I am as a filthy rag in His sight, yes that is what He says in His word. So I was happy just to know that He had redeemed me through His Son, Jesus's blood. Many are the times that God has proven Himself to me, and asssured me that anything I asked in Jesus' name, He would give me. I believed that, yet I couldn't believe that. I just was not good enough to ask God for much. I disappointed my Father by not asking Him for things that I really wanted. Of course not things that were unreasonable. He finally taught me to, "just believe," I think when I really woke up to that statement made by God, was when He showed me through a little bird how silly I was by not believing. I have a screed-in patio with two doors leading off it. A door on two sides. Someone had left one of the doors open and a little bird had flown inside. Not knowing that the bird was there, someone closed the door and the little bird had tried over and over to get out. I opened my kitchen door to the patio and saw the little bird flying into the screened walls almost knocking itself out, only to keep trying to escape. I walked out and opened both patio doors wide and proped them open and went back inside so not to scare the bird. I thought it can surely get out now. Not so. The scared little bird kept flying into the screens, passing up the open door every time. It was so beat up till it couldn't hardly fly anymore. I wanted to leave and just let it find it's way out, and I did. The little bird would not give up, but still could not find the open door. I stayed hid but kept watching, then by accident the little bird went throught the open door. The Lord seemed to say to me, "you are like that bird. You work yourself to death trying to escape your problems when a door is open to you all the time. Don't be afraid, just trust me, I am telling you now you have an open door." I thought how foolish I was to try to do it by myself, all because I thought my God was too important to bother. God gave me that assurance then proved Himself in a great way, more than once. But I have recently found myself wondering why I am still praying for the same things for a year or more. What happened to that easy faith, God gave me? Is what I'm praying for too big to believe God for? Yes, it is. I am praying for my little greatgrandson who is paralized from his neck down after being hit by a high speeding automobile while foot scooting. He has a perfect mind but no movement from his neck down. He has been lying in this condition for two years, and I believed God would bring him up off that bed and he would be able to climb the high mountain at Lake Altus again like hes done many times before. Zak is 15 and I am still praying for him every night. But like the little bird, I can't seem to find the open door. Please pray with me that Zak, even though he has not moved a mussle in two years, That God will raise him up off that bed.
God bless
Myrtle Jean Sharp
God bless
Myrtle Jean Sharp
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
"Lift Up Holy Hands Unto The Lord"
As has been the predication many times, again it is being predicated that Jesus Christ will come for his people in December of this year. 2012. This genius is supposed to have studied for years, the time and prophets, the science of reasoning, and not because God has told him this, but that his genius ability to put it all together, has come up with this date. The soothsayer surely does not believe in the Holy Word, or he would not be putting stuff like this out. Matthew, 24: 36. Jesus speaking says, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Many people would like for Jesus to come now, but trust me, many terrible things will happen before Jesus comes back. The Word tells us that things will be so bad that people will be begging for the rocks and the mountains to fall on them. Only those who have been born again by the Holy Spirit, through the blood of Jesus Christ will be saved. If those, who are saved, will trust God and treat their brothers and sisters right, I believe they will be exempt from the great tribulation. Remember one thousand years of tribulation will take place before Christ comes. Are we and have we been in this great tribulation period for a while? I believe so, but much more of terrible things will happen yet. Time will bring more and more hardships and suffering. I pray that everyone reading this will repent and try harder than ever before to live a life pleasing to God. I am afraid that the very best we can do is still not good enough. All jealously, malice, hate, falsehood, and all other things that are not part of Christ, must be put away forever. Those who will not empty their lives of this kind of trash will always be suffering in some form or another.
Happy New Year and may God bless all.
Love
Jean Sharp
Happy New Year and may God bless all.
Love
Jean Sharp
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